Well Done Mum

Preparing a Birth Plan

Birth plans are becoming more and more common. A birth plan is a way to communicate your desires for your birth, whether that be for medications, no drugs or anything in between. By this way, you let your doctors, nurses and midwives know how best to help you in labour and after the birth.

The best advice for making a birth plan is to be realistic and flexible, don't be disappointed if things don't go exactly as planned as they rarely do.

As you write your birth plan, consider each of these areas thoroughly and then write your choices down.

Your care provider preference: most women use obstetricians to provide prenatal care and to assist in the delivery of their babies but others women favour midwifery care for their pregnancies;

• Location of birth: where would you like your baby to be born?
• Preferences regarding your labour environment such as who you want in the delivery room? Or any birthing equipment you might prefer
• Monitoring: how do you want the baby to be monitored during labour?
• Pain relief: want pain medications if any you would prefer?
• If Induction of labour is required, what techniques you would prefer
• Any feelings you have about assisted delivery such as the use of forceps or Ventouse?
• Any special wishes for the first moments after the birth such as cutting of the umbilical cord?
• Your feelings on initiation of breastfeeding