Help Creating Your Birth Plan

As that special birthing day is approaching, there are many things to think about and prepare, one of which might be a birth plan.

A birth plan is a list of your preferences for how you would like to experience your child’s birth. This can include things such as not wishing to have painkillers and having relaxing music to be played during your delivery.

Kristin Kalbaugh, who delivered twins at Huntington Hospital in May, had a birth plan that she went over with her physician, Donna Schneider, MD, attending ob/gyn physician at the hospital, and the two collaborated to make many of her birth plan wishes a reality. Mrs. Kalbaugh’s birth plan included minimizing medical interventions, having a calming environment and spending time with her first son while her second was being born.

Here are some points that the American Pregnancy Association put together to help mothers decide what to incorporate into their birth plan:

• Who do you want to be present in the room during the birth?
• Is there a certain position that you would prefer to deliver in (such as squatting, walking or standing)?
• Do you want music to be playing?
• Do you want to wear your own clothing?
• Where would you like the baby to sleep after the birth?

Mrs. Kalbaugh encourages women to make their physician and the hospital’s nursing staff aware of your birth plan to ensure adherence.

“I think if patients have a birth plan, it’s important to make us aware,” Dr. Schneider said.

Mrs. Kalbaugh noted, “I think everyone should know that you have the option to make your child’s birth story.”

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