Congratulations, mama! You’re preparing for pregnancy or labor and delivery, and it’s time to think about your birth visions and plans. Many will tell you to remain flexible or that your plans may change, but it’s okay to create a road map and do your best to adhere to it. We will explore a few tips for creating your ideal birth plan for your first baby and offer insight on remaining firm.

Account for All Your Delivery Options

It’s critical for you to account for all your delivery options. Not many explore non-hospital births, but it’s on the table should you choose. You can use a local birth center, prepare a home water birth, or ask your local hospital how to mirror a water birth environment.

If you cannot imagine a water birth or birth center environment, consider taking classes regarding these delivery experiences to learn more about them. Believe in yourself to know you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.

Get Ahead on Feeding Education

Feeding your new baby, especially your first, will come with many opinions, unsolicited advice, and suggestions from providers or other mothers. While taking it all in is great, perform your own research and complete your due diligence to understand all options and what you think might work best for your lifestyle and family.

Formula feeding, breastfeeding, and combination feeding are all available and viable, and which you choose should align with your preferences, beliefs, and abilities. You should always remain flexible and open-minded about feeding your newborn because what works one day may not work the next. Including your feeding preferences in your birth plan will give all labor and delivery providers the awareness to ensure these are honored during the immediate postpartum phase.

Involve the Right People

Involving the right people in your birth plan is critical in creating a plan with the most successful outcomes. The right people will adhere to your specific wishes from start to finish and honor all your needs and wants without hesitation. This list of people might include your support partner, a family member, your medical team, a midwife, and a doula.

These people may also be in your immediate birth space, so it’s vital to take these individuals into deep consideration to avoid spatial disruptions. For example, when you prepare a home water birth space, your doula will offer you uncontested emotional support. They can also call on your support aids in the birth plan to help you progress.

Be Firm About Your Pain Management Measures

The type of pain management you intend to use or ask for is vital information you should include in your birth plan. This can look like a lot of things based on your personal tolerance, preferences, and delivery plans. Don’t be afraid to be specific and demanding with these measures. You can choose counter pressure, medical interventions such as epidural, or other measures suggested by your doula or midwife.

Planning for your first baby’s arrival is exciting, though overwhelming at times. Use these tips to create a birth plan that works best for you and your first baby and remain firm on your vision.