Developing Your Birth Plan: First Step, Know Your Options

I am currently reading "Pushed" by Jennifer Block. It's a truly amazing book that provides a raw look at modern day maternity care. As a society, we are increasingly focused on deadlines, schedules and preparation and in the United States, the act of birthing a child is no exception. Women are increasingly induced, having their water broken and scheduling cesarean sections. Have we forgotten how to let nature run it's course - or is there a lack of awareness when it comes to birthing options and our right to chose the option and experience we want?

A great first step in exploring options is to consider birthing locations. Granted each woman is unique and circumstance may dictate, which locations can in fact be viably pursued. In general, there are three primary locations where woman can give birth: hospitals, birthing centers and home births.

Birthing locations include:

- Hospitals: No doubt the first place that comes to mind for many and perhaps the only option for some women, especially if you're a high-risk pregnancy. Some hospitals also offer their own birthing centers, which are comparable to stand alone centers with the exception that you have direct access to any and all medical care. Depending on your location you may have the option of selecting the hospital you prefer or you may simply go with the hospital associated with your OB.

- Birthing Centers: Such centers offer a homey and comfortable place to give birth. Usually in the presence of a family practice physician or a midwife. Birthing centers have access to a certain level of medicine and medical equipment thus enabling them to provide a level of care similar to that of a hospital (sans cesarean sections). Birthing centers are a great option for women who want the flexibility to approach birth their way while retaining access to medical support. Perhaps one of the only downsides of birthing centers is that woman are typically discharged shortly after giving birth (typically less than 24 hours).

- Home: Home birth gives women the opportunity to have birth in their own home. Home births are usually assisted by a midwife and offer a unique experience. The conversations around home birthing is particularly passionate. There are many opinions and perspectives when it comes to home birth. I personally am fascinated by home births and find that the Crunchy Domestic Goddess offers lots of information as well as resources on the subject at her blog.


When considering birthing options, it is good to note that midwife certification and the option to birth with a midwife is not allowed in all states. To learn more about midwives and wife options in your state please visit Citizens for Midwifery.


While I won't be having a home birth this time around I wouldn't count it out for the future. Presently, I am very much in love with my OB and hospital. I feel confident that my needs, wants and experience will be met as requested. A critical part to the birthing option equation is identifying the type of birthing experience you'd like to have for you and for your baby.

There are many factors to consider in regards to birth and this particular post is only meant to skim the surface. Selecting your birthing location is really only one piece of a larger birth plan. Preparing your birth plan is an important exercise. There is so much more to cover including labor and delivery logistics as well as a myriad of alternative options. Perhaps the best first step is to talk with your partner to determine expectations and identify the type of birth you want.

Some questions to get you started:

- What pain control options do you want? Creative alternatives or medication options?
- What type of experience is important to you?
- What type of environment do you want your child born into?


In the coming weeks, I will be taking a closer look at birth plan preparation and other birthing options including water birth, hypno birth and Doulas as well as the practice of vaginal birth after cesarean sections, otherwise known as VBAC.

Discussion: Have you created a birth plan (either in the past and presently)? What suggestions do you have for other women? What worked and what would you change for the next time? Join the discussion here.

Additional resources:

- Childbirth Options: What's Best?
- Preparing a Detailed Birth Plan