Preparing for the arrival of your baby can be both exciting and a big thing to get ready for. If you're planning a cesarean (C-section) birth, having a clear birth plan can help ensure your preferences and needs are met in the delivery room. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about creating a cesarean birth plan from understanding why it’s important to what you should include in it.
What Is A C-section Birth Plan?
A c-section birth plan is a written document that outlines your preferences for care before, during, and after your C-section surgery. It’s a guide for your medical team to ensure your needs and wishes are taken into account, providing a smooth, good birthing experience.
Why You Should Have A Birth Plan
While creating this document is important for anyone scheduled for a cesarean, it’s also a good idea to have one prepared even if you’re planning on giving birth naturally. Emergencies and unexpected circumstances can arise during childbirth, leaving little time to consider your options at the moment. Being prepared in advance ensures that your priorities are met, no matter the situation.
Why it’s helpful to have one:
- Clarifies Your Preferences⎯A c-section involves many decisions such as anesthesia and post-birth recovery. A birth plan ensures that your priorities are clear to your healthcare team.
- Reduces Anxiety⎯Knowing exactly what to expect and documenting your preferences can ease any anxiety you might feel about surgery.
- Communication With Your Medical Team⎯During a medical situation that requires a quick decision, clear communication is critical. Your birth plan ensures that your medical team knows your preferences, even if you’re unable to articulate them at the moment.
- Birthing Experience⎯While a C-section is a medical procedure, it’s still part of your birthing experience. A well-thought-out plan allows you to create a more personal and meaningful moment for you and your family.
What To Include In Your Birth Plan
When creating your c-section birth plan, it’s important to think through the various stages of the procedure—from pre-op preparation to your recovery. Here are some considerations to keep in mind.
Pre-Surgery Preferences
Before your surgery, you’ll undergo preparation that includes medical checks and anesthesia discussions. Specify who you’d like to accompany you during surgery, such as a partner, family member, or doula. Request that your medical team communicate each step of the process clearly so you feel involved and informed.
During Surgery
Your time in the operating room will be focused on the safe delivery of your baby, but there are still ways to make the experience more personal. Some medical providers offer “gentle cesareans,” which create a more family-centered experience. If desired, specify that you’d like immediate skin-to-skin contact after your baby is born, as long as it’s medically safe.
Newborn Care Preferences
Your preferences for your baby’s care after the delivery should also be included in your cesarean birth plan. Specify if you’d like your baby to stay in the room with you after birth, rather than being taken to the nursery. Also add whether you plan to breastfeed, use formula, or a combination so your medical team knows.
Post-Surgery Recovery
Recovery after a cesarean is just as important as the surgery itself, so communicating your needs will help make this process easier. It can be difficult to get out of bed on your own during recovery, so request additional mobility aids or support if you expect to need them. It’s also important that the hospital staff understand your wishes regarding visitors during your recovery.
How To Create A Birth Plan
Now that you have ideas on what to include, here’s the process to create your birth plan.
- Research Your Options⎯Begin by researching your options for cesarean births including hospital policies, anesthesia choices, and newborn care practices.
- Discuss With Your Healthcare Provider⎯Consult your healthcare provider to align your preferences with what is medically safe and feasible. This is also a good time to discuss your hospital’s policies and whether they allow specific requests.
- Review and Share⎯Detail your needs and requests for your birth plan so that everyone is on the same page well before your delivery date.
A C-section birth plan is about ensuring you feel heard and respected during childbirth. While not everything may go as planned, taking the time to prepare helps create the best possible experience for you and your baby. Also, having a hospital bag ready to go will make it that much easier when it’s time to give birth, and a bag for after your baby is born.