{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"articleState":{"article":{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-09-11T23:35:34+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-09-02T21:20:38+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:36+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Physical Health & Well-Being","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34095"},"slug":"physical-health-well-being","categoryId":34095},{"name":"Pregnancy","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34177"},"slug":"pregnancy","categoryId":34177},{"name":"General Pregnancy","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34180"},"slug":"general-pregnancy","categoryId":34180}],"title":"Topics Your Birth Plan Covers","strippedTitle":"topics your birth plan covers","slug":"topics-birth-plan-covers","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"A birth plan not only helps you to cope during labor and delivery; it also helps you think clearly and logically about the kind of birth you want and what that ","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"A birth plan not only helps you to cope during labor and delivery; it also helps you think clearly and logically about the kind of birth you want and what that requires. Maybe you're wondering what your birth-plan options actually are. Here's a list of the basics:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Where do you want to give birth?</strong> You may give birth at home, in a hospital, or at a birth center. You also should consider which hospital or birth center to choose. Finding out whether delivering at home is legal in your state is also important.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>What kind of practitioner do you envision?</strong> You may decide on an obstetrician or a midwife. You may or may not want to stick with your current gynecologist or midwife.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Who will support and advocate for you during labor and delivery?</strong> Your significant other is not the only option for labor support. You may consider hiring a doula to work with your partner or as your sole support. You may also choose a friend or family member for this role.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Whom do you want to invite to the birth?</strong> You can invite friends and family members to the birth, either to wait down the hall or be by your side in the delivery room. You may even consider including your older children at the birth. Or you and your partner can be alone, inviting family after the baby arrives. Rules for how many visitors can be present during the delivery vary from facility to facility and can change based on emergent situations.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Do you want a natural childbirth?</strong> Women choose natural childbirth for a number of reasons, from concerns about epidural risks to wanting a \"natural experience.\" If you decide to use pain medications, you have a number of pain-relief options, from epidurals to walking epidurals to IV narcotics.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>What comfort techniques will you try?</strong> Pain drugs are only one way to get relief from labor pains. To name just a few other options, you can use massage, hydrotherapy, or hypnosis. Even if you plan an epidural, you probably won't be able to get one right away, so having an arsenal of comfort techniques is important.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>What birthing tools or props do you want to use?</strong> Birthing props and comfort tools are not only fun but also extremely helpful! You may decide to use a birthing pool, a squat bar, a birth ball, or massage tools. Even your music choices can be important for the birth. Checking with each facility to see what's available and what you can bring to the hospital is also a good idea.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>How do you expect to stay active during labor?</strong> If you assumed you'd be lying in bed for the entire labor, think again! Many positions and movements can be helpful during labor, and remaining active has lots of benefits.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Will you accept an IV for hydration, or do you hope to drink fluids on your own?</strong> IVs are routine in many hospitals but not all, and you have options. You may even be able to eat and drink lightly.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>What kind of environment do you hope for during delivery?</strong> Perhaps you'd like a meditative environment, with ocean waves playing in the background. Or perhaps you want upbeat music to energize you.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>What kind of monitoring do you want?</strong> If you're getting an epidural, continuous monitoring is required, but if you're hoping for a natural birth, you may be able to have intermittent monitoring.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>How do you feel about induction and speeding up labor?</strong> Induction is a controversial topic, especially when done for convenience or when scheduled before your due date. <em>Labor augmentation</em> (speeding up labor) is another touchy topic, and your medical practitioner plays a big role in your options.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>How do you want to push?</strong> Surprise: You don't have to push while lying on your back! In fact, you'll probably have an easier time if you don't. You may even choose to have a water birth.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>How do you envision the delivery of the baby?</strong> Are you hoping to help guide the baby out (with the help of your practitioner)? Do you hope to watch the delivery in a mirror? If you don't know the sex, do you want your medical practitioner to announce it, or do you want your partner to tell you?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Do you prefer to receive an episiotomy (surgical incision) or to tear naturally?</strong> Some (but not all) women prefer to tear rather than be cut, and in an emergency, an episiotomy isn't always an option.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>What are your feelings about cesarean section (C-section)?</strong> Some women are fearful of C-section, whereas others actually opt for one (sometimes without medical reason). In the past, after you had a cesarean, you always had to have a cesarean with subsequent babies, but now many women can try for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). If you do need a C-section, you have options — yes, even for a cesarean! — like lowering the drape to watch the delivery or breastfeeding on the surgical table.