Even if you have 9 months to prepare for the coming of your baby, chances are you will still have some doubts, worries, and fears that will only melt away until you have actually given birth.

Compared to decades ago, childbirth for first-time moms now takes 2.6 times longer according to a study by National Institute of Health. However, length of labour should not fret you. There are some things you can do to make your childbirth experience a manageable one – like preparing a birth plan and discussing it with your OBGYN doctor!

A birth plan is a list of choices that you make for your birth. This usually includes the specifics that you want to happen during labour and even after the delivery. Having the particulars such as your preferred pain relief (if any), who you want to give birth with, delivery position, and even newborn care right after delivery, outlined prior to giving birth can help take a chunk of worry away for you.

Do remember to keep your birth plan concise and easy to understand. However, making your birth plan more visual than textual or vice versa is also your choice. Still not sure how to start? There are a lot of free templates available online ready for you to use!

Lastly, it is important to consider that some factors could result to change some of your preferences. Our recommendation is to always discuss this with your attending doctor and to be open to adjustments and suggestions given by the expert.

Sources:
Baby Centre. (October 2001). Sample birth plans. Retrieved 5 October 2018 from https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a544477/sample-birth-plans.
National Institute of Health. (2 April 2012). NIH Study finds women spend longer in labor now than 50 years ago. Retrieved 5 October 2018 from: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-study-finds-women-spend-longer-labor-now-50-years-ago.

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