Birth Planning
Why plan?
Birth planning is a crucial part of the prenatal process—not because you decide how things will go (if only it were that simple!), but because it opens you up to thinking through various options and situations. I often prefer the term “birth preferences” for that reason.
I like to think of a birth plan as a communication tool. Writing down your preferences helps your support team (OB, midwife, nurses, partner, doula, etc.—everyone supporting you) know what your priorities are and how you wish to approach this birth. For instance, a birth plan that indicates that you were wanting a home birth before risking out lets the nursing team know that you may not be as eager for pain meds as someone who has been planning a hospital birth with their OB. The nursing team may then offer position changes or ice packs when seeing you in pain rather than asking about Stadol or an epidural. For someone planning an unmedicated birth, being offered medications mid-labor can be distracting and upsetting, even making you question yourself.
Having a clear and concise written plan means that you can focus on the intense work of laboring without having to answer questions or explain your priorities to a new shift of care providers.
Who needs a birth plan?
Short answer: everyone who is pregnant!
Birth plans are not for a certain type of person or birth. Whether you’re wanting a completely unmedicated birth with dim lighting and absolute quiet, an epidural as soon as you arrive to the hospital and wearing the standard hospital gown, or are planning a C-section, there are preferences you get to consider and voice.
I have experience in assisting clients with a broad range of birth preferences, including all scenarios above. I am also a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE) and have years of experience and knowledge to draw on. We will talk through your preferences and fill in any gaps that you may have.
What else?
There is a LOT of information out there. Like, an immeasurable amount of information. While it’s incredible to have more access to information than at any other point in history, it’s also super intimidating. How do you know which voices to listen to? How do you sort through everything that’s out there, especially when you find conflicting information? How do you know what to focus on when you have so much going on in your life as is?
Let me toss you a lifesaver and help you wade through the information overload. I speak birth and can help translate what you’re hearing and reading. I can also help explain what your provider may be suggesting.
Talking through your birth preferences with your family and provider helps you start practicing shared decision making. Maybe you don’t want an IV but your provider says it’s required. Let’s talk through what a saline lock would look like and the pros and cons surrounding it.
By taking an active role in your labor and birth, you’re setting yourself up for more satisfaction and positive memories surrounding your labor. In fact, there are studies that show that people who have birth plans have happier experiences and fewer interventions (for those who desire them).
Sound good?
My birth plan packages are outlined below. Please look them over and use the form at the bottom of the page to set up your meeting. I can’t wait to work with you!
PS: doula clients get 70% off these prices!
Birth Planning Basics
(60 minutes)
$100
One-on-one planning via Zoom
Clarification of values surrounding birth
Explanation of options, including what considerations you may need to think about
List of questions to clarify with your provider
Completed or nearly completed copy of a birth plan
Birth Planning PLUS
(90 minutes)
$150
Everything included in the 60 minute package, plus…
Recording of our meeting, so you can refer back to our session
Handouts on key topics discussed
Postpartum planning (including handouts to take with you)
