WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Birth plan and delivery preparation: when to start?

Childbirth
Birth preparation
Birth Plan and Delivery Preparation: When to Start?
While the timing may vary for each woman, it's beneficial to start considering your birth plan and preparations during the second trimester. Let's explore when to start and what to consider to ensure a smooth and well-prepared childbirth experience. 🤰📅💡
When to Start? ⏰🗓️
It's recommended to start thinking about your birth plan and delivery preparations during the second trimester of your pregnancy.
This timing allows you to gather information, make decisions, and communicate your preferences to your healthcare provider. Here are some key considerations:
  • Around 20 weeks: This is an ideal time to begin discussing your birth preferences with your healthcare provider and asking any questions you may have.
  • Research and education: Take advantage of this time to educate yourself about different birthing options, pain management techniques, and potential interventions. Attend childbirth classes or join online communities to gather information and hear experiences from other mothers.
Remember, the goal is to be well-informed and empowered to make decisions that align with your values and preferences.
Starting early allows you to have ample time to research, discuss, and revise your birth plan as needed. ⏰🗓️
Considerations for Your Birth Plan 📝👶
Creating a birth plan involves outlining your preferences for various aspects of the birthing process. While every birth plan is unique, here are some common considerations to include:
  • Labor environment: Do you have a preference for a home birth, birthing center, or hospital setting? Consider what type of environment will make you feel most comfortable and supported.
  • Pain management: Explore different pain management options, such as natural techniques, epidurals, or nitrous oxide, and indicate your preferences.
  • Labor positions: Think about positions that may help with pain management and facilitate the birthing process, such as walking, squatting, or using a birthing ball.
  • Birth companions: Decide who you want to have with you during labor and delivery, whether it's your partner, a doula, or other support persons.
  • After-birth preferences: Consider your preferences for immediate skin-to-skin contact, delayed cord clamping, breastfeeding, and other postpartum practices.
Remember to discuss your birth plan with your healthcare provider to ensure it aligns with any specific medical considerations or circumstances. 📝👶
Additional Preparations and Resources 📚👩‍⚕️
In addition to creating your birth plan, there are other essential preparations to consider as you approach your due date. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
  • Prenatal classes: Consider enrolling in prenatal classes to learn about breathing techniques, relaxation exercises, and practical tips for labor and delivery.
  • Pack your hospital bag: As you approach the third trimester, start preparing your hospital bag with essentials such as comfortable clothing, toiletries, snacks, and important documents.
  • Discussing your plan: Share your birth plan with your partner, support persons, and healthcare provider to ensure everyone is aware of your preferences and can provide the necessary support.
Juliette Seblon
Midwife for 8+ years
B
Bryana
30 Jul 2023

Can someone give me a example of their birth plan I wanna make one to give to my doc but idk where to start

Childbirth Birth preparation
9 comments
M
Mariya
1.)Start with your labor plans. How you plan to labor. (Do you plan to labor mainly at home? Who you want in the room. Music playing, etc..) 2.) pain & pushing. (How you want to be positioned, do you wanna be active walking around, allow significant other to comfort you, you dont wanna feel rushed to push, etc.) 3.)once baby is here. ( immediate skin to skin, breastfeeding if you can, pictures taken, if baby has to go to a nursery allow someone to go as well,etc)
27 Mar 2024

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Holly
placental traction?? I've never heard that what is it?
27 Mar 2024

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A
Alexis
21 Jul 2023

Anyone have a birth plan set up? I didn’t make one with my first born but my ob was talking to me about making one with this one and I don’t know where to start. 😅

Childbirth Birth preparation
6 comments
🤰
🤰🏾❤️🤰🏿❤️🤰🏿kola🤰🏿❤️🤰🏿❤️🤰🏿
I think when I’m 30 weeks I’m gonna talk to my ob about making one I never had one with my first 2 but I’ve learned sooo much during this pregnancy I definitely am doing one long as I don’t get unexpected complications
27 Mar 2024

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Brittney
I’m working on one with my doula. She’s making everything so much easier!!
27 Mar 2024

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Alice
20 Apr 2023

Registered at my hospital today 🥰 Got to do a walk through of the labor and delivery rooms, nicu, and the nursery they have. Also got to talk to some of the nurses who will be helping me deliver and went over some things regarding my birth plan. The countdown is REAL! Less than 3 weeks to go and my little guy will be here 💙

Childbirth Birth preparation
2 comments
A
Alice
do you have a mom's program or anything at your hospital? That's how I was able to get in and do the tour of the place
27 Mar 2024

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💙
💙Tommy Boy's Mommy💙
18 Jan 2023

Finished my birth plan which I had to hand write do to no access to a computer or printer due to tornado damage to our local library last Thursday.... I know plans can change at anytime during labor & delivery but my midwife is super supportive and attentive to our desires during labor & delivery... #birthplan #rainbowbaby #babyboy #firsttimemommy #28weeks

Childbirth Birth preparation
5 comments
p
pretty
Looking for mommy’s willing to be in group chat to support one another and give any advice to each other if your down just lmk and I’ll send u my number thru the dm.
27 Mar 2024

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Sara
Good idea. I may do this and work on my suitcase. I didnt even think of a birth plan. But ill probably write mine out too
27 Mar 2024

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Shailee
5 Aug 2022

So question ladies, which is best, natural birth or c section? I'm a skinny Minnie almost 22 years old young lady. I'm definitely underweight. At my appointment I weighed 92.8 pounds. And I'd like to have a plan if the ob asks for what kind of delivery when it comes. I'm gonna be 20 weeks tomorrow. And I'm just curious.

Childbirth Birth preparation
2 comments
S
Samara
C section poses more risk. I personally would do natural and if it doesn’t work out they would bring you in for an emergency c section anyway
27 Mar 2024

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S
Shailee
thank you! Definitely would like some opinions
27 Mar 2024

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