You are hoping for that long-awaited positive result, and to your joy, it finally happens! However, everything that seemed to be going according to your plans slips out of your hands and now, for various reasons, you end up losing your health insurance or you have a new plan and discover that due to the waiting period, your delivery will not be covered. Now what?

For some women, the idea of having their baby through the public health system (SUS) is a real nightmare. Especially if they already have a history of trauma or have experienced poor care in their area. With this in mind, the birth plan was created and is offered by some health insurances and maternity hospitals.

Types of Service

Obviously, each company that works with the birth plan offers different types of services and care, so the best thing is to do plenty of research before choosing one. Some offer, in addition to the delivery, extra luxuries such as accommodation for the companion, meals, and parking for the entire stay. A video recording of the birth and photos may also be included, but of course, everything has a cost. Another big difference is the prices, which can vary greatly.

Lack of Care in the Public System

We see many pregnant women experiencing neglect in the public health system (SUS), unable to receive proper care during pregnancy, and the moment of childbirth—which should be unique, magical, and unforgettable—becomes a nightmare. A total lack of consideration for women at such a special time! Of course, we cannot generalize1, but 80% of maternity hospitals and public clinics offer poor care to pregnant women, and in some places, the neglect is even greater.

Prenatal care can be done smoothly at local health clinics, but the birth itself is a major concern. Care is given by the doctor at the clinic nearest to the woman’s home, but at the time of delivery, she is sent to the nearest maternity hospital—which does not always treat expectant mothers as they should. For those who have the alternative not to have their baby through the public health system and choose a birth plan, it is well worth it for the safety and comfort it provides.

How to Arrange and How the Birth Plan Works

The birth plan2 is an option for women who are without health insurance and want the delivery to happen as expected and as calmly as possible. To arrange your birth plan or maternity plan, you need to look at maternity hospitals of your interest and those closest to your home to see if they offer this type of service, and also research carefully before making a decision.

Talking to friends and acquaintances who have recently given birth can help with your search, as they can give good or bad references.

Maternity Plans

Some maternity hospitals provide full details of the services included in the birth plan on their websites, making research easier for pregnant women. Others may require you to schedule a visit for further clarification. In general, the basic birth plan includes the following services:

  • Hospital admission for the mother—2 days for vaginal birth and 3 days for cesarean delivery
  • Anesthesia and the use of all necessary equipment
  • Pre and post-operative care, dressings, medications, and all materials used during birth
  • Pre-labor and delivery room available 24 hours
  • Nursery
  • Nursing services and care
  • Heel prick test, eye test, and hearing test
  • BCG and Hepatitis B vaccines

Remember that each maternity hospital offers its own plan with unique features; some also provide comfort for the companion, such as a bed, parking, and meals. It’s important to note that the plan covers the birth of a single baby and in the case of twins, the price will be different. If there is a need for admission to the Neonatal ICU or an extended stay for the mother, additional costs will apply.

When Do I Have to Pay?

When you purchase the birth plan, the first payment is usually required at the time of purchase, with subsequent payments due on the same date each month, and the plan must be paid off by the day the baby is born. Payment in full is required when the mother is admitted, and if payment is not made, admission may be denied. The ability to pay in installments throughout pregnancy is a major advantage of the plan and what interests many mothers.

See Also: How to Choose the Ideal Maternity Hospital?

Photos: Anna Langova, Anton Nossik