planning a natural birth?
our birth plan can guide you
Having a baby is one of the most exciting and life-changing experiences a mother can go through, and making the best decisions for the health of your newborn baby and the natural birth process is essential. In today’s society, medical intervention has become the norm without necessity, many mothers are realizing this and choosing to be more informed and respectful of the natural birth process, in order to create the best start in life for their newborn baby. We’re so happy you’re considering a natural birth plan for you and your little one! We hope that our guide will help you create a natural birth plan that is right for you. We wish you the best of luck in your natural birth journey!
Why do you need to make a birth plan?
Creating a birth plan is an important way to communicate your preferences and expectations for your labor and delivery. It also serves as a record of your wishes and can help ensure that your care team is on the same page. A birth plan can help you feel more in control and prepared for the birth of your baby, and provide guidance to your care team in the event of an unexpected deviation from your ideal birth. If you’re hoping for a natural birth with minimal medical intervention, a birth plan can help you make sure your wishes are respected and your care team is aware of how you want to manage labor and delivery.
What are things usually included in a birth plan?
A birth plan typically includes a variety of items, such as your preferences for pain management, preferred positions for labor, who will be present during the birth, your views on medical interventions, your thoughts about newborn tests and procedures, and whether or not you would like to delay cord clamping. Other items may include your wishes for immediate post-birth care, such as skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. Additionally, some birth plans include a section for preferences in the event of an emergency or cesarean section.
It’s good to be aware of the options that are available to you, the free birth plan we provide can be a great tool to help you in your natural birth journey. Our birth plan is as natural as it gets! We feel strongly about allowing the natural birth process to take place with little to no medical intervention. The free birth plan can not only help you in preparation for a natural birth but it can help inform you of options you probably didn’t even know you had.
List of items you should include in your natural birth plan:
- 1
Clearly stated preference for a natural birth with no medical interventions
- 2
Desired environment, including items such as music, lighting, and any other preferences
- 3
Whether any visitors are allowed
- 4
Preferred positions for labor and delivery
- 5
Birth partner preferences
- 6
Pain management techniques, such as massage, relaxation, and breathing techniques
- 7
Requested monitoring of baby’s heart rate during labor
- 8
Request for minimal verbal interaction with medical staff
- 9
Request for minimal vaginal examinations and fetal monitoring
- 10
Request for no or minimal use of IV fluids and drugs
- 11
Request for no routine interventions such as episiotomy or use of forceps
- 12
Request for delayed cord clamping
- 13
Request for immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth
- 14
Request for delayed newborn procedures, such as bath to preserve vernix
- 15
Decline eye ointment, vitamin K injection, and hep B shot
- 16
Decline circumcision (if you’re having a boy)
- 17
Request for immediate breastfeeding after birth
- 18
Preferred postpartum care for mom
- 19
Instructions for newborn care
There are so many things to consider which is why now is the best time to go over your options and discuss your birth plan with your obstetrician, midwife, or other relevant care providers. It is important to be able to communicate your preferences with your medical team so that they respect your wishes for yourself and your baby. You may be too tired, excited, or overwhelmed on the day of to remember everything, which is why we recommend making several copies of your birth plan so you are able to provide one to everyone involved. You may even want to pin one up in your hospital room!
Ready to get started on your natural birth plan? Click the “download pdf” button below for our free birth plan!
