Perspectives of expectant women and health care providers on birth plans.

Objective: A birth plan is a document detailing a woman's preferences and expectations related to labour and delivery. Empirical research exploring the value of birth plans has shown conflicting findings about whether birth plans have a positive or negative effect on labour and delivery, suggesting a need for further study. This study aimed to understand the perspectives of women, health care providers, and support persons regarding the use of birth plans.

Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire was distributed to a convenience sample of expectant or postpartum women, health care providers, and support persons from January 2012 to March 2012 in British Columbia.

Results: In total, 122 women and 110 health care providers and support persons completed the questionnaire. Both women and their attendants viewed the birth plan as being valuable for acting as both a communication and education tool. However, the respondents noted that women may be disappointed or dissatisfied if a birth plan cannot be implemented. The most important elements of a birth plan identified included pain management, comfort measures (e.g., mobility during labour), postpartum preferences (e.g., breastfeeding), atmosphere (e.g., privacy), and birthing beliefs (e.g., cultural views).

Conclusion: This is the first study to identify advantages and disadvantages of using a birth plan as well as the most important aspects of a birth plan from the perspectives of both women and their attendants in Canada. The findings could be applied to optimize the efficacy of birth plans in Canada and potentially internationally as well.