A Failure to Plan…A Plan for Failure?
Have you ever heard this expression? Both my father and father-in-law were in the Army, so this is a saying that I have heard over and over again.
And while it’s not completely true in birth, it is still very applicable.
As doulas, we hear a similar sentiment a lot… “I’m just going to go with the flow.”
To continue the analogy further: do you know where “the flow” will take you? Upriver or downriver? Will you end up on the right shore? Or will you be drifting out in the ocean without land in sight?
We encourage all of our clients to develop birth and postpartum plans. These plans express preferences, yes, but are mainly a tool for communication – communication with your partner, birth team, care providers, and family members. The plan ideally captures your wishes and desires in a clear fashion.
- We work with our clients – in a supportive, judgement-free, agenda-free way – to help them uncover their own birth preferences.
- We point out routine procedures at their birth location so they know what doesn’t need to be addressed on the plan.
- We help new parents – overwhelmed by others’ choices – discover their own.
- We work to build confidence and resiliency, because birth is unpredictable and uncontrollable.
There is no failure in birth. Truly. There aren’t “wrong” or “bad” choices. You won’t mess this up. You, your partner and your baby are doing everything that you can to meet each other. Doulas help you clarify the little details along the way.
