There are many benefits to having a birth plan; however, so many people that I see through my pregnancy yoga, hypnobirthing and antenatal classes tell me that they’re planning on going with the flow when they go into labour. I think as a result of this many people also avoid writing a birth plan; feeling that it could lead to a disappointing experience if they put pen to paper.
Having a baby is one the biggest events in your life. Being prepared and having the right amount of knowledge will help you to make the right decisions. It will also make the whole experience a lot less stressful.
How predictable is birthing?
I think that most people are under the impression that birth is completely unpredictable however, that’s not entirely true. When labour starts spontaneously and it isn’t interfered with, it is a simple process. Labour starts, contractions begin, the cervix opens and the uterus pushes the baby out.
What does makes labour unpredictable for us is the wider context; the environment and the people who are in our birth space and the people supporting us. These things can interrupt the natural birth process. They can disrupt the production and release of the birth hormone oxytocin which is responsible for effective contractions.
When labour involves some kind of stress or interference, adrenalin is released which increases fear, tension and pain. As a result, contractions are very likely to slow down, stop or become very uncomfortable. At this point, your care providers are likely to see this as a failure to progress and will try to speed things up. This is where the interventions are likely to begin.
Having a positive headspace and being clear about how you want to birth your baby can significantly impact the process. You can prepare yourself physically and mentally. You can control where you choose to have your baby, what, if any pain relief you choose and how you want to manage any situations that occur. In other words, you are in total control.
Why is a birth plan so important?
The most important thing about planning is the time spent researching the pros and cons of forms of interventions. Deciding what is best for you and what is best for your baby. It’s very difficult to understand and process this kind of information and make decisions whilst you’re in labour. If you haven’t already done the research, how can you know what’s best for you and your baby?
Sadly, all too often women in labour will go along with what is suggested not aware that they have choices, options and the ability to voice their opinions. Many women may go with the flow and avoid any form of planning as they may feel that they’re being viewed as difficult or confrontational if asking too many awkward questions. You always have a voice and the right to make the final decisions.
Just like any other area of your life, just because you’ve set goals and made decisions doesn’t mean that you can’t change your mind at any point.
For more pregnancy and advice/tips to help with your essential baby planning, visit: JustExhale or my Instagram: Pregnancy Yoga & Hypnobirthing (@sallyjustexhale) • Instagram photos and videos
