A birthplan is a great tool to work through with your partner or coach so that you both are making informed decisions about the birth YOU want. I had a filled out a standard (but very meaningful to me) birthplan and hoped to have the birth experience I planned for. It didn't work out that way. It was a difficult delivery with complications that ended up being a birth so far from the natural one I had hoped for. Although my birthplan was available to my doctors and nurses, it was no longer a point of reference when birth became more of a medical emergency.
I still believe a birthplan is necessary although I have since talked to nurses that think of birthplans as a "nice idea" for first-time moms but that rarely take them too seriously. I think it’s quite different when you are working with midwifes and doulas who may have a more holistic approach then some in the medical profession and tend to take your wishes and preferences more seriously.
Filling out a birthplan gives you an opportunity to think about pain management, potential medical interventions, breastfeeding and recovery. It will help you think about different scenarios and make tough decisions that you may have a very hard time doing while actually in labor. For example, some hospitals have their own protocol for babies after delivery so you will want to let them know if you want to watch the birth with a mirror, hold the baby immediately after birth or begin breastfeeding right away. Specify what you want and let everyone on the birth team know.
Prior to admittance to the hospital, discuss your plan with your doctor or midwife. Provide your doctor and the hospital with a copy of your plan and also pack a copy in your hospital bag.
All LaborKits come with a comprehensive birthplan for you to fill out as well as a Share The Joy Contact list and a Hospital Checklist. Be prepared for the big day!