Birth plans

Your birth plan is the plan that you make to express how you want things to happen during your labour. This helps you to become an active participant in how things might happen during labour, rather than feeling left out of the decisions that might be taken.

It is growing more common, these days, for women (and their partners) to want to take a more active role in their birthing experience and many doctors and midwives acknowledge this need by encouraging the creation of a birth plan. The birth plan is not a legal document, but it does allow the parents-to-be to express their expectations and hopes for their labour experience. A plan like this is also helpful for midwives to deal with any unrealistic expectations or possible disappointments that might occur.

It is in your birth plan you can express your desire for things like: the number of birth partners you want to be present with you, how long you want to remain at home for, your hope to use the birthing pool, your preference not to be shaved or given an enema, and your desire to give birth in the squatting position, rather than lying on your back. You may like to write down what your preference for pain relief is, how you feel about forceps use and what you think about episiotomy.

Your midwife will be able to advise you on your birth plan considering your pregnancy needs. A birth plan is just that, a plan, and  it is worth remembering that although you want your labour to happen in a certain way, sometimes it will not be in the best interests of your baby to take a particular course, initially recommended by you.

Here are some issues to think about when writing your birth plan:

Do your research - Go to all your antenatal classes so you know exactly what is involved with each stage of birth, and pain relief options available.  It might be a good idea to quiz other women you know, who have given birth, so you can make your mind up about the kind of birth you want.  Here are some questions to ask yourself when writing your plan:
 
Support - Who do you want with you at the birth and who don’t you want. (sometimes relatives and friends can turn up unexpectedly thinking they can help – your midwife can send them away if you wish)

Induction – Are you prepared for the fact you might have to have an induction?

Where - Do you want a home birth or a hospital birth? If you want a home birth, discuss this with your midwife or GP first so they can asses your pregnancy to see if it is suitable. Do you want to give birth in a birthing suite, or have a water birth?
Equipment – do you want to try a birthing pool if one is available? Do you need a birthing stool, or birthing ball? Do you have your own TENS machine?

Positions you want to labour in – Would you prefer to have an active labour where you move from position to position, or do you want to lie down?

Pain relief – Do you want to avoid pain relief unless it becomes too much, or will you keep your options open. Do you have your own TENS machine or will you require one. It is up to you whether you want drugs or not, and you can change your mind if things become unbearable. If you want an epidural, make sure you tell your midwife when you are admitted so arrangements can be made.

Episiotomy – most women want to avoid an episiotomy unless it is absolutely necessary, so put this in your birth plan.

Caesarean sections – Do you want to try everything you can before a C-section is considered? If you do have a Caesarean does your partner want to be in theatre with you?

Your baby – Do you want your baby monitored with a foetal heart monitor, or would you prefer not to unless necessary? Would you like the midwife to tell you the sex of your baby once it has been delivered or would you and your partner like to find out for yourself? Would you like your baby delivered onto your abdomen? Will your partner cut the cord, or would you prefer one of the medical team to do it? Would you prefer your baby to be cleaned up before being given to you or not? Do you want to try to breastfeed straight away?

Stage three – do you want to deliver the placenta naturally or use drugs to encourage delivery? Do you want your baby to be given Vitamin K? (Read our Vitamin K feature for more information)

Bear in mind that some women will get the kind of birth they want, and others will have unexpected twists and turns on the way. Don’t feel upset if your baby’s birth is not exactly what you wrote in your plan. Most babies are completely unpredictable, and what is important is that you and your baby are safe and healthy.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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