Writing your birth plan

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Anne Richley

While you can't know for certain what will happen during your labour and birth, writing a birth plan gives you a greater chance of having the birth experience you want. We take a look at what a birth plan is, the benefit of having one, and how to go about writing it.

What is a birth plan for?

Before the birth

It encourages you to think about what you really want and to find out about the options available.
It puts your partner in the picture so he can respond appropriately to you or speak up for you during the labour and birth.

At the birth

It helps to set the 'tone' for the sort of labour and birth you're hoping for.
It focuses your midwife on your needs, so she can help you make the right decisions if you're unable to communicate well during labour.
It gives you the confidence that your personal needs are being considered, which helps you to relax and labour better.

After the birth

The fact of having had a birth plan can help you feel more at ease with how things went, even if they didn't turn out just the way you hoped.
If you don't feel your labour and birth were handled well and you want to make a complaint, you have a document to refer to.

How do you write a birth plan?

There is absolutely no set formula. It can be as brief or as detailed as you like. But it probably needs to cover the following issues:

Who will be with you

Do you want a special birthing partner or partners?
Do you only want female midwives to care for you?
What about a student midwife?

Pain relief

What are your preferences?
Do you want the opportunity to use a birthing pool?
Would you consider an epidural? This requires an anaesthetist, so advanced notice is needed.
Do you want to be mobile during labour?
Is there anything you're particularly frightened of and want to avoid, such as needles?

What happens when the baby arrives

Do you want to see the sex of your baby for yourselves rather than be told?
Does your partner want to cut the cord?
Do you want your baby put straight to your breast?

After the birth

Do you want to deliver the placenta naturally (know as a physiological third stage)?
Do you and your partner want to be left alone straight after the birth?

Think about all these things well in advance. You'll then discover what you don't know and you'll have time to find out, either through the hospital, your antenatal teacher, other mums or your midwife.

Tips for an effective birth plan
The following tips can help make your birth plan effective:

Write it as a letter. It makes it more specific to your case and helps to get your personality across to the midwife caring for you.
Complete the birth plan that may come in your antenatal notes, as your midwife then has your whole experience to refer to.
Explain why you want or don't want something, as well as what you do or don't want.
Bring your partner into it if he wants to be actively involved.
Write it in conjunction with your birthing partner, so they can speak up for you if necessary.
Pack your birth plan in your hospital bag in advance - and remember to hand it in, however bad your contractions!

What if I change my mind?

Don't worry, birth plans aren't set in stone. You can still express different preferences as your labour progresses - and your midwife or obstetrician will use their judgment too.