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Who will cut the cord and when? Do you want the baby placed directly on your chest after birth or cleaned up and weighed first?</strong> A number of birth-plan choices are relevant to the moment your baby is born.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>What do you want to do with the placenta?</strong> You even have options regarding the placenta! For the delivery of the placenta, you may request that the medical practitioner not use controlled traction and allow a natural delivery of the placenta. You also may request that the birth team save the placenta for you so you can make a \"placenta print\" or bury your placenta in the back yard.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Do you plan to take pictures or video of the birth?</strong> Some parents want pictures only after the baby is delivered, but others want photos of the entire birth experience.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>How do you plan to feed your baby?</strong> Will you breastfeed, bottle-feed, or do a little of both? Some bottle-feeding moms face bottle guilt, but breastfeeding isn't always possible or desired. Some hospital routines unintentionally sabotage breastfeeding mothers, but your birth plan can include requests to avoid some potential problems.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Where do you want your baby to sleep?</strong> <em>Full rooming-in</em> means your baby stays with you around the clock, while <em>partial rooming-in</em> means your baby sleeps in the nursery.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>What drops, shots, and tests do you want for your baby? If you have a baby boy, do you want the hospital to do a circumcision?</strong> Vaccinations are a hot topic in the United States. Some parents decide to forgo all shots, while others accept them all, choose selectively, or delay them. Circumcision is also a hot topic, and parents who decide to snip may or may not want to do so right after the birth or at the hospital.</li>\r\n</ul>","description":"A birth plan not only helps you to cope during labor and delivery; it also helps you think clearly and logically about the kind of birth you want and what that requires. Maybe you're wondering what your birth-plan options actually are. Here's a list of the basics:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Where do you want to give birth?</strong> You may give birth at home, in a hospital, or at a birth center. You also should consider which hospital or birth center to choose. Finding out whether delivering at home is legal in your state is also important.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>What kind of practitioner do you envision?</strong> You may decide on an obstetrician or a midwife. You may or may not want to stick with your current gynecologist or midwife.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Who will support and advocate for you during labor and delivery?</strong> Your significant other is not the only option for labor support. You may consider hiring a doula to work with your partner or as your sole support. You may also choose a friend or family member for this role.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Whom do you want to invite to the birth?</strong> You can invite friends and family members to the birth, either to wait down the hall or be by your side in the delivery room. You may even consider including your older children at the birth. Or you and your partner can be alone, inviting family after the baby arrives. Rules for how many visitors can be present during the delivery vary from facility to facility and can change based on emergent situations.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Do you want a natural childbirth?</strong> Women choose natural childbirth for a number of reasons, from concerns about epidural risks to wanting a \"natural experience.\" If you decide to use pain medications, you have a number of pain-relief options, from epidurals to walking epidurals to IV narcotics.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>What comfort techniques will you try?</strong> Pain drugs are only one way to get relief from labor pains. To name just a few other options, you can use massage, hydrotherapy, or hypnosis. Even if you plan an epidural, you probably won't be able to get one right away, so having an arsenal of comfort techniques is important.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>What birthing tools or props do you want to use?</strong> Birthing props and comfort tools are not only fun but also extremely helpful! You may decide to use a birthing pool, a squat bar, a birth ball, or massage tools. Even your music choices can be important for the birth. Checking with each facility to see what's available and what you can bring to the hospital is also a good idea.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>How do you expect to stay active during labor?</strong> If you assumed you'd be lying in bed for the entire labor, think again! Many positions and movements can be helpful during labor, and remaining active has lots of benefits.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Will you accept an IV for hydration, or do you hope to drink fluids on your own?</strong> IVs are routine in many hospitals but not all, and you have options. You may even be able to eat and drink lightly.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>What kind of environment do you hope for during delivery?</strong> Perhaps you'd like a meditative environment, with ocean waves playing in the background. Or perhaps you want upbeat music to energize you.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>What kind of monitoring do you want?</strong> If you're getting an epidural, continuous monitoring is required, but if you're hoping for a natural birth, you may be able to have intermittent monitoring.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>How do you feel about induction and speeding up labor?</strong> Induction is a controversial topic, especially when done for convenience or when scheduled before your due date. <em>Labor augmentation</em> (speeding up labor) is another touchy topic, and your medical practitioner plays a big role in your options.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>How do you want to push?</strong> Surprise: You don't have to push while lying on your back! In fact, you'll probably have an easier time if you don't. You may even choose to have a water birth.