When it comes to childbirth, having a plan in mind can provide a sense of agency amidst the unpredictability of labor and delivery. But what exactly is a birth plan, and how effective is it in shaping the childbirth experience?
Marta Palombo shares her insights from her work as a doula with us in this article. Marta is a doula, yoga teacher and facilitator in circles for parents and babies. Originally from Italy, Marta has been living in Berlin for 7 years.
A birth plan is essentially a roadmap outlining preferences, desires, and concerns of a pregnant person for labor and birth. It serves as a tool for communication, facilitating a collaborative approach between expectant parents and healthcare providers. However, it's essential to recognise that a birth plan holds no legal value. Its role is to make explicit the elements that are important for the parents-to-be.
Preparation to implementation
Preparing a birth plan involves introspection and gathering information, as it prompts individuals to reflect on what truly matters to them during childbirth. By considering their options, expectant parents can feel more informed and empowered to actively participate in the birthing process. They can also become better able to ask questions to healthcare providers, and make sure they can be supported in the way they need.
Any birth companion (partner, doula, or whoever else will be present at birth) will benefit from a dialogue about the birth plan in advance. They will better understand how to protect the safe space of the person giving birth. This will prepare them to be proactive during labor and birth, and actually implement the birth plan.
When a birth plan works
One of the powers of the birth plan is to support effective communication with healthcare providers. In order to do this, it needs to be concise and to the point. The ideal birth plan, it could be argued, is crafted at the intersection of what really matters for the person who is giving birth, and what the hospital or birth center does not do as a standard procedure.
Of course, in preparing a birth plan, expectant parents should also remain open to the possibility of unforeseen circumstances. Birth is inherently unpredictable, and deviations from the plan may occur, because of medical reasons, or just because of changed preferences. And that is fine!
Managing expectations and remaining flexible can help navigate unexpected circumstances and avoid feelings of disappointment or failure. We need to remain aware that a birth plan is a snapshot of preferences taken in a moment that is not labor and birth. Even when we know what we want, we may later find out that we need something completely different.
Remember: satisfaction with the childbirth experience is not solely determined by specific outcomes but by feeling heard and having a sense of agency throughout the process.
Recommended Resources:
Penny Simkin,
"The Win-Win Birth Plan” https://www.pennysimkin.com/download/articles_&_resources/Articles-Handouts/The_WinWin_Birth_Plan.pdf
"Ideas for the Best Planned Cesarean Possible” https://www.pennysimkin.com/download/articles_&_resources/Articles-Handouts/Best%20Cesarean%20Possible(2).pdf
“The Birth Companion” https://www.pennysimkin.com/shop/the-birth-partner-5th-edition/
Do you have any questions about crafting a birth plan or navigating the childbirth experience? Feel free to reach out to Marta or attend one of Marta's upcoming meetups and workshops, which are listed on her profile.
