Welcoming a new life into the world is a monumental and empowering experience, and creating a birth plan or writing down your birth preferences can be a valuable tool in ensuring that your birthing experience aligns with your preferences and desires. As expectant parents, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety about the impending arrival of your little one. One powerful concept that can guide you through this process is the “Circle of Control.”
Understanding the Circle of Control
The Circle of Control is a psychological concept that encourages you to focus your energy and attention on things within your control, rather than dwelling on factors beyond your control. This principle can be especially helpful when it comes to writing your birth plan, as there are aspects of the birthing experience that you can influence, and others that are beyond your control.
Identifying Elements within Your Control
- Birth Environment: Begin by considering the atmosphere in which you would feel most comfortable giving birth. Think about factors such as lighting, music, and the presence of loved ones. Discuss your preferences with your birth partner, doula, birthing team and explore options that align with your vision.
- Labour Positions and Movement: Research different labour positions and movement techniques that can benefit and support the birthing process. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider and express your desire to have flexibility in choosing positions that feel right for you during labour.
- Pain Management: Outline your preferences for pain management, whether it’s through natural methods like breathing exercises, massage, or water immersion, or medical interventions such as epidurals. Ensure that your choices are communicated clearly with your healthcare team.
- Medical Interventions: Understand the available medical interventions and express your preferences regarding interventions like induction, episiotomy, and fetal monitoring. Discuss the potential benefits and risks with your healthcare provider to make informed decisions.
- Postpartum Care: Consider your wishes for immediate postpartum care, including skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding preferences, and any specific instructions for the care of your newborn.
Elements Outside Your Control
- Unpredictable Circumstances: Acknowledge that childbirth is inherently unpredictable. While you can plan for many aspects, unforeseen circumstances may arise. Be open to adjustments and trust your healthcare team to prioritize the well-being of both you and your baby. Use your BRAIN acronym to help you with informed decision-making.
- Medical Emergencies: Understand that in certain situations, medical emergencies may necessitate interventions that deviate from your initial plan. Be prepared mentally for unexpected scenarios and trust your healthcare providers to make the best decisions for your safety. Use your BRAIN acronym to help you with informed decision-making.
Crafting a birth plan using the Circle of Control is a powerful way to empower yourself during the birthing process. By focusing on elements within your influence and acknowledging those beyond it, you can approach childbirth with a sense of preparedness and confidence. Communication with your birth partner, doula and healthcare team is key, and the collaborative effort between you, your birth partner, doula, and your medical professionals can help create a positive and fulfilling birthing experience that aligns with your values and preferences. Embrace the journey, trust the process, and celebrate the miracle of life.
Download your Circle of Control worksheet and start your birth planning now!
Sources and further reading
- LOTHIAN, Judith. Birth plans: the good, the bad, and the future. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 2006, 35. Jg., Nr. 2, S. 295-303.
- MEI, Jenny Y., et al. Birth plans: what matters for birth experience satisfaction. Birth, 2016, 43. Jg., Nr. 2, S. 144-150.
- MUTONGI, Chipo; MAZHAWIDZA, Rushworth. DEALING WITH THE MINDSET WHEN FACED WITH CHANGE AND DIFFERENT SITUATIONS.
- Dr Lucy Russell: https://www.theyarethefuture.co.uk/circle-of-control-printable/