What Happens When Your Birth Plan Goes Off Track? Jessica Biel Discusses Her Emergency C-Section

Things in life don’t always go according to plan—and that statement is never more true than when it comes to pregnancy and motherhood. Actress Jessica Biel learned that first-hand this past spring with the arrival of her son Silas, according to Self.com.

Childbirth 101: Prepare to be unprepared

Despite all of her planning—including hoarding baby books, working with midwives, and taking birthing classes—Biel’s vision of a picturesque natural birth was not meant to be, and she was quickly transferred to the hospital for an emergency C-section.

As someone who proclaims to be “obsessed with everything organic, toxin-free, natural, and homeopathic for our kid,” this was a particularly tough pill to swallow for Biel, who came home feeling tired and disillusioned.

Despite Biel’s success, financial security, and access to some of the best care and support, she learned that it is impossible to control every aspect of labor—and sometimes relinquishing that control is necessary for the health and wellbeing of yourself and your child. Simply put, sometimes childbirth is unpredictable, and you have no choice but to be flexible. You can read the full article on Jessica Biel’s birth experience here.

Our takeaway? You may not be able to control everything as a mother, but you can come armed with knowledge

The article suggests you forgo a birth plan in favor of a birth “preference,” which can make it easier to cope with unexpected occurrences during labor. This is a great way to approach being a mom—sure, you’ll have preferences, but don’t get down on yourself or be surprised if things don’t go as you expect.

To help yourself cope with whatever comes your way during childbearing and motherhood, remember you’re not alone and stay flexible when you hit a bump in the road. Get help from trusted healthcare providers as well as friends who are moms; you can also read up on issues in well-rated books and established online resources.

To do our part, we developed Dr. Parker’s guide about what goes on with your body during and after pregnancy. The information included in it, tempered with doses of humor, just might help you feel less discouraged when something doesn’t go to plan.