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>How do you envision the delivery of the baby?</strong> Are you hoping to help guide the baby out (with the help of your practitioner)? Do you hope to watch the delivery in a mirror? If you don't know the sex, do you want your medical practitioner to announce it, or do you want your partner to tell you?</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Do you prefer to receive an episiotomy (surgical incision) or to tear naturally?</strong> Some (but not all) women prefer to tear rather than be cut, and in an emergency, an episiotomy isn't always an option.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>What are your feelings about cesarean section (C-section)?</strong> Some women are fearful of C-section, whereas others actually opt for one (sometimes without medical reason). In the past, after you had a cesarean, you always had to have a cesarean with subsequent babies, but now many women can try for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). If you do need a C-section, you have options — yes, even for a cesarean! — like lowering the drape to watch the delivery or breastfeeding on the surgical table.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Who will cut the cord and when? Do you want the baby placed directly on your chest after birth or cleaned up and weighed first?</strong> A number of birth-plan choices are relevant to the moment your baby is born.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>What do you want to do with the placenta?</strong> You even have options regarding the placenta! For the delivery of the placenta, you may request that the medical practitioner not use controlled traction and allow a natural delivery of the placenta. You also may request that the birth team save the placenta for you so you can make a \"placenta print\" or bury your placenta in the back yard.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Do you plan to take pictures or video of the birth?</strong> Some parents want pictures only after the baby is delivered, but others want photos of the entire birth experience.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>How do you plan to feed your baby?</strong> Will you breastfeed, bottle-feed, or do a little of both? Some bottle-feeding moms face bottle guilt, but breastfeeding isn't always possible or desired. Some hospital routines unintentionally sabotage breastfeeding mothers, but your birth plan can include requests to avoid some potential problems.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Where do you want your baby to sleep?</strong> <em>Full rooming-in</em> means your baby stays with you around the clock, while <em>partial rooming-in</em> means your baby sleeps in the nursery.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>What drops, shots, and tests do you want for your baby? If you have a baby boy, do you want the hospital to do a circumcision?</strong> Vaccinations are a hot topic in the United States. Some parents decide to forgo all shots, while others accept them all, choose selectively, or delay them. Circumcision is also a hot topic, and parents who decide to snip may or may not want to do so right after the birth or at the hospital.</li>\r\n</ul>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":8947,"name":"The Experts at Dummies","slug":"the-experts-at-dummies","description":"The Experts at Dummies are smart, friendly people who make learning easy by taking a not-so-serious approach to serious stuff.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/8947"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34180,"title":"General Pregnancy","slug":"general-pregnancy","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34180"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":225195,"title":"Exercise During Your Third Trimester","slug":"exercise-third-trimester","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","pregnancy","general-pregnancy"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/225195"}},{"articleId":225192,"title":"Exercise During Your Second Trimester","slug":"exercise-second-trimester","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","pregnancy","general-pregnancy"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/225192"}},{"articleId":225189,"title":"Exercise During Your First Trimester","slug":"exercise-first-trimester","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","pregnancy","general-pregnancy"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/225189"}},{"articleId":225186,"title":"Develop an Exercise Plan During Pregnancy","slug":"develop-exercise-plan-pregnancy","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","pregnancy","general-pregnancy"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/225186"}},{"articleId":225183,"title":"Exercise Helps You Bounce Back after Childbirth","slug":"exercise-helps-bounce-back-childbirth","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","pregnancy","postpartum"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/225183"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":292984,"title":"Infertility Awareness Month Spotlights a Common Problem","slug":"infertility-awareness-month-spotlights-a-common-problem","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","pregnancy","general-pregnancy"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/292984"}},{"articleId":269260,"title":"Long-Term Health Effects of Fertility Medication","slug":"long-term-health-effects-of-fertility-medication","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","pregnancy","general-pregnancy"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/269260"}},{"articleId":269257,"title":"10 “Fake News” Stories about Fertility","slug":"10-fake-news-stories-about-fertility","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","pregnancy","general-pregnancy"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/269257"}},{"articleId":269252,"title":"Sperm Insemination—Prepping Sperm to Meet the Egg","slug":"sperm-insemination-prepping-sperm-to-meet-the-egg","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","pregnancy","general-pregnancy"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/269252"}},{"articleId":269246,"title":"Female Structural Problems That Impact Fertility","slug":"female-structural-problems-that-impact-fertility","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","pregnancy","general-pregnancy"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/269246"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282501,"slug":"pregnancy-all-in-one-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119235491","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","pregnancy"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119235499/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119235499/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119235499-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119235499/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119235499/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/pregnancy-all-in-one-for-dummies-cover-9781119235491-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Pregnancy All-in-One For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"","authors":[{"authorId":34784,"name":"","slug":"","description":" <p><b> Joseph A. Allen, PhD</b> is a professor of industrial and organizational (I/O) psychology at the University of Utah. His articles have appeared in <i>Human Relations, Journal of Business Psychology</i>, and more.