What is a birth plan?

Ana Paula Markel, Doula, explains what a birth plan is and the benefits it can have for women during their pregnancy
What Is A Birth Plan? - Expert Pregnancy Guide
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What is a birth plan?

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A birth plan is a written agreement between a woman and her care provider. The best thing about the birth plan, is the conversation that the woman will have with her care provider leading to the birth, which will help the woman to understand what are her care providers boundaries and protocols. It will enable the care provider to hear the woman's concerns and wishes for the birth. After that initial conversation, will be written in a very simple format, and short. It will communicate to the hospital staff what the needs are for this family's birth. It is important to keep in mind that nothing about childbirth is rigid and people have to be open for flexibility. The birth plan is a really wonderful way to start the conversation.

Ana Paula Markel, Doula, explains what a birth plan is and the benefits it can have for women during their pregnancy

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Ana Paula Markel

Doula

Ana Paula Markel is the mother of four children. Having experienced two cesarean births, a medicated vaginal birth and a natural birth (in that order,) Ana Paula discovered a passionate interest in the childbirth process. Her goal is to assist mothers and families to explore the many options available in childbirth and to take responsibility for their choices.

Ana Paula has been teaching a very fun and active childbirth preparation workshop in Los Angeles for the past nine years and has supported hundreds of families during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Ana is also a doula trainer for DONA International and has been mentoring new doulas for the past six years. Ana Paula is honored to serve as Director of International Development for DONA International and to be on the advisory board for PAM (Pregnancy Awareness month.) In 2008 Ana founded BINI Birth, a center in Los Angeles dedicated to the childbirth education field, doula training and green pregnancy retail. BINI offers a variety of classes for pregnant couples and new parents. BINI offers yoga, Hypnobirthing, breastfeeding classes and support groups for new mothers and Ana’s very popular workshops. BINI Birth is also the premiere doula referral service in Los Angeles. Ana Paula is passionate about connecting families of all backgrounds with their ideal birth support.

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Transcription: 
A birth plan is a written agreement between a woman and her care provider. The best thing about the birth plan, is the conversation that the woman will have with her care provider leading to the birth, which will help the woman to understand what are her care providers boundaries and protocols. It will enable the care provider to hear the woman's concerns and wishes for the birth. After that initial conversation, will be written in a very simple format, and short. It will communicate to the hospital staff what the needs are for this family's birth. It is important to keep in mind that nothing about childbirth is rigid and people have to be open for flexibility. The birth plan is a really wonderful way to start the conversation.