A birth plan checklist for expectant moms & dads

You’re going to be parents! Yay!

Writing a birth plan may relieve some anxiety as your due date draws closer.

Photo by Cynthia Katelyn Photography

A birth plan is not actually a plan, per se, but a short document sharing your delivery desires with anyone helping to welcome your baby. Much of your birth experience will be dictated by the setting you select (whether that be a hospital, birthing center or home setting) and the caregivers assisting, so it’s important to learn your options before writing your birth preferences. And make sure you’re not writing your birth plan in stone, since it’s impossible to completely control how your bundle of joy will make his grand entrance.

Here are some areas to cover:

• Healthcare Provider Procedures - What they do/do not offer?

• Birth Setting Policies - . Get familiar with your delivery location’s policies ahead of time to know what’s possible and what’s not.

• Delivery Room Attendees - Who are you ok with? Do you want to allow medical students to observe?

• Wardrobe - If you are on an IV (most moms are throughout) you can’t just pull on a cute robe. Custom robes where the sleeves open up might be a solution! Pack something nice for dad to wear for his 1st photos with baby too!

• Interventions & Pain Management - What are your preferences? At what point will you adjust those preferences?

• Cutting the Cord and the Placenta - these need to be clarified with your team at the beginning!

• Dad Care - Dad will need a hospital bag too! Snacks, a change of clothes, a phone charger, toothbrush & toothpaste will help him out too!