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Writer's picturePaloma Schwarz

Empowered Birth Series: How to Create a Clear and Respectful Birth Plan for a Smooth Hospital Delivery

Bringing a new life into the world is an incredibly personal experience, and for many, it’s important to have a say in how that journey unfolds. One of the most effective tools at your disposal is a well-drafted birth plan. However, to ensure your preferences are considered, it’s essential that your birth plan is clear, concise, and respectful. In this post, we’ll explore how to create a hospital birth plan that will not only reflect your wishes but also be taken seriously by the clinical staff.


Understanding the Purpose of a Birth Plan

A birth plan is a document that outlines your preferences for your labor and delivery. It’s a way to communicate your wishes to your healthcare providers, ensuring they are aware of what’s important to you during this pivotal time. However, it's crucial to remember that a birth plan is not a set of rigid demands—rather, it’s a guide to your preferences, intended to be flexible and considerate of medical needs and the unpredictable nature of childbirth.


Clear, Concise, and Respectful: The Key to an Effective Birth Plan


  • Keep It Clear and Simple: A birth plan should be easy to read and understand. Clinical staff are busy, and they may not have time to wade through pages of detailed instructions. Aim to keep your birth plan to one or two pages at most. Use bullet points or short sentences to clearly convey your preferences.


  • Be Concise: Focus on what’s most important to you. Include preferences that will directly impact your experience, such as pain management, and immediate postpartum care. Avoid overly specific details that could clutter your plan and make it difficult to follow.


  • Respectful Language: Use polite and respectful language throughout your birth plan. Instead of issuing demands, phrase your wishes as preferences or requests. For example, rather than saying, "I do not want an epidural under any circumstances," consider, " I prefer not using any pain relief. Please don’t offer me pain relief, I will ask for it if needed. This approach shows that you understand the unpredictability of childbirth and are willing to work with your healthcare team.


  • Discuss Your Plan with Your Healthcare Provider: Before your due date, review your birth plan with your obstetrician or midwife. This discussion is a chance to clarify any medical concerns or hospital policies that might affect your plan. It also allows you to adjust your plan based on their expertise, ensuring it’s practical and feasible.


Distinguishing a Birth Plan from a Personal Birth Protocol

It’s important to note that a birth plan intended for hospital staff is different from a personal birth protocol or plan, which you might create for your own use. While your personal birth protocol can include in-depth details about your ideal birth experience, the birth plan you give to your healthcare providers should focus on clear, actionable items that they can help implement.


Your personal birth protocol might include emotional and spiritual preferences, affirmations, herbal remedies or detailed timelines that are more about your internal process. While these are valuable, they don’t necessarily belong in the document you share with your hospital team. We’ll explore how to create a comprehensive personal birth protocol in an upcoming blog post, so stay tuned!


Get Started with Helpful Phrases and Templates

To help you get started, we’ve put together a resource packed with useful phrases and templates that can inspire your own birth plan. This resource is available for free in our members-only area, and it’s designed to help you articulate your preferences clearly and respectfully.


Final Thoughts

Crafting a birth plan is a valuable exercise in preparation for your delivery, helping you to feel more in control and informed. Remember, the goal is to create a document that your healthcare team will read and take into consideration, so keep it clear, concise, and respectful. By doing so, you’ll increase the likelihood that your wishes will be honored, making your birth experience as positive as possible.


Ready to start drafting your birth plan? Visit our members-only area to download our free resource full of helpful phrases and templates. Happy planning!

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