Preparing for Birth: How To Write A Birth Plan
Preparing for the birth of your baby is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming time. One way to ensure that your preferences are communicated and considered during labour and birth, is by creating what many have termed a '“birth plan”. A birth plan is a written document that outlines your wishes for labour, birth, and postpartum care. While flexibility is key—since childbirth can be unpredictable—having a “plan” or rather, preferences in place, helps you feel more confident and prepared. Here’s a little guide on how to create a comprehensive birth plan.
Step 1: Understand the Purpose of a Birth Plan
A birth plan serves as a guide for your healthcare professionals and support team (midwives, doctors, birth partners and so on). It helps them understand your preferences and priorities, ensuring that your voice is heard during labour and birth. While medical professionals will always aim to prioritise the ‘safety’ of you and your baby, a birth plan allows you to express your desires regarding the options for pain management, interventions, and postpartum care.
Step 2: Research Your Options
Before drafting your birth plan, take the time to research different birthing options, medical interventions, and hospital policies. Consider discussing your choices with your healthcare professional, doula, or midwife to gain insight into what is realistic and achievable based on your medical history and birthing location.
Step 3: Structure Your Birth Plan
A clear and concise birth plan is most effective. Keep it to one or two pages and use bullet points or short paragraphs or animations for easy readability. Here are key sections to include:
1. Personal Information
Your name, partner’s name, or birth partner(s’) name.
The choice of birth location whether it be at home, hospital or birth centre.
2. Labour and Birth Preferences
Preferred birthing environment (dim lighting, music, aromatherapy, etc.).
Desired birthing positions (e.g. walking, using a birthing ball, squatting, water birth).
Preferences for pain management (natural techniques, epidural, medications, or a combination).
Preferences regarding fetal monitoring (continuous or intermittent monitoring).
Views on medical interventions such as labour induction, episiotomy, or assisted birth (forceps or vacuum/suction cup extraction).
Preferences for the type of language used (surges or waves instead of the word contractions)
3. Support and People in the Room
Who you want present during labour and birth (partner, family members, doula, photographer, etc.).
Whether you’d like students or additional staff present.
4. Postpartum and Newborn Care
Preferences for immediate skin-to-skin contact with your baby.
Delayed cord clamping or cord blood banking.
Breastfeeding preferences (exclusive breast/chestfeeding, formula feeding, lactation support needs).
Newborn medical procedures (Vitamin K - injection or oral, antibiotics, heel prick blood tests).
5. Unexpected Situations or Emergency Plans
Preferences in case of an unplanned C-section.
Who should accompany the baby if separation is deemed necessary.
Any religious or cultural considerations that should be observed.
Step 4: Keep It Flexible
While it’s important to express your preferences, it’s equally crucial to remain adaptable. Labour and birth are unpredictable, and circumstances may require deviations from your original plan. The goal is to ensure that your healthcare team understands your wishes, whilst leaving room for them to hopefully provide the evidence-based information to support you in making medical decisions for you and your baby’s safety.
Step 5: Share Your Birth Plan
Once you’ve finalised your birth plan, share it and talk it through with your healthcare provider or doula during an antenatal appointment or session. Bring copies to the hospital or birthing centre, and give one to your partner, doula, or any support person who will be present during labour. Keeping everyone informed ensures a smoother and more supportive birth experience.
Final Thoughts
Writing a birth plan empowers you to make informed decisions and communicate your expectations for labour and birth without additional tension during YOUR birthing experience. While flexibility is essential, having a plan in place can provide peace of mind and enhance your birthing experience. Take the time to explore your options, discuss them with your midwife, and craft a birth plan that reflects your needs and values. With the right preparation, you’ll be able to approach your baby’s arrival with confidence and clarity.
