Birth preparation

A birth and parenting plan is a way of conveying your wishes for your baby’s birth and for the care of your baby and you. It can include preferences for labor and birth, such as pain relief for you, and goals for after your baby’s birth, such as ways to create memories together and include family and friends. You can also integrate your requests for your baby’s medical care, outlining your preliminary decisions regarding evaluations and testing, medical intervention, and palliative care.

The benefits of a birth plan in a situation like yours, in which time will be of the essence, are many and very real—for you as well as your caregivers. For you, it can help you think about the upcoming birth, understand your options, explore what other parents have chosen, and evaluate what will be important to you. The process of collaborating with your caregivers and putting your requests in writing can decrease your anxiety by ensuring that your wishes are clearly communicated and by giving you a sense of control in a situation where so many things may feel out of your control. It provides a structure so you and your caregivers can work together to make your time with your baby as close to what you are envisioning as possible.

A birth plan can also benefit your caregivers in important ways. It offers a format for discussion and clarification about the birth process (which doesn't always unfold according to plan) or your baby's condition. It ensures that all parties have similar information. A written document gives all of you a road map to follow together.

Download a pdf of a birth and parenting plan template