How do I Create a Natural Birth Plan in Austin, TX?

Many clients we work with are pregnant for the first time or may not have used a natural birth plan previously. That’s why we make it a priority to help them create one that’s best for their needs and preferences. But what is a natural birth plan for an out-of-hospital setting such as our birth center or your home? It’s a document stating your choices for how labor, delivery, and the immediate postpartum period should be managed in your selected environment. All with a focus on waiting and watching with the least possible medical intervention. 

How to Get My Natural Birth Plan Underway in Austin, TX?

• If you’ve already decided to work with a midwife you should get started directly on your birth plan with them. We provide a template you can use and are very skilled in guiding clients with their birth plan choices.

• You should also decide if you want to hire a doula. If you do they can write the birth plan with you. Doulas offer physical, emotional and partner support as well as evidence-based information for natural birth. They don’t replace midwives but work together with them on your behalf. We recommend doulas and can help you find certified professionals in the Austin area. They include Guided Beginnings Doula Care by Doula Shayna and GALS (Giving Austin Labor Support) which offers free doula services if you qualify. There’s also Mama Sana Vibrant Woman and Black Mamas ATX. In addition, you can learn more about the valuable role doulas play in natural birthing at www.dona.org.

• As noted a doula can help you write a birth plan or if you’ve already written one be sure to review it together to ensure alignment. Your midwife will always need to do a final review of your plan and amend as needed.

  
  

What are Examples of Key Questions to Address in My Natural Birth Plan?

• What method of natural birth do you prefer from among options like Lamaze, Bradley, Hypnobirthing, etc.?

• Do you want delayed cord clamping and if so, for how long? 

• Is it important to keep your placenta and should it be encapsulated? 

• Do you want to use Pitocin for the delivery of your placenta? We don’t offer it during labor but some clients prefer it for placenta delivery as it can help prevent bleeding. Please note: our team asks you if you want Pitocin while hospitals give it routinely without discussion. 

• Will you be breast feeding or bottle pumping? 

• Do you desire immediate baby to breast skin-to-skin contact?

• What is your choice for fetal monitoring, intermittent or continuous? Please note that hospitals always monitor continuously but we only do it intermittently.

• We don’t circumcise so you’ll need a resource for that if you want it. It’s important to note that the majority of pediatricians require a vitamin K shot before performing this procedure. So if you put it in your birth plan it’s best to schedule the shot with your midwife beforehand. 

• Would you like your partner to be involved in catching the baby?

• What would you do if your ideal birth plan is interrupted (e.g., if hospital transport is required)? Describe your choices for those possibilities as well. What is your preferred hospital and doctor? Preferred midwife if they have them on staff? Some hospitals do while others don’t. Discuss these things with your midwife and whether you want them or their student to stay with you in the hospital.

  
  

How Should I Structure My Out-of-Hospital Natural Birth Plan in Austin, TX?

• Make it brief and concise. A one or two-page document with headings and bullet points for readability will work well.

• Don’t forget to include basic but important facts about you and your team. List your name, your midwife’s name, and the planned location of birth (home or birth center). Also include the names, roles and contact information of your birth support team (partner, doula, family members). 

• Think about your planned setting and be sure not to overlook it in your birth plan. Determine how it should be set up to make you feel relaxed and comfortable. What lighting, music, and temperature are ideal for you? These are important things your provider needs to know in advance. 

  
  

What are Our Final Thoughts about Your Birth Plan?

• Talk to friends, family members, or a doula who has experienced natural childbirth for help. 

• Go to evidencebasedbirth.com for information to help you with important decisions. 

• Be flexible. Think of a birth plan as a guide rather than an unchangeable manual. Things can come up and you may need to alter your plan based on the situation and the recommendations of your midwife.

• Review the birth plan with your midwife and support team. Talk to them beforehand to ensure they understand and are comfortable with your choices. 

• Ensure alignment not only with your birth professional’s practices but also with the safety requirements of your chosen birth setting. 

• Lastly, after all changes are made provide your final birth plan to your midwife so she can put it in your chart. This will ensure it is available to hospital staff should you need to be transferred. 

  
  

We hope the approach we’ve outlined is helpful to you in creating a comprehensive, personalized natural birth plan. Don’t forget to have an open discussion with your midwife and care team about it. Following these guidelines will help you to have a positive, empowering out-of-hospital birth experience.