A marvellous, and novel, way to present a birth plan….but be sure to take the time to investigate your options and discuss them with your care providers. No matter how well you present your plan, it is the planNING that is important. Making sure you understand the evidence behind each preference and that your care providers will support it. Making sure your birth team understand the plan and know how you expect them to ‘behave’. A successful birth plan takes more than a pretty picture. ..a successful plan is an INFORMED one. How you present that plan is entirely up to you, and this simple icon approach is very valid. The written plan needn’t be more than a few simple statments regarding the points where informed consent (or refusal) is required. The contingency plan is likely to be more serious, and perhaps not appropriate to be ‘cute’.
This icon image approach highlights the importance of simplicity. Your plan is NOT an essay. It is not a wish list. It is a serious document. Your choices matter, and need to be made known (in advance, and on the day), especially when you are making informed refusal of routine procedures. Birth is not a procedure. Birth is a rite of passage. And it should be on your terms.