MY BIRTH PLAN IS TO HAVE A BABY (AND WHY 'PLAN B' IS JUST AS IMPORTANT)

We all love a good plan. But let’s be real—when it comes to childbirth, things don’t always go according to... well, any plan. Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful home birth, hoping for a vaginal birth after a cesarean (VBAC), or just trying to get through the whole experience with some dignity intact, it’s important to remember: life happens. Enter Birth Plan B—or, as we like to call it, your “birth preferences.”

Why should we call it preferences instead of a strict plan? Simple. Birth is one of those wonderfully unpredictable events where flexibility is key. What we can promise is that by preparing with knowledge, maintaining an open mind, and having the right support, you’ll be ready to tackle whatever comes your way—without feeling like you’ve failed when things don’t go exactly as expected.

photo credit: @thesegoldenyearsbirth

Why "Birth Preferences" Beat "Birth Plan"

We all have that image in our heads: the perfect birth. But let’s face it, sometimes our bodies and babies have other ideas. Rather than boxing yourself in with a rigid birth plan, think of it as a set of birth preferences. This way, you’re acknowledging that you have desires for your birth experience, but you’re also staying open to the possibility that things may change. This mindset helps reduce stress and disappointment and empowers you to handle any curveballs that may come your way—like needing a last-minute C-section, going into labor early, or dealing with an unexpected complication.

Pro Tip: Talk to your birth team about your preferences. Make sure they know what’s important to you, but also remind them that you’re open to adjusting as needed. Flexibility is key!

Common "Plan B" Scenarios and How to Handle Them

1. An Emergency C-Section: It’s Not the End of the World

You’ve imagined a smooth vaginal birth, but then labour doesn’t go as planned. Whether it’s a failure to progress, fetal distress, or another medical reason, sometimes a C-section is the safest option. And guess what? It doesn’t mean you’ve failed, nor does it mean your birth wasn’t a positive experience. Many women find that their C-sections were still empowering moments with the right support.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait until labour to ask questions about a C-section. Learn about it beforehand so you’re not caught off guard. Having a clear understanding of the process helps you feel in control.

2. A Change in Birth Position: When Baby Decides to Play Twist-and-Shout

Sometimes babies like to get comfortable in positions that aren’t optimal for birth, like breech or posterior positions. But don’t worry—there are ways to help your baby shift into a better position, like certain exercises or techniques. While these techniques can work, it’s important to go in with an open mind about your delivery.

Pro Tip: Talk to your doctor about techniques like the “spinning babies” exercises or optimal positioning strategies. They can also discuss the option of a vaginal breech delivery if applicable, or a scheduled C-section if needed.

3. Pain Management Choices: Epidural, Natural, or Somewhere In Between?

One of the most talked-about aspects of labor is pain management. Maybe you were all about going natural, but as contractions intensify, you reconsider. Or perhaps you planned to get an epidural but find that the timing doesn’t work out. That’s why it’s essential to go into labour knowing all your options and being flexible.

Pro Tip: One of the best things you can do to prepare is to take a childbirth class that covers all pain relief options—whether it's epidurals, pain meds, or natural techniques. In our Childbirth 101 class, we teach you everything from relaxation exercises to coping strategies so you feel empowered to make the decision that’s right for you when the time comes.

Preparing Yourself with Knowledge: Advocate for Your Birth Preferences

The best way to feel confident when things don’t go as planned is to be informed. The more knowledge you have, the more empowered you'll feel in making decisions during labour, even when faced with unexpected changes. A flexible birth plan doesn’t mean you won’t have your preferences—it just means you’ll be prepared to handle whatever comes your way without stress.

Pro Tip: Advocate for yourself! This is your birth, and you have the right to ask questions, express your preferences, and make informed decisions. Whether it’s about your birth environment, pain management, or how you want to care for your newborn, make sure your voice is heard.

What’s Next?

Childbirth isn’t a one-size-fits-all event, and neither is your birth plan. By preparing for the unexpected and focusing on your preferences (instead of rigid plans), you’ll feel ready for anything. Whether you're hoping for a VBAC, want to be more informed about cesarean delivery, or just need a refresher on what to expect in labour, Next Trimester Nursing Co. is here to help.

Join one of our classes today, including Prenatal for First-Time Parents, TOLAC, and Birthing Again classes, and let us equip you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate your birth—on your terms.