Birth plans emerged in the 1970s-1980s as expectant parents sought more autonomy in their birthing experience. While birth plans allow parents to communicate their desired type of birth, they often read as a wish list and do not account for the unpredictable nature of childbirth. The document recommends preparing two birth plans - one outlining desired medical interventions and another focused on developing skills like breathing techniques to cope with labor regardless of unexpected circumstances. It also stresses the importance of an open and flexible mindset during the birth.

1. Birth Plans
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2. Before…
• Birth Plans were virtually unheard of until the
1970s/1980s. Before the age of Birth Plans,
expectant parents were largely required to adhere
to the strict advice of their doctors
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3. Today…
• These days, many birthing and labor methods are
recognized as safe and healthy which offers many
more options for birthing-parents.
• With this wealth of information and options
emerged the Birth Plan, an integral tool for
expectant parents.
• Birth Plans allow parents to take charge of their own
birthing experience and communicate to
healthcare professionals what type of birth they
want
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4. Flaws…?
• The conventional Birth Plan has some flaws in its
design.
• Birth Plans tend to be based on (very specific)
ideological beliefs about childbirth.
• They often read like a wish list rather than a goal.
• The nature of childbirth is unique and unexpected
situations often arise, perhaps causing a change in
direction from your Birth Plan
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5. Where does this leave us?
• This leaves people with feelings of regret and
disappoint when their Birth Plan ‘fails’.
• This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t write your
conventional Birth Plan of what you want and don’t
want.
• It just means you also need to write another Birth
Plan based on how you are preparing and what
you’ll do (or how you’ll behave) during your baby’s
birthing journey
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6. Create skills
• There are a number of skills you and your partner
can learn that become effective tools for you, your
partner and your soon-to-be-born baby.
• This Birth Plan will help your birth provider
understand your commitment to the type of birth
you would like.
• In other words, you take responsibility for how you
cope, manage, deal with, work with and behave as
you work together with your baby’s efforts to be
born.
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7. Skills to emphasize
• Commit to using breathing skills to help manage pain.
• Commit to using really good relaxation skills even when
you feel pain.
• Reinforce that you have learned essential birthing skills
to remain open inside and you’ll get in positions that
keep your contractions effective.
• Most importantly, ensure that you will continue to work
with the skills you’ve learned even if your conventional
Birth Plan requires unexpected change including a
surgical birth.
Birthing Better with The Pink Kit Method®
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8. Keep in Mind…
• While making plans for your birth, you may think you
want things done a certain way.
• You might possibly want music played or to enjoy
the therapies of water during your labor.
• In the heat of the moment, you could very well
decide that the music you brought is annoying or
that you don’t want anyone touching you
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9. • Everyone feels different during childbirth and there’s
no way to determine how you will feel.
• Although your Birth Plans may spell out some basic
guidelines, don’t be afraid to go with the flow.
• Honor every emotion and every thought with
respect, even if it wasn’t in your original plan.
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10. • Instead of simply creating a list, create a ‘plan of
action’ for your birth
Birthing Better with The Pink Kit Method®
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