What is a birth plan?
A birth plan does very much what it “says on the tin”, in that it enables you to put a plan in place for how you would like to give birth to your baby. Of course many factors may mean that this plan isn’t carried out to the letter – your baby may arrive earlier than expected; you may opt for a different type of pain relief on the day; or it may be necessary for you to have a Caesarean delivery, for example. However, a birth plan does give you the chance to state how you would ideally like your baby delivered, and this information is then used by those assisting in the birth of your baby – such as maternity unit staff, midwives at home or your birthing partner.
Where can you get a plan from?
When you go for your first appointment with your midwife, you will probably be given a book of notes (usually blue), which contains forms and information about your pregnancy. Each time you go for a scan or a check up with your midwife, the notes in this book will be updated.
This book may contain a basic birth plan, which you can complete later on in your pregnancy after discussing options with your midwife and perhaps after attending antenatal classes. However, you can just as easily create your own birth plan from scratch and talk it over with your midwife. If, by your 26-week appointment with your midwife, this hasn’t been mentioned to you, ask her about your birth plan options and putting a plan together.
You should make sure that a copy of your plan is kept in your hospital notes book, which you will need to have with you when the time comes to give birth to your baby. It’s also a good idea to give a copy to your midwife and keep a spare copy at home.
What should it include?
Your birth plan can be as concise or comprehensive as you want it, although if your wishes are written down clearly and as succinctly as possible, this will certainly help those with you during labour. Here are a few things you might want to consider and include on your plan:
• Where do you intend to have your baby (home, maternity unit, mother’s suite etc)?
• What kind of delivery are you planning to have (vaginal birth, Caesarean section)?
• Who are you planning to have as a birth partner(s)?
• Is there a particular midwife you would like to be there if she/he is available?
• What kind of pain relief are you planning to use?
• Are there any other things you would like to use, such as massage or relaxation techniques?
• Will you require additional facilities, such as a birthing pool, bean bags or TENS machine?
• What positions would you like to use during labour (remain upright and mobile for as long as possible, prefer to be in bed etc)?
• How do you want your baby’s heart to be monitored during labour (hand-held device or an electronic belt strapped around your waist – ask your midwife for more information about these options)?
• Do you have particular feelings about assisted delivery, for example about the use of forceps or ventouse?
• Do you have any special wishes for the first moments after your baby is born?
• Are you planning to breast- or bottlefeed your baby?
It may not be possible for all of the wishes expressed on your birth plan to be carried out, but it’s a good idea to think about these things well before your baby’s due date. Talk to your midwife and your birth partner about anything else you might want to consider; write down notes as you think of them and then finalise your birth plan with your midwife.
The most important thing is that you feel as comfortable and reassured as possible when the big day finally arrives and a birth plan can help you with this.
