Having a birth plan is super important and something I recommend for all parents. 

Why is my opinion different from that of other doulas? 

I’ve seen firsthand what it’s like going into a birth without a birth plan. You only have thoughts of how you’d like your birth to go down. Then when it gets there so many things can go awry and you aren’t ready for it.

We all know that it’s tricky to plan out a birthday party for a child (or adult) and have an extensive agenda of when to eat the cake, who will be there, and what their role is. So if it’s just that hard for a birthday party, why should you attempt for the unplannable.

You won’t know the date the baby comes, or who will be there to attend to you (unless you have a doula and/or midwife), and you surely don’t know how long the whole birth is going to take. 

But putting a little effort into planning gives you the chance to focus on learning the things that go around.

If you know that you don’t want an epidural unless you specifically ask for it by providing a code word, you did the research into why you DON’T WANT an epidural.

If you say on your birth plan that you won’t be having an episiotomy then you have a reason for knowing it.

Having it written down also gives your doula a chance to stand by your wishes, and do their best to support it against a medical staff who might have more issue (or not fully read it)

So what is your take on this hot debate?

Are you going to create a birth plan?

Or just hope for the best?