What You Can and Can’t Choose About Your Birth Plan in Canada

By: Nicki Reid, Bilingual BA

What is a Birth Plan?

A birth plan is a document that you create that enables communication of expectations and facilitates discussions among women, their partners, and healthcare providers for key birthing decisions. 

Some things to keep in mind as you’re working on your birthplan:

• Because things can change throughout your pregnancy and / or delivery, it’s a good idea to be flexible and keep an open mind. 

• Make sure your selections prioritize the health and safety of you and your baby.

• Regardless of whether you’re birthing at home, a birthing centre, a hospital, etc. be mindful of what each environment offers.
  ‍
• There’s no required length for your birthplan, it could consist of a few notes or more. Try to aim for one or two pages, but try not to worry if it does end up longer!

Start thinking of the birth experience you’d like to have as soon as you find out that you’re pregnant and write down your wishes. Include any questions that you’d like to ask your midwife or doctor.
‍

What Can You Choose About Your Birth Plan?‍

If you’re unsure where to begin to create a birth plan, start thinking of:

• Where do you want to have your baby? For instance, at home, a birthing centre, a hospital, etc.

• How do you want to be cared for during your labour and delivery?

• Are there any procedures that you’d like to have? Any to avoid? For example, if you desire to have a vaginal birth, but a C-section is necessary, it’s a good idea to consider your options beforehand. Also look into: episiotomy and cord clamping.

• What support people would you like to have present? I.e. a doula, a midwife, your partner / spouse, any family or friends, etc. 

• How would you like your support person to participate? This could include which parts of your delivery you’d want them present for. As an example, would you want your support person to stay with you if you need an assisted birth or a c-section?

• What positions do you want to be in while in labour and for your birth? I.e. lie on your side, kneel on all fours, stand or squat. How active would you like to be? Would you like to walk around? Use various props such as (extra) pillows, a yoga / birth ball, a birthing bar, etc.? Will your desired props be provided at the place that you choose to give birth or will you need to bring them?

• Which relaxation techniques would you like to incorporate? I.e. Would you like to incorporate gentle touch such as a massage, use breathing techniques or other relaxation methods?

• Which pain management options would you like to use? For example, gas and air, a TENS machine, an epidural, natural methods, etc.

• How would you like your baby to be cared for once they’re born? Would you like to keep your baby close by as opposed to having them placed in a nursery or maybe you’d like to postpone some testing so that you can have skin-to-skin contact with your baby and begin breastfeeding (or formula feeding) them as soon as possible?

‍
What Can’t You Choose About Your Birth Plan?‍

As mentioned earlier, in an ideal world, everything works out as hoped for and while this sometimes does happen, things don’t always go as planned. Your birthing team will prioritize the health and safety of you and your unborn child even if this looks like performing procedures that aren’t on your birth plan or go against your wishes such as using vacuums or forceps, continuously monitoring your baby, etc.

You can find sample birth plans and templates online as well as from your primary care provider whether that's your midwife or obgyn. While it isn’t mandatory, it’s beneficial to have a birth plan because it encourages you to think about and prepare for the type of birth experience you’d like to have. In the same breath, should things change, you can take comfort in knowing that you have reviewed your options, have a backup plan, and can feel confident in your choice to move forward with the best choice for you and your family. It will also help you to feel more empowered knowing that you’re more actively involved in the process of your birth journey.

Throughout your pregnancy, keep the lines of communication open with your birthing team and be open to revising your birth plan as necessary. Pro tip: pack your birth plan in your hospital bag so on the day of your delivery, it will be available to present to your birth team. 

After all of that planning and preparation, it’ll be time for you to hold your sweet baby in your arms. Remember mama, you got this. Whatever unfolds, know that as a result of the knowledge you gained from researching and creating your birth plan, you are making informed choices out of a place of power, not fear.

‍

Take deep care, live empowered, stay informed and be well, mama.

‍

Nicki Reid, Bilingual BA

Certified Transformational Health and Life Coach | Certified Yoga and Meditation Teacher | Certified Emotional Emancipation Facilitator | Certified Reiki Practitioner | Founder, Wholesome Mind Health Coaching

‍