Writing a Birth Plan

Every labor and delivery is different. I’ve had 3 kids and each one was it’s own experience. I can’t give you an exact blue print for what will happen because sometimes the unexpected happens. However, you can make up your own birth plan to guide your labor and delivery experience. Just remember to be flexible with this because things may not go as you planned!

Writing your birth plan:

• Important notes: Include important notes at the top. For example, I have epilepsy so I would note that at the top of my birth plan for my providers to see. Include in this portion what type of delivery you are hoping far (as long as everything goes to plan) such as a vaginal, unmedicated birth. You should also include which birth this is and how long your previous labors were.
• During labor:
  1. Pain management: What type of pain management would you like? List anything you specifically no NOT want as well.
  2. For hydration: You aren’t allowed to eat anything so list items like ice chips, water or popsicles so your team can have those on hand.

• Laboring tools: Check with your hospital to see what laboring tools they have. If they don’t have something you specifically want then make sure you bring it from home or find another birth center! For example, you may want a yoga ball or to labor in a tub.

• Recovery: You will be exhausted from labor and nursing/feeding your baby. It’s important to write down a plan so the nurses can care for you and your baby afterward the way YOU want them to. Sometimes we are in such a fog after birth that things can get overlooked. For example, I would like my baby to get all regular vaccinations and to be circumcised.

Something else to add into your recovery plan is whether you want your baby to use a newborn pacifier. Some experts say that introducing a newborn pacifier too early can cause nipple confusion and lower your milk production. In my experience, my children became better at breastfeeding because they learned the sucking motion from using a newborn pacifier. The first night in the hospital (and at home) are rough and a newborn pacifier can help make that transition so much easier!

Not only do you need a newborn pacifier, but you need a pacifier accessory to go with your newborn pacifier. You need the Ingy Bingy Band, a pacifier wristband! A pacifier clip has been the typical solution to this problem. However, babies can’t typically put their newborn pacifier back in their mouth on their own using a pacifier clip until they are around 8 months. Pacifier clips are also much more dangerous and are a choking hazard.

The Ingy Bingy Band is a pacifier wristband that helps your fussy baby to calm down all on their own! This pacifier bracelet helps babies to self-soothe from as early as four months old! This pacifier wristband is a sanity saver even before they hit that 4 month mark. You never have to search around for where the newborn pacifier went! It’s always velcroed around their wrist with buttery soft material. The Ingy Bingy Band is sure to make your recovery in the hospital much easier and more peaceful!