</p> <p><b>Karin M. Reed</b> is CEO of Speaker Dynamics, a corporate communications training firm. She is an Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/34784"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{"key":"cat","values":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","pregnancy","general-pregnancy"]},{"key":"isbn","values":["9781119235491"]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221afc54851\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{"key":"cat","values":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","pregnancy","general-pregnancy"]},{"key":"isbn","values":["9781119235491"]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221afc55271\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-09-02T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":225107},"articleLoadedStatus":"success"},"listState":{"list":{},"objectTitle":"","status":"initial","pageType":null,"objectId":null,"page":1,"sortField":"time","sortOrder":1,"categoriesIds":[],"articleTypes":[],"filterData":{},"filterDataLoadedStatus":"initial","pageSize":10},"adsState":{"pageScripts":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2023-02-01T15:50:01+00:00"},"adsId":0,"data":{"scripts":[{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"<!--Optimizely Script-->\r\n<script src=\"https://cdn.optimizely.com/js/10563184655.js\"></script>","enabled":false},{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"<!-- comScore Tag -->\r\n<script>var _comscore = _comscore || [];_comscore.push({ c1: \"2\", c2: \"15097263\" });(function() {var s = document.createElement(\"script\"), el = document.getElementsByTagName(\"script\")[0]; s.async = true;s.src = (document.location.protocol == \"https:\" ? \"https://sb\" : \"http://b\") + \".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\";el.parentNode.insertBefore(s, el);})();</script><noscript><img src=\"https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/p?c1=2&c2=15097263&cv=2.0&cj=1\" /></noscript>\r\n<!-- / comScore Tag -->","enabled":true},{"pages":["all"],"location":"footer","script":"<!--BEGIN QUALTRICS WEBSITE FEEDBACK SNIPPET-->\r\n<script type='text/javascript'>\r\n(function(){var g=function(e,h,f,g){\r\nthis.get=function(a){for(var a=a+\"=\",c=document.cookie.split(\";\"),b=0,e=c.length;b<e;b++){for(var d=c[b];\" \"==d.charAt(0);)d=d.substring(1,d.length);if(0==d.indexOf(a))return d.substring(a.length,d.length)}return null};\r\nthis.set=function(a,c){var b=\"\",b=new Date;b.setTime(b.getTime()+6048E5);b=\"; expires=\"+b.toGMTString();document.cookie=a+\"=\"+c+b+\"; path=/; \"};\r\nthis.check=function(){var a=this.get(f);if(a)a=a.split(\":\");else if(100!=e)\"v\"==h&&(e=Math.random()>=e/100?0:100),a=[h,e,0],this.set(f,a.join(\":\"));else return!0;var c=a[1];if(100==c)return!0;switch(a[0]){case \"v\":return!1;case \"r\":return c=a[2]%Math.floor(100/c),a[2]++,this.set(f,a.join(\":\")),!c}return!0};\r\nthis.go=function(){if(this.check()){var a=document.createElement(\"script\");a.type=\"text/javascript\";a.src=g;document.body&&document.body.appendChild(a)}};\r\nthis.start=function(){var t=this;\"complete\"!==document.readyState?window.addEventListener?window.addEventListener(\"load\",function(){t.go()},!1):window.attachEvent&&window.attachEvent(\"onload\",function(){t.go()}):t.go()};};\r\ntry{(new g(100,\"r\",\"QSI_S_ZN_5o5yqpvMVjgDOuN\",\"https://zn5o5yqpvmvjgdoun-wiley.siteintercept.qualtrics.com/SIE/?Q_ZID=ZN_5o5yqpvMVjgDOuN\")).start()}catch(i){}})();\r\n</script><div id='ZN_5o5yqpvMVjgDOuN'><!--DO NOT REMOVE-CONTENTS PLACED HERE--></div>\r\n<!--END WEBSITE FEEDBACK SNIPPET-->","enabled":false},{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"<!-- Hotjar Tracking Code for http://www.dummies.com -->\r\n<script>\r\n (function(h,o,t,j,a,r){\r\n h.hj=h.hj||function(){(h.hj.q=h.hj.q||[]).push(arguments)};\r\n h._hjSettings={hjid:257151,hjsv:6};\r\n a=o.getElementsByTagName('head')[0];\r\n r=o.createElement('script');r.async=1;\r\n r.src=t+h._hjSettings.hjid+j+h._hjSettings.hjsv;\r\n a.appendChild(r);\r\n })(window,document,'https://static.hotjar.com/c/hotjar-','.js?sv=');\r\n</script>","enabled":false},{"pages":["article"],"location":"header","script":"<!-- //Connect Container: dummies --> <script src=\"//get.s-onetag.com/bffe21a1-6bb8-4928-9449-7beadb468dae/tag.min.js\" async defer></script>","enabled":true},{"pages":["homepage"],"location":"header","script":"<meta name=\"facebook-domain-verification\" content=\"irk8y0irxf718trg3uwwuexg6xpva0\" />","enabled":true},{"pages":["homepage","article","category","search"],"location":"footer","script":"<!-- Facebook Pixel Code -->\r\n<noscript>\r\n<img height=\"1\" width=\"1\" src=\"https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=256338321977984&ev=PageView&noscript=1\"/>\r\n</noscript>\r\n<!