My Birth Plan

Topics: Breastfeeding tools

Click Here to Download the Fillable Birth Plan Handout
Use this form to complete a birth plan to share with your support and health care teams. 
 

Create a Birth Plan

Preparing for your baby’s birth is important. Writing down a birth plan helps you think about what you want during and after your delivery. Use this as a guide to make a plan with your birth support team. 

Your birth plan should include:

  • Your name
  • Your due date
  • Your WIC Educator’s name
  • Your health care provider’s name
  • Your baby’s health care provider’s name
  • Medications or allergies
  • The hospital or birth center you plan to deliver
  • Your breastfeeding goal (in months)
     

Before Delivery

  • Take a birthing class and breastfeeding class. 
  • Learn about the benefits of breastfeeding. Talk to your family and friends about your decision.
  • If you have the option, take hospital tours and decide where you plan to deliver your baby. Baby-FriendlyⓇ hospitals are certified to provide the best practices to support your baby and breastfeeding. 
  • Create your own support system by finding family, friends and health care providers who will support your birth choices and breastfeeding goals. 
  • Talk to your healthcare provider, family and friends prior to delivery about your birth plan. This will help your support team speak up for you during delivery. 
  • Talk to WIC if you have any questions - WIC offers free breastfeeding classes, support groups, breastfeeding experts, peer support and supplies, such as breast pumps, if needed.

Breastfeeding

All major medical organizations recommend breastfeeding as the best way to feed your baby. Only breastfeeding (no formula, food or other liquids) for the first six months and continuing to breastfeed for at least a year and beyond is recommended. Breast milk gives babies powerful health benefits that formula can’t match. The longer breastfeeding occurs, the more health benefits for babies and parents! 

 

During Delivery

Use the checklist below to develop your own personalized birth plan. Share your choices with your healthcare provider, family and friends so everyone can be involved and aware of your requests. 

  • Let labor begin on its own: 
    • Yes  
    • No
  • If I am in pain, please use the following items to help me manage my pain:
    • Medicines (such as an epidural)
    • Breathing
    • Massage
    • Tub or shower
    • Other…
  • People allowed in the room during delivery include… 
  • I am willing to use these items to help with labor and delivery: 
    • Birthing ball
    • Movement
    • Water birthing 
    • Chair 
    • Other…
  • I want to try different pushing positions like:
    • Squatting with support
    • Side-lying
    • On hand and knees
    • Other…
  • In case of a cesarean section (c-section - list special requirements)... 

 

After Delivery

After my baby is born, I want to (note all that apply to you and your wishes):  

  • Have skin to skin contact right after birth. 
  • Breastfeed my baby within the first hour after birth.           
  • Keep my baby in the room with me (rooming in) - this helps you to get to know your baby, learn your baby’s hunger signs and breastfeed whenever your baby is hungry - this helps your milk supply.   
  • Breastfeed only - exclusive breastfeeding (no other food or liquid) is best for you and your baby. Giving formula can make breastfeeding harder. 
  • No bottles or pacifiers, unless medically necessary.
  • Only give formula if medically necessary.  Many hospitals can give donor breast milk if needed.  
  • Get help from a lactation expert at the hospital before leaving.
  • Breastfeed often, every 1 ½ to 3 hours. A newborn’s stomach is very small. Breast milk provides everything your baby needs - no other food or liquids are needed.
  • Give my baby their first bath.
  • Limit visitors so my baby and I can rest, get to know each other and learn how to breastfeed.    

Tip: Write down the phone number you can call for breastfeeding support after you get home so you have it all in one place. This number could be provided to you by your birthing hospital, your health care provider, or your WIC clinic.

Baby-Friendly certified hospitals have policies to keep you and your baby healthy. They require all staff members to be trained in infant feeding and can support all families, no matter if you choose to breastfeed or formula-feed. To find a Baby-Friendly hospital in Colorado and for more information, visit BreastfeedColorado.com under the Baby-Friendly Collaborative tab or BabyFriendlyUSA.org.

 

At Home

  • Find family and friends to help you with household chores or other children. 
  • Try to sleep or lie down and rest when your baby sleeps. Ask for help so you can rest. 
  • If your baby is having trouble breastfeeding, call your healthcare provider, lactation consultant, or WIC clinic for support.could you add something like sooner than later
  • Find a breastfeeding support group. Most Baby-Friendly certified hospitals offer free groups anyone can join, no matter if you delivered at the hospital or not. 
     

Remember, you’ve got this! 

Reach out to your local WIC clinic for more breastfeeding support.