Do You Need To Have A Birth Plan?

I had no idea that you are supposed to have a birth plan until women in my pregnancy support group started discussing it. It is supposed to be a document that states your preferences while you go through the child birth process. You might be asking the question, 'Do you have a birth plan?', to many of your pregnant buddies. It seems like an important thing to have.

However, the more important question here is if you do need a birth plan at all. Isn't child birth supposed to be a medical emergency? Then how would having a birth plan help you? Here are some reasons why you may or may not need a birth plan.

WHEN TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL DURING LABOUR?

Why You Need A Birth Plan?

It saves time
When you reach the hospital, you will be in labour and your partner and family will be too tensed to respond to questions from the medical faculty with serious thought.

It is a standard document of information
Now, your doctor might know you well and be aware of your preferences. But the birth team that will assist you during labour may not include your doctor. Having a birth plan allows any medical staff to know exactly what you want.

Prior Planning
Some aspects of childbirth like saving cord blood or choosing a water birth need prior preparation. In such cases, you cannot take a spur-of-the-moment decision. Thus, having a birth plan takes care of these issues.

Why You Do Not Need A Birth Plan?

Change of mind
You might have decided to go for a non-medicated birth. But you just cannot bear the pain anymore. But if you ask for epidural, your birth team will ask you to reconsider because you have spoken too soon.

Medical Emergency
You doctor needs a free hand to take a call on your situation during labour. If your labour is not progressing, you might need oxytocin injection. If you still do not dilated, you will need c-section. So a birth plan becomes useless in the case of emergencies.

Real Life Situation
Anyone who has been inside a labour room knows that any kind of birth plan would go for a toss in a situation where a woman is giving birth.

So, you must have a birth plan for all that it is worth but do not expect it to be followed to the 'T'.