 Leanna Mae is an author, women’s health educator, and birth doula. Her degree is in health sciences. She is passionate about patient education. Leanna loves to write and share helpful information. She loves to teach! She's also passionate about patient rights and healthcare ethics. Leanna became a birth doula in 2008, a certified breastfeeding specialist in 2014, and graduated college in 2018. After graduating, she started teaching classes. She now offers online classes and in-person classes in western Ohio as well as birth doula services in the greater Dayton/Springfield area. Hi! I’m Leanna Mae. I’m a birth doula in the Dayton, Ohio area. I’m also a birth educator, and I teach a class on birth plans. Let’s talk about 7 general things do need on a birth plan. #1 – Think outside of pain management Usually, one of the first things clients/students say with birth plans is “I want to go natural” or something regarding the epidural. There is so much more to birth plans than pain management. Focus on the type and quality of care you want. I understand why this is the first thing most women think of because it falls into a “type” of birth – natural or medicated. If I can say a thing though, you need to prepare for both. If you want an epidural, you can get an epidural at most hospitals. If you can’t get an epidural, having it be part of your plan… doesn’t change that you don’t have access to an epidural. If you want to go natural, you can do that anywhere if you’re determined. I encourage those wanting an epidural to prepare for possibly going unmedicated just in case. Whichever path of pain management you prefer, this shouldn’t be the focus of your birth plan. #2 – Emphasize bodily autonomy and consent being required This one message covers much of a birth plan. Consent is required before every exam, intervention, and medication (including dose increase). If you have a care team that aligns with this, you won’t have to “fight the system”. This is the most important thing to emphasize. It takes care of the majority of things couples put on the birth plan. #3 – Clear communication A birth plan is a communication tool. One of the reasons to put it in writing is to communicate the kind of care you want and don’t want. You need straightforward communication about what matters most. A well-structured template makes a difference. #4 – Flexibility with interventions Saying “I don’t want any interventions” is a different mindset than saying “I don’t want unnecessary interventions”. Birth can go a lot of ways. We can’t control birth; we can only navigate it. All interventions have a purpose and an appropriate time to use them. Sometimes interventions help us reach our goals. #5 – Alternative path goals If things don’t go as planned, what’s important to you? No matter how much you want a natural birth, sometimes induction or cesareans are necessary, babies need the NICU, etc. Talk about common what ifs and how you want your care to look like if you do end up being a c-section momma or if the NICU is part of your journey. #6 – A value-based plan over an ideal wish list What are your healthcare values? One thing we talk about in my birth plan class is applying healthcare values to maternity care and identifying the approach to care you want instead of only yes or no to this or that. Values don’t change. For example, if you value straightforward communication that can be a focal point in your plan. #7 – Educated decisions This one is important. Be educated. Be informed. Be knowledgeable enough to feel comfortable making a decision. If you don’t feel well-educated on something you need to make a decision on, it’s better to leave that option open to more information instead of declaring yes or no.
|
