It's all in the planning

Without a vision, the people perish, and I believe that vision needs to be written down and revised as needed.  I'm talking about that birthing plan that so many pregnant parents (yes dad too) hear about.  When I came across this article written by a pediatrician I just had to link to it.

Writing a GOOD birth plan. by Dr. Berchelmann

with out a plan - this little guys mama would have been confined to her bed because her water broke before she arrived at the hospital. But she knew before hand that she wanted to be up and walking through out her labor and even though the nurses said no, he doctor said yes because he knew her plan as well.  By the way - she walked around until she said --- have     to     push.  

When helping parents write a birth plan I tell them a few things:

1.  a plan will help you know your options.

 2.  a plan will help you achieve your choices

3.  a plan will help your care giver help you accomplish those desires. 

But a plan needs to be well thought out and not just something you found on the web. 

 While that can help you get started, your plan needs to be unique to you.  

Dr. Berchelmann makes some very valid points in her article, 

points that should be considered by anyone writing a birth plan.  

Oh and don't forget to add your doula as part of your support team.