-- End Facebook Pixel Code -->","enabled":true}]}},"pageScriptsLoadedStatus":"success"},"navigationState":{"navigationCollections":[{"collectionId":287568,"title":"BYOB (Be Your Own Boss)","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-entry-level-entrepreneur-287568"},{"collectionId":293237,"title":"Be a Rad Dad","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/be-the-best-dad-293237"},{"collectionId":295890,"title":"Career Shifting","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/career-shifting-295890"},{"collectionId":294090,"title":"Contemplating the Cosmos","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/theres-something-about-space-294090"},{"collectionId":287563,"title":"For Those Seeking Peace of Mind","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-those-seeking-peace-of-mind-287563"},{"collectionId":287570,"title":"For the Aspiring Aficionado","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-bougielicious-287570"},{"collectionId":291903,"title":"For the Budding Cannabis Enthusiast","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-budding-cannabis-enthusiast-291903"},{"collectionId":291934,"title":"For the Exam-Season Crammer","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-exam-season-crammer-291934"},{"collectionId":287569,"title":"For the Hopeless Romantic","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-hopeless-romantic-287569"},{"collectionId":296450,"title":"For the Spring Term Learner","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-spring-term-student-296450"}],"navigationCollectionsLoadedStatus":"success","navigationCategories":{"books":{"0":{"data":[{"categoryId":33512,"title":"Technology","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/technology-33512"},{"categoryId":33662,"title":"Academics & The Arts","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/academics-the-arts-33662"},{"categoryId":33809,"title":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/home-auto-hobbies-33809"},{"categoryId":34038,"title":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/body-mind-spirit-34038"},{"categoryId":34224,"title":"Business, Careers, & Money","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/business-careers-money-34224"}],"breadcrumbs":[],"categoryTitle":"Level 0 Category","mainCategoryUrl":"/category/books/level-0-category-0"}},"articles":{"0":{"data":[{"categoryId":33512,"title":"Technology","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/technology-33512"},{"categoryId":33662,"title":"Academics & The Arts","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/academics-the-arts-33662"},{"categoryId":33809,"title":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/home-auto-hobbies-33809"},{"categoryId":34038,"title":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/body-mind-spirit-34038"},{"categoryId":34224,"title":"Business, Careers, & Money","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/business-careers-money-34224"}],"breadcrumbs":[],"categoryTitle":"Level 0 Category","mainCategoryUrl":"/category/articles/level-0-category-0"}}},"navigationCategoriesLoadedStatus":"success"},"searchState":{"searchList":[],"searchStatus":"initial","relatedArticlesList":{"term":"225107","count":5,"total":377,"topCategory":0,"items":[{"objectType":"article","id":225107,"data":{"title":"Topics Your Birth Plan Covers","slug":"topics-birth-plan-covers","update_time":"2021-09-02T21:20:38+00:00","object_type":"article","image":null,"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Physical Health & Well-Being","slug":"physical-health-well-being","categoryId":34095},{"name":"Pregnancy","slug":"pregnancy","categoryId":34177},{"name":"General Pregnancy","slug":"general-pregnancy","categoryId":34180}],"description":"A birth plan not only helps you to cope during labor and delivery; it also helps you think clearly and logically about the kind of birth you want and what that requires. Maybe you're wondering what your birth-plan options actually are. Here's a list of the basics:\r\n\r\n \tWhere do you want to give birth? You may give birth at home, in a hospital, or at a birth center. You also should consider which hospital or birth center to choose. Finding out whether delivering at home is legal in your state is also important.\r\n \tWhat kind of practitioner do you envision? You may decide on an obstetrician or a midwife. You may or may not want to stick with your current gynecologist or midwife.\r\n \tWho will support and advocate for you during labor and delivery? Your significant other is not the only option for labor support. You may consider hiring a doula to work with your partner or as your sole support. You may also choose a friend or family member for this role.\r\n \tWhom do you want to invite to the birth? You can invite friends and family members to the birth, either to wait down the hall or be by your side in the delivery room. You may even consider including your older children at the birth. Or you and your partner can be alone, inviting family after the baby arrives. Rules for how many visitors can be present during the delivery vary from facility to facility and can change based on emergent situations.\r\n \tDo you want a natural childbirth? Women choose natural childbirth for a number of reasons, from concerns about epidural risks to wanting a \"natural experience.\" If you decide to use pain medications, you have a number of pain-relief options, from epidurals to walking epidurals to IV narcotics.\r\n \tWhat comfort techniques will you try? Pain drugs are only one way to get relief from labor pains. To name just a few other options, you can use massage, hydrotherapy, or hypnosis. Even if you plan an epidural, you probably won't be able to get one right away, so having an arsenal of comfort techniques is important.\r\n \tWhat birthing tools or props do you want to use? Birthing props and comfort tools are not only fun but also extremely helpful! You may decide to use a birthing pool, a squat bar, a birth ball, or massage tools. Even your music choices can be important for the birth. Checking with each facility to see what's available and what you can bring to the hospital is also a good idea.\r\n \tHow do you expect to stay active during labor? If you assumed you'd be lying in bed for the entire labor, think again! Many positions and movements can be helpful during labor, and remaining active has lots of benefits.\r\n \tWill you accept an IV for hydration, or do you hope to drink fluids on your own? IVs are routine in many hospitals but not all, and you have options. You may even be able to eat and drink lightly.\r\n \tWhat kind of environment do you hope for during delivery? Perhaps you'd like a meditative environment, with ocean waves playing in the background. Or perhaps you want upbeat music to energize you.\r\n \tWhat kind of monitoring do you want? If you're getting an epidural, continuous monitoring is required, but if you're hoping for a natural birth, you may be able to have intermittent monitoring.\r\n \tHow do you feel about induction and speeding up labor? Induction is a controversial topic, especially when done for convenience or when scheduled before your due date. Labor augmentation (speeding up labor) is another touchy topic, and your medical practitioner plays a big role in your options.\r\n \tHow do you want to push? Surprise: You don't have to push while lying on your back! In fact, you'll probably have an easier time if you don't. You may even choose to have a water birth.