Many midwifery teams will provide you with a book which you carry with you everywhere whilst you are pregnant up until you give birth. This book is super important as it contains all medical information about you for your pregnancy, and also gives you a place to write any questions you have about pregnancy and childbirth to ask your midwife on your next visit.
It is very important to understand why the birth plan usually has the word “preferences” in it, the reason for that is you cannot predict exactly what is going to happen in the future. What you decide for your preferences will be taken into consideration but may not be medically or physically possible to achieve at the time.
How to Create Your Birth Plan Preferences: Step-by-Step
1. Start with Research
Understanding the choices available to you is the first step. In the UK, resources like the NHS website provide guidance on maternity care, pain relief, and labour options.
2. Discuss Your Options
Speak with your midwife during antenatal appointments. They can explain the facilities available at your chosen hospital or birthing centre and help clarify your options.
3. Decide What Matters Most to You
Think about the key areas you want to address in your birth plan, such as:
- Environment: Do you want dim lighting, music, or specific items to create a calming space?
- Pain Relief: Are you open to an epidural, or would you prefer natural pain relief methods?
- Delivery Preferences: Are you open to interventions such as assisted delivery or a C-section?
- Support People: Who do you want with you during labour?
4. Stay Flexible
While it’s great to have preferences, unexpected circumstances may arise. Include statements like, “I would prefer X but am open to changes if medically necessary.”
Always remember that because these are preferences, they may not happen. As an example, you may opt for a water birth but later find that due to your medical status this is ruled out as an option, or, when you are in the hospital to give birth, all of the water birth suites are occupied.
5. Write It Down
Your birth plan should be concise and easy to read. Bullet points or short paragraphs are ideal.
During the big rush of childbirth, some things may get overlooked or missed, however make sure all of your wants are written down.
Labour Preferences
- Who Will Be Present
- Who do you want in the delivery room?
- Do you want your partner, family members, or a doula?
- Will you allow student midwives or additional healthcare professionals?
- Pain Relief Options
- Do you prefer natural pain relief methods (e.g., breathing techniques, water birth)?
- Are you open to medical interventions like gas and air, pethidine, or an epidural?
- Would you like your partner to remind you of your preferred pain relief methods?
- Environment
- Would you like dim lighting, calming music, or silence?
- Do you want the option to move around freely during labour?
- Are there specific items (e.g., pillows, handheld fan, essential oils) you’d like to bring?
- Monitoring and Interventions
- How do you feel about continuous fetal monitoring?
- Are you comfortable with interventions like assisted delivery (e.g., forceps or vacuum)?
Delivery Preferences
- Birth Position
- Do you want to try different positions (e.g., squatting, kneeling, or lying down)?
- Pushing Preferences
- Do you want guidance on when to push, or would you prefer to follow your body’s instincts?
- Recording or Photography
- Do you want the birth recorded (photos or video)?
- Would you like someone to take pictures of the first moments after birth?
Post-Birth Preferences
- Skin-to-Skin Contact
- Do you want immediate skin-to-skin contact with your baby after birth?
- If you are unable, should your partner have skin-to-skin time instead?
- Cord Clamping
- Would you like delayed cord clamping (waiting until the cord stops pulsating)?
- Who would you like to cut the cord?
- Baby Care
- Do you want to breastfeed immediately, or would you prefer to wait?
- Are you open to supplementing with formula if needed?
6. Share Your Birth Plan
Discuss your plan with your midwife and ensure it’s added to your maternity notes. Bring a copy to the hospital when you go into labour.
