Why every family makes a plan
- Most planned births do not require emergency transport, but complications can arise in any setting. A written plan reduces confusion and supports faster communication if hospital care becomes appropriate.
- The plan is reviewed during prenatal care and should be complete with your birth supplies by about 35-36 weeks.
Choose and document
- Your preferred hospital and the closest hospital capable of emergency obstetric and newborn care.
- The primary route, an alternate route, typical travel time, parking or emergency entrance, and who will drive when ambulance transport is not required.
- Primary midwife, backup midwife, assistant, obstetric consultant if applicable, pediatrician or family physician, emergency contacts, childcare, and pet care.
- Where identification, insurance information, medication list, prenatal records, and a hospital bag will be kept.
During a transfer
- Julia makes every effort to notify the receiving facility, provide a concise report, and share records with your permission.
- When circumstances allow, she remains with you as an advocate and labor support person. She does not have hospital privileges and will not direct hospital medical care.
- Emergency medical services may be activated when a condition is time-sensitive or life-threatening.
Review your plan
- Reconfirm the plan if you move, change hospitals, change pediatric providers, or learn about road closures or major construction.
- Make sure every support person knows the plan and understands that consent, safety, and clear communication guide decisions.