I was having a hard time coming up with a birthing plan of my own because there are so many things to consider. After reading many books I came across this example in the Johnson’s Mother & Baby book. It was the most simple and direct way to write a birthing plan and I thought I’d share.

Birth Plan

I am looking forward to the birth of my first child, and I have written down a few ideas on how I hope my labor will progress.

Support person – My partner, ____, will be with me throughout the birth.

Monitoring – I understand that you routinely do a 20 minute electronic fetal monitoring session, which is fine. If all is well, I would like the baby to be monitored from the on with intermittent monitoring.

Positions – I don’t think I will want to be restricted to the bed, and would welcome the use of other active birth aids.

Pain relief – If necessary, I may request pain medication. I hope not to need demoral or an epidural, although in the event of a cesarean section, I would like to have epidural anesthesia so I can be awake for the birth.

Amniotomy – I would prefer not to have my membranes ruptured artificially.

Episiotomy – I would prefer to tear natural than be cut

(Sign your name)

***Make sure to bring at least 2 copies with you to the hospital. Give one to the nurse attendant, doctor &/or midwife and keep one for your own reference.

What to pack for the hospital when you go into labor:

Mom

*1 nightgown, and a bathrobe
*Nursing bra
*Breast pads
*Slippers
*Several pairs of underwear, either cotton or disposable
*Toiletries: toothbrush and toothpaste, washcloth, towel, brush, hair ties, face cream, shower gel, shampoo, makeup, small mirror, perfume
*Clothes to wear home
*Snacks for you and your partner
*Magazines, books, or other diversions
*2 copies of your birth plan
*Health insurance and hospital preregistration information

Baby

*Outfit to go home in
*Sweater or coat and a hat to come home in, depending on the weather
*Blanket
*Socks

***Remember that you must install a rear-facing infant seat into the car in which you are bringing the baby home

Father

*A change of clothes
*Drinks and snacks
*Telephone numbers for friends and family to let them know the good news
*Camera and film, or video camera
*A bag with basic toiletries

Extra comfort aids for labor (check with your doctor to make sure you can bring these extra items with you)

*An extra pillow or pillows
*A CD player and CD’s of relaxing music, plus spare batteries
*A cassette player and books on tape plus spare batteries or IPod
*A hot water bottle for pain relief
*A journal
*A big box of tissues
*Lip balm
*A spray bottle, filled with cool water to spray your face
*A pregnancy book with highlighted pages for easy reference on medications, birthing positions, etc. that will help you make quick decisions in the delivery room if your doctor asks

This list was found in the Johnson’s - Mother & Baby book