Mama’s, what’s your birth plan?
I went into my first pregnancy with loads of ideas, plans, and goals… but I rapidly found out that even if you have a plan, it might not go the way you dreamed it would.
Initially, my plan was to have a hospital birth with touches of holistic-inspired strategies. I was going to go to labor and delivery, get my room set up with the help of my support person, hanging mood lights, using essential oils, and had two playlists made up on Spotify for labor… one was calming in nature, the other was more up-beat and filled with the songs that just bring up the vibes. I didn’t want any medications, I wanted to do everything naturally. If possible, I wanted to do a water birth, because being in the water has always been so relaxing to me and it would allow me to position myself and move around better.
But it went nothing like that. You can check out my previous post for more details, but for now, we’re going to get to how I’d want my next pregnancy to go.
For starters, I simply want to make it to 34 weeks, if not, then my third trimester, preferably in the 30 week range. I have never carried a pregnancy past 27 + 1 weeks.
If it’s safe to deliver vaginally, I want to do that. I still don’t want any pain medication, but I am open to it if I decide otherwise.
I want to be at my preferred hospital, which is currently Avera McKennan (shout out to yall, especially the NICU). I know they have all the resources to keep us all safe.
I want to be in control of my care team and I want my care team to respect me and my history. I have not had very good luck with getting empathetic, supportive, and proactive providers while in the hospital. From nursing, all the way up the ladder to the on-call MFM/OB. I’ve had 3 live births (singleton and twins), but only have one surviving child. My previous pregnancy, I was literally asked “how much of this do you think is your PTSD and home much of it is real?” Honey, ALL of it is real. I delivered less than 12 hours after I was asked that. I will not hesitate to advocate and “fire” staff if I need to the next time around.
I want everything to be as calm as it can be and I want the ability to be able to create the environment for that. I want to play my music, use my mood lighting, and not have everything be stress-stress-stress.
I want MY OB to deliver my baby as long as it’s safe to do so. If I make it to 34 weeks and have to be induced for some reason (ex, PPROM), I WANT it to be my OB. I will wait for her, as long as everyone is stable.
Nobody is going to the NICU, taking pics, communicating with others about the birth of the baby, or posting the baby on social media until me or my partner say it’s okay.
#birthandlabor #birthdoula #pregnancy #laboranddeliverynurse #laborprep
Creating a birth plan is an essential part of preparing for your pregnancy journey. Many mothers start with hopes of a specific delivery experience, only to find that flexibility is key. Embrace the concept of an adaptable birth plan that accommodates unexpected situations, ensuring both mother and baby remain safe. Start by researching various birthing options available at your preferred hospital, including water births, natural deliveries, and medical interventions. Collaborate with your healthcare team to establish a clear understanding of your preferences while remaining open to their professional guidance. Consider discussing pain management options, including the potential benefits and drawbacks of natural versus medicated births. Additionally, prioritize establishing a calming birth environment. Ambiance plays a crucial role in labor progress; consider incorporating elements like soothing music, dim lighting, and personal items that promote relaxation. Encourage your partner and support team to assist in reinforcing the environment you've envisioned. Be proactive in communicating your needs, ensuring your voices are heard throughout the birthing process. Lastly, focus on emotional readiness. Review your past birthing experiences, acknowledging both triumphs and challenges. This reflection can help you articulate your desires and concerns to your care team, ultimately fostering a more supportive atmosphere during labor. Create a list of important questions and discuss them during prenatal visits, ensuring clarity on procedures and hospital protocols that may arise during delivery. Your journey is uniquely yours; by planning thoughtfully, you enhance your chances of having a fulfilling birth experience.