Birth Plans - Good Idea, Bad Name
Birth Plans have a bad reputation, perhaps rightfully so. Many care providers and even mothers think that a birth plan is a document explaining how you intend your birth to "play out." Well, the nurses, doctors and midwives have seen hundreds of births and have a tendency to roll their eyes as soon as you hand them a birth plan. Why? Because they know you can't write the story of your birth during pregnancy any more than you can write the story of your life at your high school graduation. However, you can document your priorities, values and desires.
I propose we rethink the "Birth Plan" and make it more of an introduction - A way for you to, quickly and easily, let those at your birth "who you are" and "what you are all about." Usually, you are meeting your nurses for the first time, while deep in the process of labor. No time for long introductions. You need a way to introduce yourself and let the staff know what has been developing over the last 9 months or more. This document lets the hospital staff know what specific protocols, interventions and procedures you have discussed with your primary care provider, and what you all agreed upon as a plan of action. It lets them know what you are expecting from them. And for the staff and anyone else at your birth, including your doula, friend, mom or sister - what your priorities are.
I propose we rethink the "Birth Plan" and make it more of an introduction - A way for you to, quickly and easily, let those at your birth "who you are" and "what you are all about." Usually, you are meeting your nurses for the first time, while deep in the process of labor. No time for long introductions. You need a way to introduce yourself and let the staff know what has been developing over the last 9 months or more. This document lets the hospital staff know what specific protocols, interventions and procedures you have discussed with your primary care provider, and what you all agreed upon as a plan of action. It lets them know what you are expecting from them. And for the staff and anyone else at your birth, including your doula, friend, mom or sister - what your priorities are.
More Sample Birth Plans for Download
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How About A Sign on the Door?
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