4 questions to ask when creating a birth plan

Your birth plan defines your goals for labour and delivery, with a primary focus on the safety of you and your baby. Work with your obstetrician or midwife to design a birth plan your comfortable with so you and your baby are as prepared as possible.

Ask your OB about your pain medication options during delivery. Information about these medications, how they work and when they can be administered can help you decide what type of birth is right for you.

• Systemic medications can dull or lessen pain, while epidurals can greatly minimize the pain felt during each contraction.

Additionally, ask about what natural labour measures are available.

• Many women prefer moving around rather than sitting in a hospital bed during labour.
• Some like to get through contractions using a birthing ball or even an in-room tub or shower.
• Find out what methods your hospital offers so that you can decide what features you want to request in your birth plan.

Preparing for any potential delivery procedures can help you direct your OB in your birth plan.

• Ask your OB or midwife about his or her episiotomy rate, or whether he or she performs episiotomies at all.
• Also, ask about the use of forceps or a vacuum during a difficult delivery.
• Be sure your OB or midwife is aware of your comfort with these measures in your birth plan.

Ask about what will happen immediately after birth. Some mothers want the baby placed directly on their chest, while the umbilical cord continues to pulse before it is cut.

• Most hospitals give a vitamin K shot as well as place an eye ointment on the baby post delivery.
• Ask more about these procedures so that you can decide whether they are appropriate for your newborn.

Having your medical provider answer these questions can help you develop a well-informed and realistic birth plan.

Limit your birth plan to those issues that you deem extremely important and trust your medical provider to make decisions in your and your baby's best interest. Remember that the safe and healthy delivery of your baby is most important.