It’s normal as a first-time parent to be completely unsure of what you want to put in your birth plan. You may feel like it’s impossible to plan for something that you do not have any idea about. How will labour feel? What will I want? What will my partner want? Where will I feel like being? Will I want to be touched? You’ve been told everyone is different, birth is unpredictable; you might not like things you normally do. And if all that doesn’t make it complicated enough, you’re told not to think of it as a plan at all, more hopes or goals, “Write a birth wish list.” they say. “Birth is unpredictable.”, they remind you again.

Writing a birth plan is hard but at Edmonton Area Family Doulas we have an excellent trick for breaking it down and keeping it simple.

First of all, just like “they” say, it is ideal to think of your birth plan as more of a wish list. You’re putting together your preferences for your labour and birth experience.

Next, remember the 5 W’s?

Using the 5 W’s to break down a problem is useful in police work, for journalists or any type of story writing, and even when comprising a birth plan.

The 5W’s include:

·         Who

·         What

·         When

·         Where

·         Why

·         And sometimes How

The Who (not the band)

Who do you want at your birth? Are there people in your life who will bring you comfort and support? Who would you prefer was not present? Do you want professional support such as a birth doula? Would you prefer to work with your family doctor, an obstetrician, or a midwife? Deciding who will be on your birth team is an important part of the birth planning process.

Note: If you live in Alberta and are hoping for midwifery care during the course of your childbearing time, you will want to register immediately! In Edmonton and throughout the province, we have a shortage of available midwifes but it is possible that you could be accepted into midwifery care at any stage of pregnancy. Be sure to register, even if there are no midwives available in your area as this helps establish demand for midwives in your community. For more information visit the Alberta Association of Midwives / L’Association des Sages-Femmes de l’Alberta website.

The What

What things would you like to be sure are with you when you give birth? Your favorite pillow, your iPhone, a diffuser, music, candles, access to a tub or shower? The what can also include the types of pain relief you’d like to use such as hypnosis, hydrotherapy (bath, water birth, shower, hot/cold packs), massage, movement and positioning, counter-pressure, etc.

The When

When will you go to the hospital or birth center? If you are planning to give birth in a hospital or at a birth center, you will want to know what their policies are about admittance. How do they decide when labouring people are admitted?

When can also include decisions about how far past your due date you feel comfortable going before you would like to pursue medical interventions or your plans for premature labour.

The Why

Digging deep and finding your why can help you establish your top priorities for birth. What is your philosophy surrounding birth? This is something you may want to explore further with your doulas, doctor, or midwife.

The Where

Where would you prefer to spend early labour?

Where do you want to give birth? Hospital, home, birth center?

The where can significantly shape the other 5 W’s.

The How

How will you cope? What helps you manage pain currently? What kinds of things do you do to relax? Massage, baths, showers, meditation, essential oil, doula support, counter-pressure, position changes and movement, etc.

Just noting these simple things can become an excellent foundation for your birth “plan”.

Your doulas can help you set intentions for birth and formulate a birth plan that will be well-received by all of the members of your birth team. Please contact us to be matched with the perfect birth doula team or to meet all of our doula teams and choose for yourself! Working with Edmonton Area Family Doulas gives you the agency advantage! We’d be honored to support you on your journey.