Quick Guide for Creating a Birth Plan

​So you’ve read a bunch of books and you’ve thought about every scenario of how your birth could go… now its time to boil it all down and create a plan for how you want it to go. 

First, I recommend American Pregnancy Association's checklist: 
https://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/birth-plan/.  Once you see the list of options, you can research each and see if you have a preference.  If not, no worries, don’t include it!
 
Next, use this box format to organize your thoughts.

​Now you’re ready to finalize your plan.  Start with a short intro paragraph introducing you and your partner.  Note that you “understand certain emergency or other medical circumstances may not allow for the accommodation of all your goals listed below.”
 
Then write your plan in bullet form and keep it simple & direct.  Try to condense it all so it fits on one page.  You obviously don’t need to include everything, just include those areas that are important to you and keep it positive!
 
Be sure to review it with your doctor and/or doula prior to birth and pack a few copies in your hospital bag so you have it with you.    
 
Finally… relish in the newfound feeling of accomplishment.  Another “to-do” checked off your list!