January 23, 2025

Understanding A Birth Plan, Free Birth Plan Template (Part 2) | OKC Birth Photographer

You’ve probably found this blog post because you’ve read Part 1 of this blog series or because you’ve downloaded my free template: Birth Bag Checklist and Birth Plan Freebie. (If not, go for that link and grab the good stuff!)

Today we’re wrapping up my walk through of the Birth Plan Template – diving deep into each section of your preferences for delivery and postpartum.

Be sure to print out your birth plan to walk through each step below. If you only need help in certain areas, feel free to skip to those spots!

So let’s get started with delivery preferences. I’m including some general explanations of what each option are, however, please be sure to talk to your healthcare provider for more information and what their policies are.

Delivery positions and meaning:

  • Lying on back: Traditionally this is the most common position (especially in a hospital scenario when you have an epidural).
  • Squatting: Using a squat bar or with the help of a support person, dropping down with your knees bent into a squat can help open your pelvis for baby to make it’s way out.
  • Standing/leaning: It is possible that you may feel more comfortable standing or leaning into a wall (sometimes with a foot supported up) to let baby come through.
  • Lying on side: Lying on your side in bed or on the floor may feel right for you.
  • Kneeling/all fours: Some women find the support of being on all fours on the ground or in bed helps stabilize their body.
  • Water birth: A water birth is a great way to keep warm water on your muscles and can be an incredible way to give birth. Most water births are done at a birth center or at a home birth.
  • Whatever feels right in the moment: Of course you may want to wait until you are in the moment to decide! What’s important is making sure you know your options and what your health provider will allow.

Delivery interventions and meaning:

  • Forceps: Forceps are a tool used to grasp and manipulate baby to help remove baby during a vaginal birth. While they can help reduce the need for a c-section, always discuss the cons of using these with your healthcare provider.
  • Vacuum: A vacuum delivery uses suction to help move baby through the birth canal. Like forceps they can help reduce the need for a c-section, but be sure to discuss any risks with your provider.

Birth and Post-Birth options and meaning:

  • Warm compress on perineum: The perineum is the area of your pelvic floor between the vaginal and anus. During childbirth, it will stretch to help make room for delivery. Adding a warm compress can help relax muscles and prevent tearing.
  • Episiotomy: An episiotomy is a surgical cut that helps enlarge the vagina to make room for baby. The alternative is that you may not tear but tearing naturally is also a possiblity.
  • Cord blood banking: This is the method of removing blood from baby’s umbilical cord and placenta. Families may bank blood for personal use or to donate to research.
  • Keep placenta: There are several reasons you may want to keep your placenta, but the main reason is encapsulation. These capsules can improve mood, milk supply and energy levels postpartum.

C-section terms and meaning:

  • Vaginal seeding: Vaginal seeding is a procedure that involves transferring a mother’s vaginal fluids to a newborn’s skin, face, and mouth. The goal is to help establish the baby’s microbiome, which can promote good health and help fight disease.
  • Drape: Most hospitals will automatically do a full drape across your chest to block your view from the surgical process. You may request to have a clear or lowered drape to see more of baby being born.
  • Monitoring devices: refers to placing the medical equipment used to track vital signs (like blood pressure cuffs) on the patient’s body in a way that is positioned to the side or away from the incision area, allowing the mother to have a clearer view of the surgical field and potentially facilitating skin-to-skin contact with the baby immediately after birth.
  • Gentle Cesarean: A gentle c-section is the idea of creating a more natural birth experience by allowing the mother to actively participate in the delivery, including seeing her baby being born through a clear drape and having immediate skin-to-skin contact with the newborn shortly after delivery, promoting bonding and breastfeeding initiation. 

After birth details and meaning:

  • Skin-to-skin: This is the method of baby being put on mom’s (or dad’s) chest as soon as possible after birth. Skin-to-skin promotes bonding and breastfeeding.
  • Cord: Delayed cord clamping is the method of waiting a short time before clamping and cutting baby’s umbilical cord. This allows blood, iron and antibodies to flow from the placenta to the baby.

For baby details and meaning:

  • Hepatitis B vaccination: a vaccine that protects against Hepatitis B.
  • Vitamin K: Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps with blood clotting, bone health, and wound healing.
  • Erythromycin: Erythromycin is in a class of medications called macrolide antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

Feeding details:

The preference on how to feed your baby is a personal decision and even a decision that may change once baby is born.

If you are looking for more information on breastfeeding, I recommend checking out La Leche League International.

Additional details:

  • First bath: You can delay baby’s first bath to make plenty of time for skin-to-skin and to give time for the natural protective layer (vernex) soak in to help fight infections.
  • Circumcision: Removal of the male foreskin of baby boys.
  • Nursery: While most hospitals these days have you keep baby in the room with you, some do still have the option of keeping baby in a nursery upon request.
  • Pediatrician: This is one thing I didn’t even think of until my first was born! Start researching pediatricians before baby is born – you’ll need to know this information before you check out of the hospital or finalize your home birth. If you’re looking for someone in the OKC area – check out my blog post 4 Tips for Finding Your Perfect Pediatrician.

Whew! You made it!

I know this was a log, but these decisions make for a well educated labor and delivery experience. 

Mama, you got this.

Looking to document your birth? Come get to know me and see how my services can ensure you get all you want from your birth.

Birth Plan Disclaimer

The birth plan template and details discussed in this blog post are intended for informational purposes only and are designed for individuals with low-risk pregnancies. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I am not a medical professional, and this document should not be used as a standalone guide for labor and delivery decisions.

It is important to discuss your birth plan, preferences, and any concerns with your healthcare provider or midwife. They are best equipped to provide personalized recommendations based on your unique medical history, pregnancy, and labor circumstances.

Please note that while this document and blog post can help facilitate communication and support your preferences, birth is unpredictable, and flexibility is key to ensuring the safest outcome for both you and your baby.

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