Ask a Doctor
Bonnie Corley, MD
Obstetrics/Gynecology
Holly Barrows, MD Inc.
1897 Ohio Avenue
Grove City, Ohio 43123
Phone: (614) 875-1721

Q. What is a birth plan? Should I have one?

A. A birth plan is a document prepared by expectant parents that outlines in detail any specific requests or desires concerning labor and delivery.  This is especially important for two reasons:

• The doctor who delivers your baby may not be your regular OB/GYN and may not know of any special requests you have
• When you are in the midst of labor and delivery, you may forget to inform your health care team of your expectations for delivery.

Birth plans are generally the most useful for patients who know that they want certain things to be done during labor and delivery, which may differ from a routine labor and delivery at that hospital. The most common issues for birth plans to address are intravenous lines, medications during delivery, episiotomies, use of vacuums or forceps for delivery, support persons allowed in the room with the patient and instructions on the initial care of the newborn.
 
If you are unsure of whether you need a birth plan or not, the best place to start is to find out how normal laboring patients are cared for in the hospital where you plan to deliver. Sample birth plans are available on-line and can give you an idea of questions you may need to ask or situations to be considered. Share your birth plan with your physician to ensure that your physician agrees that the requests are reasonable considering your particular medical history.

You should be prepared for the possibility that your physician may not be comfortable with all of your requests. If there are any unusual circumstances that may jeopardize the safety of the baby, the health care team may not be able to honor the birth plan.  However, most physicians will attempt whatever is possible to give you the most enjoyable experience they can, as long as your safety can be reasonably assured.