The perfect birth plan is to have no plan.
Hear me out . . .
I’m not saying to walk into labor blindly. Take a Childbirth Education Class or read up on the subject. But I am saying, be open to whatever your labor and delivery may need.
I have been involved in births for over 12 years. I am currently a labor and delivery nurse. Before that, I was a Doula. I have witnessed hundreds of births, and I mean this when I say . . . every single birth is different.
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I think it is so important to be well-educated and know the pros and cons of your labor and delivery decisions. Ask lots of questions, and know that ultimately you are in control of the situation.
Hospital staff can recommend and advise next steps. But it’s up to you and your partner on what to do when. Know that your options are always yes, no, and maybe later.
The mass majority of people who are interested in having a birth plan usually want as few interventions as possible and to have a vaginal birth. And trust me when I say, everyone helping you have a baby wants that as well.
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However, sometimes our bodies and babies have other plans, and it is best to just be open to what you may need. I say this from first-hand experience. My “plan” was to have an unmedicated, no intervention, vaginal delivery.
I did not want to be induced.
I did not want to have Pitocin.
But I ended up way past my due date needing Pitocin and an epidural.
I was so disappointed in myself right after my delivery, and it took me a long time to realize these words that I’m writing.
Birth is beautiful and magical no matter which path you take.
A miracle still happens, and new life is born.
Being so rigid about your plan can actually end up stealing your joy in retrospect. I wish I would’ve enjoyed my epidural instead of crying about it multiple times. It helped me rest and relax and give birth to my beautiful baby girl.
Women are so amazing and powerful. Growing a baby for nine months and bringing it Earthside is a feat, no matter which way you slice it.
So for the perfect birth plan, throw it out the window!
Be well educated. Don’t go down scary rabbit holes. Ask the people that are taking care of you lots of questions. Create your own birth preferences, but hold to them loosely.
You got this, mama. Don’t let anything or anyone steal your joy. It’s going to be the best day of your life!
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ABQ Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.
