What Is The Importance Of Having A Birth Plan Guide?

At the threshold of entering the labor room, many would-be mothers prepare a birth plan enabling them to communicate what they would prefer to happen during labor, delivery of the baby, and maternity care. While following the birth plan is not compulsory for the doctors, nurses, doulas, or even your spouse and can be changed depending on the situations and necessities, the birth plan guide works as a vital document of two-way communication between you, your family, and the caregiver team.

What is the importance of a birth plan?

As stated, a birth plan is a unique way for you to convey your wishes to OB-GYN, nurses, doulas, and other caregivers during your labor as well as after giving birth to your sweet one. Preparing a birth plan not only makes you well-informed of your best options during labor and childcare but is also an effective tool to let the concerned team know about your preferences.

How to prepare your birth plan guide?

Given that, making birth plans has been a trend, many nursing homes and hospitals maintain standard forms while only you need to fill them up at your convenience. Also, ensure to get your birth plan reviewed by your doctor during your pregnancy. This is especially important in some cases. For instance, if you have experienced a miscarriage earlier or your pregnancy is at risk, then the child delivery and care team may suggest certain things to add to your birth plan.

What do you need to include in the birth plan?

Similar to all other soon-to-be mothers, you might have certain wishes in your mind about your labor experience and baby's birth to be, however, unless you jot them down them in a structured birth plan guide, your choices can not be shared mutually with your healthcare team. Contextually, it is worth noting that your birth plan should be short, unambiguous, and flexible.  

You may require to answer a few questions in the birth plan as stated below:

•    Who are the persons you want to be present in the labor room?

•    What kind of medication do you like to be used by the team for pain management during your labor?

•    Do you prefer a natural or cesarean birth or like the team to adopt for your comfort?

And, any other wishes that you like to include

Do you need to include your preferences after the baby’s birth?

Yes, a birth plan guide should not end just after giving birth to your sweet one. The care team needs to know if you want the doctor to collect the cord blood of your baby's umbilical cord after it is cut and arrange for its storing in your preferred cord blood bank to save your baby from different life-threatening diseases.

Aside from this, the guide should indicate your option for feeding your baby. Whether you want to breastfeed your baby or prefer formula milk. It may also include religious or custom-oriented preferences if it is important for you.  

Conclusion

The goal of a birth plan guide is to share your personal wishes with your physician, nurses, doulas, and family members. However, you need to keep in mind that during the delicate hours of labor and delivery of the baby, the health care team will be mainly focused on the safest possible delivery while ensuring the well-being of the mom and a healthy baby. Therefore depending on the circumstance, your guide needs to be modifiable.

HealthBanks provides stem and immune cells banking, cord blood banking, and umbilical cord tissue banking services. These cells can be used to treat many diseases including metabolic disorders, blood related issues, birth plan (healthbanks.us/Birth-Plan-Guide), and used in immunotherapies to treat cancer. With cord blood bank services, the company helps in securing your child's future and provide biological insurance for future medical emergencies. To know more, visit https://healthbanks.us/company/.