The Top 15 Birth Plan Questions Every New Mom Should Consider

At this point in your pregnancy, you may want to prep for your precious baby’s arrival, but disclaimer: Every birth is different, and chances are, yours probably won't go exactly how you want or imagine. However, even if your twinkle lights don't make it to the ceiling or your chosen doctor doesn't arrive in time, preparation can significantly help to create a calmer, more positive birth experience.

Everyone has different wishes, but it's smart to do your research and be fully informed about the decisions you'll be expected to make, not only for you, but for your new baby as well. Of course, no birth can be perfectly planned, and you should remain mentally flexible with a plan B and even a plan C for anything that may come up. 

If you’re giving birth in a hospital, always check with your doctor to see what is allowed in the hospital. Go over your birth plan with your husband or birth doula in case advocacy is needed. If birthing at home, you can go over your birth plan with your midwife. 

So, what should be included in your birth plan? Let’s get into the top 15 questions you should consider when putting together this essential piece of paper:

Birth at Home or the Hospital?

The big question, and a very good place to start! This is obviously up to you, as is every decision for your birth, but there are significant pros and cons to consider in comparing home birth to hospital birth. Hospital pros include having all the medical staff and equipment available on site (in case of medical emergency/necessity), especially if there are any specific health issues present and you’d rather act on the side of caution. You have the epidural available if you need/want it, and you have nurses taking care of you and cleaning up after your birth.

In my experience as a doula, however, hospital staff is often a gamble. I’ve known really sweet and gentle nurses, and some that aren’t so sweet, patient, or gentle. The same goes for Ob-Gyns – if your birth goes past your doctor’s shift, another and possibly strange doctor might deliver your baby. Other disadvantages include restricted movement, as you’re often hooked up with cords and IVs to monitors and machines. You could also be pressured into medical decisions you aren’t comfortable with and may not be actually necessary, even if you have a birth plan. 

When birthing at home, you’re in your familiar space and you can add any details to your area to make it comfier and more relaxing (diffuser, twinkle lights, birthing tub), and you have your midwife and possibly doula assisting you according to your birth plan. Some cons include the potential need for a hospital transport in the case of a prolonged labor or medical emergency, due to the lack of medical equipment and personnel. Your insurance also may not cover associated costs with a home birth, so it's important to check beforehand. If you have other children or pets, a home birth can feel more chaotic than an isolated hospital birth and you may need to plan ahead to account for child or pet care. Lastly, birth is obviously a messy ordeal, so keep that in mind if preparing for a home birth to set up plastic sheets, towels, and have someone in charge of the clean-up.

What To Eat Beforehand?

Even if you’ll be at home, but especially if you plan to birth at a birthing center or the hospital, keep your nutrients in you! The hospital staff will most likely tell you not to eat anything except liquids until after the baby is born (in case a C-section surgery is necessary), and this might be the case at the birthing center as well. Besides, you may not even feel hungry once the active labor pains start, but it’s important to eat protein and vital nutrients beforehand so your body has quality fuel for the major exertion ahead. 

So, what to eat? Don’t settle for fast food on the way to the hospital or anything heavy or greasy (you’ll be nauseous enough), and obviously nothing inflammatory or on your personal list of food sensitivities. Eggs might sound or smell gross, but if you can stomach any of the following, some clean protein options are baked wild-caught salmon, free-range scrambled eggs, steak, healthy jerky, and organic turkey or chicken. Berries and melon are gentle fruits high in water content as well as antioxidants and vitamin C, all of which will help with easing muscle cramps, boosting energy and serotonin levels, and reducing cortisol and oxidative stress. And dates are said to help labor progression. These anti-inflammatory foods will help promote blood flow and relax your uterus.