SMC Online Doula Training – August 2026
Instructor:
- Organized by
-
Creating a Birth Plan: Brenda G
Creating a Birth Plan: Brenda G
1. Before labor begins – If the baby and I are fine, and if I go past my estimated due date, I would like to wait until I go into labor naturally.
This is important for me because I would like the opportunity to let my body have the time it needs to go into labor without the pressure of delivering on my estimated due date.
2. First Stage of Childbirth (Latent Labor) – Ideally, I would like to have my environment to have dimmed lights, people to have lowered voices and ask for permission before entering the room.
I would like to feel that my physical environment as well as the space and boundaries are being respected, allowing me to focus and reduce any opportunity for external stressors especially as relaxation is crucial to labor.
3. Active Labor – first stage: My birth partner and I would like to take time to privately discuss my pain-relief options before a decision is made. Ideally, I’d like a drug free birth. Only offer medications if I ask.
Asserting that I would like a drug free birth is important to me and understanding that things might change, I would like the privacy to discuss with my birth partner and have my options explained upon request.
4. Second stage of child birth (pushing and delivery) – If it is clear that my baby’s heart tones are good and that she/he is receiving sufficient oxygen, I would like to be free of time limits on pushing. It is important to me to allow my body to operate in its natural rhythm and timetable.
I would like to listen to my body’s rhythm and instincts to push when I feel the need to. I understand coaching can be helpful when and if I ask but I would not like to be limited on when or not I can push because of how much agency that removes from my birth experience and disembodiment I may feel.
5. If complications lead to a cesarean delivery – Please keep communication open. If, at all possible, please wait for my express consent or that of my partner, before initiating any procedure.
Making a plan for if cesarian is necessary is so important and I believe it can help me mentally prepare if it gets to this point but I would like to verbally consent to this before the procedure. Ideally, I’d like to remain aware and awake and avoid general anesthesia.
6. Third stage of childbirth – Delivery of placenta (after birth): Ideally, I’d like to deliver the placenta unassisted – without pitocin, uterine massage, or cord traction. If a procedure is necessary, please explain it to me.
I would like to limit any more interference with the delivery of the placenta especially after active labor and potentially an invasive procedure. Also to ensure any nutrients gets to the baby. Unless there are any complications, I would like for this to be respected.
7. Other Newborn procedures: Ideally, with either vaginal or cesarean birth, I would like to postpone “routine” newborn procedures until I have had a chance to bond with my baby.
I would like to bond via skin to skin with my baby before the baby is taken away for procedures to help support our connection and boost oxytocin levels that will help as I recover or as I begin lactation.
- 1 Reply
Hi Brenda! Your birth plan was beautifully written and very intentional. I especially appreciated your focus on allowing labor to begin naturally, creating a calm and private environment, and protecting the mother’s right to informed consent, even if a cesarean becomes necessary. I also love that you included, spontaneous, pushing, physiological delivery of the placenta, and uninterrupted skin to skin bonding. Your plan truly centers, the mother‘s voice, instincts, safety, and autonomy throughout the entire birth experience.
Log in to reply.
