A birth plan is a record of what you would like to happen during your labour and after the birth. It is not essential to have a written birth plan, but it is one way you and your partner can express in advance your preferred choices for labour, birth and the early days after your baby is born.
Helping us to help you
We would like to help to make your birth experience as special as possible, and ensure it results in the best possible outcome for you and your baby.
It is really helpful if you are able to share your thoughts, feelings and plans for your birth so that we can talk these through with you and best support you and your individual needs.
Take some time to write down your personal feelings and needs however big or small and talk them through with your midwife.
Writing your birth plan
You will find a form on the last page of your hand held notes where you can write your plan. You can write your plan separately if you prefer.
Below are some of the things to think about when preparing for your labour and birth. These are only a guide, please feel free to add anything else that occurs to you.
Preferred place of birth
e.g. home/ birth centre/ hospital
Support through labour and birth
e.g. from partner / relative / friend / doula
Intended ways of coping with labour
e.g. complimentary therapy, breathing techniques, tens, pool, Entonox (gas and air), drugs, Epidural
Positions for birth
e.g. standing / squatting / all fours
Birth of your baby
e.g. Skin to skin, cutting of the cord, announcing the sex of the baby
Placenta
e.g. natural delivery, assisted delivery (injection)
Vitamin K
Would you like your baby to have Vitamin K?
Feeding your baby
How are you planning to feed your baby?
