Have you considered creating a birth plan for the day that you finally give birth to the tiny miracle inside of you?  More and more moms are opting to do so.  But what exactly is a birth plan?

Put simply, it’s a clear, simple statement, usually only a page or two, of what details you would like incorporated into the birth of your baby.  It contains a host of decisions that you’ve made concerning what exactly will happen on that day.

Here’s how you can create a good birth plan for yourself.  You’ll want to begin with a notebook or journal.  In it, write as many plans and goals as you can think of for the birth date.  This notebook will assist you in setting priorities and articulating them for others.

Once you’ve decided on your priorities, you transfer them over to your page-long birth plan.  You’ll want to give a copy of this plan to everyone involved or who might want to be involved in the birth.  This will allow them to understand each other better and to work out any problems or wrinkles before the day arrives.  Remember not to wait too long before you put this plan down on paper.  There are lots of things to consider and organize, and in the hubbub of the moment might be too late to try to gain some organization.

As you’re preparing your plan, try to be as flexible as possible; it might be necessary to deviate from the plan somewhat if unforeseen circumstances arise.  Also keep in mind that the main goal is a safe delivery of the new baby boy or girl. With that goal in mind, here are some considerations to remember:

• Find out the usual policies and routines at your hospital, clinic or birth center. If there’s something about this routine with which you disagree, you’ll need to discuss it with someone on staff ahead of the day.
• Consider having a page for a birth that is free of complications along with a “Plan B,” where there are complications that occur. In both instances, you’ll want to ask the following question: Who should be there? Do you want children and / or siblings there? Will you want a doula? Would you like to have some mobility, or is it okay to stay in bed? Which positions do you want to use for the delivery )squatting, standing, hands & knees, etc.? What would you like for pain relief? What do you want in order to keep yourself hydrated? Would you like pain medicine, or do you want to steer clear of them? If you do want them, which pain medicine would you like? Would you like a routine IV a saline / heparin block, or would you prefer nothing? Would you like to wear the hospital gown or your own clothing? Would you want to have some music playing? Do you prefer to use the shower or tub? And in the event a cesarean is needed, what special requests do you have?

Commit all of this to paper ahead of time, make your doctor and family aware of it, and you’ll have a smoother time of it when the day arrives.