\r\n \tHow do you envision the delivery of the baby? Are you hoping to help guide the baby out (with the help of your practitioner)? Do you hope to watch the delivery in a mirror? If you don't know the sex, do you want your medical practitioner to announce it, or do you want your partner to tell you?\r\n \tDo you prefer to receive an episiotomy (surgical incision) or to tear naturally? Some (but not all) women prefer to tear rather than be cut, and in an emergency, an episiotomy isn't always an option.\r\n \tWhat are your feelings about cesarean section (C-section)? Some women are fearful of C-section, whereas others actually opt for one (sometimes without medical reason). In the past, after you had a cesarean, you always had to have a cesarean with subsequent babies, but now many women can try for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). If you do need a C-section, you have options — yes, even for a cesarean! — like lowering the drape to watch the delivery or breastfeeding on the surgical table.\r\n \tWho will cut the cord and when? Do you want the baby placed directly on your chest after birth or cleaned up and weighed first? A number of birth-plan choices are relevant to the moment your baby is born.\r\n \tWhat do you want to do with the placenta? You even have options regarding the placenta! For the delivery of the placenta, you may request that the medical practitioner not use controlled traction and allow a natural delivery of the placenta. You also may request that the birth team save the placenta for you so you can make a \"placenta print\" or bury your placenta in the back yard.\r\n \tDo you plan to take pictures or video of the birth? Some parents want pictures only after the baby is delivered, but others want photos of the entire birth experience.\r\n \tHow do you plan to feed your baby? Will you breastfeed, bottle-feed, or do a little of both? Some bottle-feeding moms face bottle guilt, but breastfeeding isn't always possible or desired. Some hospital routines unintentionally sabotage breastfeeding mothers, but your birth plan can include requests to avoid some potential problems.\r\n \tWhere do you want your baby to sleep? Full rooming-in means your baby stays with you around the clock, while partial rooming-in means your baby sleeps in the nursery.\r\n \tWhat drops, shots, and tests do you want for your baby? If you have a baby boy, do you want the hospital to do a circumcision? Vaccinations are a hot topic in the United States. Some parents decide to forgo all shots, while others accept them all, choose selectively, or delay them. Circumcision is also a hot topic, and parents who decide to snip may or may not want to do so right after the birth or at the hospital.\r\n","item_vector":null},"titleHighlight":null,"descriptionHighlights":null,"headers":null,"categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","pregnancy","general-pregnancy"],"title":"Topics Your Birth Plan Covers","slug":"topics-birth-plan-covers","articleId":225107},{"objectType":"article","id":149524,"data":{"title":"Making a Birth Plan","slug":"making-a-birth-plan","update_time":"2016-03-26T10:59:03+00:00","object_type":"article","image":null,"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Physical Health & Well-Being","slug":"physical-health-well-being","categoryId":34095},{"name":"Pregnancy","slug":"pregnancy","categoryId":34177},{"name":"General Pregnancy","slug":"general-pregnancy","categoryId":34180}],"description":"A birth plan is a statement of your preferences for how you want to manage your labor and delivery. It’s about educating yourself about your options and feelings, rather than making hard and fast — “I absolutely will/won’t” decisions.\nA birth plan involves sorting through things like where you want to deliver, whom you want to have with you during the process, and how you want to manage any pain you may experience. It can be something you simply sort out in your mind and convey verbally, or it can be something you put in writing.\nNo matter how you develop your plan, make sure you discuss your wishes with your provider well in advance of the big day because obstetric practices vary widely by provider and hospital. For example, some hospitals have rules about fetal heart monitoring during labor.\nThe most important part of a birth plan — be it written or verbal — is to provide a platform that fosters an open discussion between you and your provider about your preferences wherever there is a choice.\nIf you put your plan in writing, do not make it a manifesto that attempts to anticipate any and every possibility that can occur with labor and delivery. Keeping it short and sweet not only saves paper, but also makes it easier for your providers to carry out given the unpredictability of the whole process.\nCheck out an online birth plan worksheet from the babycenter website.","item_vector":null},"titleHighlight":null,"descriptionHighlights":null,"headers":null,"categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","pregnancy","general-pregnancy"],"title":"Making a Birth Plan","slug":"making-a-birth-plan","articleId":149524},{"objectType":"article","id":225095,"data":{"title":"What's a Birth Plan?","slug":"whats-birth-plan","update_time":"2021-09-02T21:29:49+00:00","object_type":"article","image":null,"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Physical Health & Well-Being","slug":"physical-health-well-being","categoryId":34095},{"name":"Pregnancy","slug":"pregnancy","categoryId":34177},{"name":"General Pregnancy","slug":"general-pregnancy","categoryId":34180}],"description":"Put simply, a birth plan is a document you create to communicate your wishes and requests to your medical practitioner, the birth team, and your support team (whether that's your partner, a doula, or someone else). You write the plan months before labor begins, when you have time to research and think through your options — preferably before contractions make concentrating difficult!\r\nPlanning ahead also allows you to switch medical practitioners if your current doctor or midwife isn't on board with your plans.