Creating A Birth Plan

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – If you are pregnant or thinking about having a baby in the near future you may have heard about birth plans and wonder if you need one. A birth plan can be a helpful tool to make sure your wishes for your baby's birth are known.

Put in its simplest terms a birth plan is a written summary of what you want during your labor and delivery. It can also include the types of care you want for your baby right after birth. A birth plan is a way to get expectant mothers and their significant others to think ahead about issues that might otherwise be ignored. Some examples:  the names of the people you want with you in the delivery room; any special options during labor, such as a birthing ball, a birthing chair, or a warm bath; what type of support you would like during labor, such as massage or help with breathing.

As for timing, it's a good idea to come up with your birth plan at least a few weeks before your due date and review it with your doctor. This will give you a chance to discuss the plan and make sure your needs can be met at the hospital or birthing center where you plan to deliver.