How To Make A Birth Plan
If you are pregnant, you may have considered writing a birth plan. Here are our tips on how to make a birth plan and what you might need to consider.
What is a Birth Plan?
A birth plan is a simple way to share your wishes about your labour with your care team and support people. It doesn’t have to be long or complicated. Think of it as a guide that helps others understand what matters most to you as you welcome your baby.
Birth plans are written ahead of giving birth as it may be more difficult to express your wishes during the labour.
The Basics of a Birth Plan
Where would you like to give birth? Who do you want by your side? What kind of environment feels right for you?
Some mums love music, dim lights and aromatherapy, while others prefer a calm, quiet space. You can also include whether you’d like photos or videos taken, or if you’d rather keep things private.
Pain Relief Options
It helps to think about how you’d like to manage pain. Research the various options and ask your care providers for the options ahead of time.
Do you want to start with natural options like breathing, massage, movement or using a birthing ball?
Would you like the option of medical support such as gas, morphine or an epidural? You don’t need to make firm decisions, but knowing your preferences gives you a starting point.
Labour and Birth Preferences
You may want to note positions you’d like to try, whether you’d prefer delayed cord clamping, and if you’d like immediate skin-to-skin contact.
Consider who you’d like to cut the cord, and what your feelings are around interventions such as induction, forceps or a caesarean if they become necessary.
Also consider if you want to see the baby's sex yourself or if you want your care team to announce it.
Newborn Care
This can include how you’d like to feed your baby, whether you’d like your baby to stay in your room or spend some time in the nursery so you can rest, and your wishes around newborn procedures such as vitamin K injections, antibiotics or bathing.
Postpartum Wishes
Think about what will help you feel supported after birth. Would you like visitors straight away or some quiet bonding time first?
Do you want your partner or support person to stay overnight? It’s also okay to include small things that matter to you such as food preferences, cultural traditions or emotional support needs.
Staying Flexible
Even the most carefully thought-out plan may shift once labour begins. What matters most is that your wishes are heard and respected, and that you feel safe and supported through the process.
Print out your birth plan and ensure that your support people and care providers all have a copy.
Your birth plan is there to guide your experience, not to create pressure.
Have you written a birth plan? What did you include? Let us know!
You might also like to read these blog posts:
What to Pack in your Hospital Bag
Postpartum Essentials Checklist
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