\r\nDespite the name, a birth plan also includes your wishes for the immediate postpartum period, like how you intend to feed your baby and where you want her to sleep if you're giving birth in a hospital. Birth plans also cover the fun options, like who will announce the baby's gender and who cuts the cord.","item_vector":null},"titleHighlight":null,"descriptionHighlights":null,"headers":null,"categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","pregnancy","general-pregnancy"],"title":"What's a Birth Plan?","slug":"whats-birth-plan","articleId":225095},{"objectType":"article","id":225104,"data":{"title":"Write Down Your Birth Plan","slug":"write-birth-plan","update_time":"2021-09-02T21:22:07+00:00","object_type":"article","image":null,"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Physical Health & Well-Being","slug":"physical-health-well-being","categoryId":34095},{"name":"Pregnancy","slug":"pregnancy","categoryId":34177},{"name":"General Pregnancy","slug":"general-pregnancy","categoryId":34180}],"description":"A written birth plan helps you communicate your concerns and wishes to your medical practitioner. Discussing your plans for childbirth before you go into labor is essential, and having a written plan in hand can be a huge help.\r\nNever assume your medical practitioner's idea of the perfect birth is similar to your own. Even if your chosen care provider shares your birth philosophy, you should still write down your wishes to prevent misunderstandings.\r\nIf you're giving birth in the hospital, you have very little control over which nurse you get, and you get very little time to discuss your birth plans with her. Most nurses want their patients to have a healthy and positive birth, and a written birth plan makes it easier for them to provide you with what you want.\r\nJust writing your plan down won't magically make your birth wishes a reality. Not every option is available in every birth location or with every medical practitioner. Even if the option is available, you still need to advocate for yourself beyond handing your nurse, midwife, or doctor a written birth plan.","item_vector":null},"titleHighlight":null,"descriptionHighlights":null,"headers":null,"categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","pregnancy","general-pregnancy"],"title":"Write Down Your Birth Plan","slug":"write-birth-plan","articleId":225104},{"objectType":"article","id":225116,"data":{"title":"Make Smart Choices Regarding Your Birth Plan","slug":"make-smart-choices-regarding-birth-plan","update_time":"2021-09-02T21:11:07+00:00","object_type":"article","image":null,"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Physical Health & Well-Being","slug":"physical-health-well-being","categoryId":34095},{"name":"Pregnancy","slug":"pregnancy","categoryId":34177},{"name":"General Pregnancy","slug":"general-pregnancy","categoryId":34180}],"description":"Plenty of mothers-to-be are intimidated at the thought of considering the pros and cons of a medical procedure — especially if they then decide to go against their medical practitioner's protocols or routines. If you feel unqualified to make decisions about childbirth, the good news is you're not the first person to confront all these choices, and you don't have to make them on your own.\r\nEducate yourself about birth plan options\r\nIf you want to make decisions about your birth plan, medical training is not required! You can get the information you need to make informed choices by taking childbirth-education classes and researching birth on your own. Childbirth-education classes aren't only about teaching natural childbirth methods, though most encourage natural labor and spend a great deal of time on comfort techniques.\r\n\r\nThe rest of class time is spent talking about the mechanics of normal childbirth and the pros and cons of various interventions. Your education doesn't have to stop there. Reading about birth in books and doing online research can help you write your birth plan.\r\nConsult more experienced parents, professionals, and educators\r\nHere's more good news about writing your birth plan: You don't have to do it alone! You can ask for advice from all the following people:\r\n\r\n \tYour medical practitioner: Although your medical practitioner has his own concerns regarding your birth choices — including malpractice suits and sometimes his own convenience — he is still an excellent resource when you don't understand some issues or want more information.\r\n \tYour childbirth educator: Most childbirth instructors are happy to help with birth questions and can even help you write your plan or be willing to read over what you've put together.\r\n \tYour doula: Part of a doula's job is to help advocate for your birth choices, and that includes helping you with your birth plan. A doula can also give you inside information on local practitioners and birth locations, which can be a huge help.\r\n \tOther experienced moms and dads: Anyone who has gone through childbirth can serve as a resource when you're creating your own plan. Friends and relatives can tell you what they wish they had done differently and what was just perfect. They may also be able to give feedback on local medical practitioners and birth locations; just be sure to ask why they liked a particular place or person. Remember that everyone visualizes the perfect birth differently and that everyone's circumstances are different.\r\n","item_vector":null},"titleHighlight":null,"descriptionHighlights":null,"headers":null,"categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","physical-health-well-being","pregnancy","general-pregnancy"],"title":"Make Smart Choices Regarding Your Birth Plan","slug":"make-smart-choices-regarding-birth-plan","articleId":225116}]},"relatedArticlesStatus":"success"},"routeState":{"name":"Article4","path":"/article/body-mind-spirit/physical-health-well-being/pregnancy/general-pregnancy/topics-birth-plan-covers-225107/","hash":"","query":{},"params":{"category1":"body-mind-spirit","category2":"physical-health-well-being","category3":"pregnancy","category4":"general-pregnancy","article":"topics-birth-plan-covers-225107"},"fullPath":"/article/body-mind-spirit/physical-health-well-being/pregnancy/general-pregnancy/topics-birth-plan-covers-225107/","meta":{"routeType":"article","breadcrumbInfo":{"suffix":"Articles","baseRoute":"/category/articles"},"prerenderWithAsyncData":true},"from":{"name":null,"path":"/","hash":"","query":{},"params":{},"fullPath":"/","meta":{}}},"dropsState":{"submitEmailResponse":false,"status":"initial"},"sfmcState":{"status":"initial"},"profileState":{"auth":{},"userOptions":{},"status":"success"}}Topics Your Birth Plan Covers
A birth plan not only helps you to cope during labor and delivery; it also helps you think clearly and logically about the kind of birth you want and what that requires. Maybe you're wondering what your birth-plan options actually are. Here's a list of the basics:
- Where do you want to give birth? You may give birth at home, in a hospital, or at a birth center. You also should consider which hospital or birth center to choose. Finding out whether delivering at home is legal in your state is also important.
