Birth plans

It’s a good idea to write a birth plan before you go into labor so that your caregivers are familiar with what kind of birth you would like.

Birth plans are a great way to review all ofthe options open to you, but do prepare yourself to be flexible on the day, since giving birth is extremely unpredictable.

Do your research
Go to all your childbirth education classes so you know exactly what’s involved with each stage of birth, and the pain relief options available. And quiz other moms you know 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? Does your partner want to be with you, or would your prefer your mom or a close friend?

Induction Are you prepared for the fact you might have to have an induction or go overdue?

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

Pain relief
Do you want to avoid medical pain relief unless it becomes too much, or would you like an epidural?
Are you taking a TENS machine with you?
Do you want to use essential oils? See our feature on pain relief in labor

Episiotomy
Most women want to avoid an episiotomy unless it’s absolutely necessary, so put this in your birth plan if you feel strongly.

Cesarean section
Do you want to try everything you can before a c-section is considered? If you do have a cesarean does your partner want to be in the OR with you?

Your baby
Do you want your baby monitored with a fetal heart monitor, or would you prefer not to unless necessary (Bear in mind that continuous monitoring may be hospital policy)?

Would you like your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife to tell you if your baby is a boy or girl 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 do it?

Would you prefer your baby to be cleaned before being given to you or not?

Do you want to try to breastfeed straightaway?

Stage three
Do you want to deliver the placenta naturally or use drugs to speed up the delivery?
Do you wish to bank or donate your baby’s cord blood?

Also see stages of labor for a detailed look at what happens at each stage of labor. 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 isn’t exactly what you sketched out in your plan. Most deliveries are completely unpredictable, and what’s 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.

Related Articles

• Guide To : Labour and Birth: Ten tips for birth partners
• Guide To : Labour and Birth: What they don’t tell you about giving birth
• Mum Health: Your body after the birth
• Third trimester: Should I choose a hospital birth?
• Guide To : Labour and Birth: Are second births easier?