Why plan or map your birth?
Planning or mapping your birth can be a transformative process, offering clarity, empowerment, and a deeper connection to your body and baby. By articulating your preferences, you gain a sense of control and focus, empowering you to make informed decisions and advocate for your ideal birth experience. Your map serves as a communication tool, ensuring that your birth team understands what you envisage for your birth and can encourage and help support you as best as they can. While a birth plan provides a roadmap, it also allows for flexibility, recognising that birth is a unique and unpredictable journey. Ultimately, planning your birth is a way to honour your instincts, connect with your inner strength, and prepare for the profound experience of bringing new life into the world.
During this 2 hour session we will work through what your understanding of birth is previously to falling pregnant and what your birth imprint is. We will also work through the following:
- What you imagined for your birth
- What your preferences might be
- The different pathways birth can take
- Play the game of birth
- Write out your plan
- Any research and reading that is relevant to your plan
After we are finished, you will receive your birth map completely typed to keep and take to your care providers.
This session can be virtual or in person.
$250
What is a birth plan/map and why is it important?
A birth map is a document that outlines your preferences and wishes for your labour, birth, and postpartum care. It typically includes your preferences for positions, who you want present during the birth, and other aspects of your birthing experience.
Having a birth plan is important because it allows you to communicate your preferences to your healthcare team. It helps ensure that your care providers are aware of your wishes and can work with you to create a birth experience that aligns with your values and desires. A birth plan can also serve as a tool for empowerment, helping you feel more in control and informed about your birthing process.
When should I start creating my birth plan?
Anytime you want! Your birth plan and map takes time to come together as your pregnancy progresses and as you research more your wishes may change. Your birth map will be a way to grow while being pregnant, tuning into your intuition and learning about your body.
Can a doula help me make a birth plan?
Yes, a doula can be a valuable resource in helping you create and implement your birth plan. Doulas are trained to provide informational support and can help you understand your options for labour and birth. They can also assist you in articulating your preferences in your birth plan and help you communicate them effectively to your care provider team.
How does having a birth plan impact my birth experience and outcomes?
Studies have shown that the effects of having a birth plan are more positive than negative on maternal and neonatal outomes, despite what a lot of care providers might have you thinking. Using a birth plan can increase women's empowerment and satisfaction with birth, enhance their overall experience, and reduce the rate of cesarean sections.
What if my birth doesn't go according to my plan?
Sometimes birth doesn't go to your plan, which is why we will map out all of the potential pathways that your birth can take. Many times I have heard that 'no plan is the best plan' and to just go with the flow. But how do you know what treatment you will accept based on your values and beliefs? You won't leave this session with a mind fixated on a particular birth, but rather understanding of what your preferences are and why.
What should I include in my birth plan?
There are many things that we will explore during the session, such as preferences during labour, support people, any medical interventions that may be offered, csections and a whole lot more.
