Birth mapping…what is it and why do I think it's bloody amazing?!
The concept of birth mapping, also known as Birth Cartography, is a refreshingly different approach to birth preparation. Created by Catherine Bell, birth mapping goes beyond traditional birth plans by offering a more flexible, detailed approach. It considers various scenarios and outcomes, providing expectant parents and birth workers with tools and training to navigate the complexities of childbirth.
The idea is to prepare thoroughly without making assumptions, accommodating whatever path the birth might take. This method aims to empower parents-to-be by giving them comprehensive support and resources to navigate their unique birth experience confidently.
"Birth might not be predictable, but that doesn't mean it's not preparable" – Catherine Bell
Have we always had birth plans?
Well, yes and no! Prior to the medicalisation of childbirth in the mid-20th century, birth was a community affair, and the knowledge and skills of supporting women during pregnancy and birth were handed down from one wise woman to another. Birth plans at this point in history consisted of familial and social considerations such as "who will be with me during my labour?"; "when to call the midwife?"; "who can I rely on to take care of me after the birth?" (Lothian, 2006).
Once birth shifted from home to hospital, traditional midwifery skills were replaced by obstetric practices. In the 1980s and 90s, birth plans were championed by prominent figures from the natural childbirth movement (such as Penny Simkin) as a way for women to reclaim choice and control over their birth experience. Modern versions of birth plans convey information such as women's preferences for pain relief; their approach to clinical interventions; and how they wish to be supported by their birth team.
There is an ongoing love/hate relationship between maternity care providers and birth plans, with definite animosity towards the "non-scientific" roots of birth plans (DeBaets, 2017) and a discord between philosophies. They just can't seem to get past the P-word — "plan". This is why I love the above quote from Catherine Bell — birth is inherently unpredictable; there is no such thing as a "textbook birth". However, this doesn't mean that time preparing for birth isn't time well-spent.
I found a great birth plan template online, isn't that enough?
Again, yes and no! This depends entirely on how much preparation you wish to do for birth. Here are some drawbacks to using a birth plan template:
- They tend to be generic and impersonal. Online templates are designed to suit a wide audience, so they may not cover specific preferences, concerns, or cultural practices that are important to you. They can be too generic, missing nuances that might be significant in your unique situation.
- Lack of detailed explanations. Templates often include standard options without detailed explanations, which might lead to choices without fully understanding their implications. This can result in a birth plan that doesn't truly reflect your wishes or fully prepare you for what to expect.
- Over-simplification of complex decisions. Birth involves many complex decisions that might need more personalised consideration than a template can provide. Important issues might be oversimplified, leading to a lack of preparation for decisions that need to be made during labour, or how those decisions may affect your care going forwards.
- False sense of preparedness. Relying on a pre-made template might give you a false sense of preparedness. Working through Catherine's resources to create a comprehensive birth map ensures that all aspects are considered and understood, rather than just checking boxes on a form.
Why is birth mapping a better approach?
As Catherine frequently says, there is no one way! Birth mapping recognises the uniqueness of each woman's birth experience by acknowledging that everyone brings their own set of life experiences, cultural, religious and social values. These personal attributes, whether we are aware of them or not, play a significant role in shaping our birth experiences. Exploring our individual characteristics during pregnancy enables us to understand their potential impact on labour, birth, and the early days of parenting.
So, why birth mapping?
- Tailored to individual needs. Every birth map is unique, tailored to individual needs and circumstances. This personalisation ensures that the birth experience is aligned with personal values and expectations, unlike a generic birth plan template.
- Promotes flexibility. Unlike traditional birth plans, which often list preferences in a linear, checklist-like format, birth mapping involves creating a more dynamic and detailed map of preferences and decisions. This allows for greater flexibility and adaptability, which is essential because birth is unpredictable and often does not follow a predetermined course.
- Comprehensive preparation. Birth maps go beyond simple clinical preferences and encompass broader aspects of birth, including emotional support and contingency strategies. This helps expecting parents feel more prepared for various scenarios, reducing anxiety and increasing confidence.
- Enhanced communication. Birth mapping facilitates better communication between all parties involved — parents, midwives, doctors, and support people. By clearly mapping out preferences and potential decision paths, it ensures that everyone is on the same page.
- Improved collaboration with care providers. Care providers tend to respond more positively to birth maps because they move away from the rigid implications of a "plan". This shift often leads to greater respect for your choices during birth.
- Empowerment through information. Birth mapping encourages women to deeply research and understand their choices, leading to more informed decisions. This gives women a greater sense of control over their birthing experience.
- Strengthening the birth support team. Birth mapping allows the support team to deeply understand the woman's preferences and values, fostering mutual trust. Birth maps also empower support people by clearly defining their roles, enabling them to act with greater confidence and clarity.
Sounds great! Where can I find a template?
Actually, there isn't one available! The absence of a template is the whole point. Catherine's method is tailored to meet the unique preferences, values, and circumstances of each individual — something a standard template cannot achieve. Birth mapping promotes an in-depth exploration of personal choices and scenarios, fostering an understanding and responsiveness to the dynamic nature of childbirth that a fixed template simply cannot provide.
How can I create a birth map of my own?
You can start by joining the member portal on Catherine's website for free! Once you sign up, you'll gain access to the online version of her book and the "Game of Birth", which is an engaging activity to explore with your chosen birth partner(s). As you progress through the book, you will learn about various care pathways and the decisions you may encounter, understand their implications, and begin to identify what's most important to you. Remember, there's no right or wrong way to approach this — it's all about finding what works best for you!
Having completed Catherine's Birth Cartographer training in 2023, I am now offering birth mapping sessions. If you're interested or have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me for more information.