- What kind of practitioner do you envision? You may decide on an obstetrician or a midwife. You may or may not want to stick with your current gynecologist or midwife.
- Who will support and advocate for you during labor and delivery? Your significant other is not the only option for labor support. You may consider hiring a doula to work with your partner or as your sole support. You may also choose a friend or family member for this role.
- Whom do you want to invite to the birth? You can invite friends and family members to the birth, either to wait down the hall or be by your side in the delivery room. You may even consider including your older children at the birth. Or you and your partner can be alone, inviting family after the baby arrives. Rules for how many visitors can be present during the delivery vary from facility to facility and can change based on emergent situations.
- Do you want a natural childbirth? Women choose natural childbirth for a number of reasons, from concerns about epidural risks to wanting a "natural experience." If you decide to use pain medications, you have a number of pain-relief options, from epidurals to walking epidurals to IV narcotics.
- What comfort techniques will you try? Pain drugs are only one way to get relief from labor pains. To name just a few other options, you can use massage, hydrotherapy, or hypnosis. Even if you plan an epidural, you probably won't be able to get one right away, so having an arsenal of comfort techniques is important.
- What birthing tools or props do you want to use? Birthing props and comfort tools are not only fun but also extremely helpful! You may decide to use a birthing pool, a squat bar, a birth ball, or massage tools. Even your music choices can be important for the birth. Checking with each facility to see what's available and what you can bring to the hospital is also a good idea.
- How do you expect to stay active during labor? If you assumed you'd be lying in bed for the entire labor, think again! Many positions and movements can be helpful during labor, and remaining active has lots of benefits.
- Will you accept an IV for hydration, or do you hope to drink fluids on your own? IVs are routine in many hospitals but not all, and you have options. You may even be able to eat and drink lightly.
- What kind of environment do you hope for during delivery? Perhaps you'd like a meditative environment, with ocean waves playing in the background. Or perhaps you want upbeat music to energize you.
- What kind of monitoring do you want? If you're getting an epidural, continuous monitoring is required, but if you're hoping for a natural birth, you may be able to have intermittent monitoring.
- How do you feel about induction and speeding up labor? Induction is a controversial topic, especially when done for convenience or when scheduled before your due date. Labor augmentation (speeding up labor) is another touchy topic, and your medical practitioner plays a big role in your options.
- How do you want to push? Surprise: You don't have to push while lying on your back! In fact, you'll probably have an easier time if you don't. You may even choose to have a water birth.
- How do you envision the delivery of the baby? Are you hoping to help guide the baby out (with the help of your practitioner)? Do you hope to watch the delivery in a mirror? If you don't know the sex, do you want your medical practitioner to announce it, or do you want your partner to tell you?
- Do you prefer to receive an episiotomy (surgical incision) or to tear naturally? Some (but not all) women prefer to tear rather than be cut, and in an emergency, an episiotomy isn't always an option.
- What are your feelings about cesarean section (C-section)? Some women are fearful of C-section, whereas others actually opt for one (sometimes without medical reason). In the past, after you had a cesarean, you always had to have a cesarean with subsequent babies, but now many women can try for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). If you do need a C-section, you have options — yes, even for a cesarean! — like lowering the drape to watch the delivery or breastfeeding on the surgical table.
- Who will cut the cord and when? Do you want the baby placed directly on your chest after birth or cleaned up and weighed first? A number of birth-plan choices are relevant to the moment your baby is born.
- What do you want to do with the placenta? You even have options regarding the placenta! For the delivery of the placenta, you may request that the medical practitioner not use controlled traction and allow a natural delivery of the placenta. You also may request that the birth team save the placenta for you so you can make a "placenta print" or bury your placenta in the back yard.
- Do you plan to take pictures or video of the birth? Some parents want pictures only after the baby is delivered, but others want photos of the entire birth experience.
- How do you plan to feed your baby? Will you breastfeed, bottle-feed, or do a little of both? Some bottle-feeding moms face bottle guilt, but breastfeeding isn't always possible or desired. Some hospital routines unintentionally sabotage breastfeeding mothers, but your birth plan can include requests to avoid some potential problems.
- Where do you want your baby to sleep? Full rooming-in means your baby stays with you around the clock, while partial rooming-in means your baby sleeps in the nursery.
- What drops, shots, and tests do you want for your baby? If you have a baby boy, do you want the hospital to do a circumcision? Vaccinations are a hot topic in the United States. Some parents decide to forgo all shots, while others accept them all, choose selectively, or delay them. Circumcision is also a hot topic, and parents who decide to snip may or may not want to do so right after the birth or at the hospital.
About This Article
This article is from the book:
About the book author:
This article can be found in the category:
