{"id":17619,"date":"2023-07-05T13:23:51","date_gmt":"2023-07-05T18:23:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/?p=17619"},"modified":"2023-09-21T09:52:26","modified_gmt":"2023-09-21T14:52:26","slug":"what-is-a-birth-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/what-is-a-birth-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a birth plan?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Download a birth plan template<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

If you\u2019ve never given birth before, you may be surprised at how many decisions you have to make. To avoid feeling overwhelmed during labor, it\u2019s wise to make a birth plan before your due date.<\/p>\n

A birth plan is a document that lists your preferences for your labor and delivery experience. It\u2019s most effective when used to drive discussions with your pregnancy care provider, whether that\u2019s an OB\/GYN, midwife or doula.<\/p>\n

Most labor and delivery nurses will tell you that a well thought out birth plan is very helpful for them, as well. They want to make sure your experience is a positive one.<\/p>\n

However, every delivery is different, and complications can occur. Your care team may have to disregard part of your birth plan for medical reasons.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf a nurse can support your birth plan, she certainly will. But she has to make sure your care is safe and your infant\u2019s care is safe,\u201d said Mary Grimm, birthing center manager for OSF HealthCare.\u00a0 \u201cWhen you come with a birth plan, we will work with you to try to honor everything that’s medically safe for you and your infant.\u201d<\/p>\n

What a birth plan includes<\/h2>\n

Birth plans are usually divided into three sections, each section addressing a different phase of your labor and delivery.<\/p>\n

During labor<\/h2>\n

Labor can last several hours, so what would you like from your care team as your body prepares for delivery?<\/p>\n

Among other questions, ask yourself:<\/p>\n