Making a Birth Plan?

Jul 10, 2010 under Pregnancy

Wherever you choose to have your baby (including at home), it is a good idea to talk through your options for care and any treatment, preferably with. at least one of the midwives who is likely to be with you during labor. This discussion can then be formalized into a birth plan, which is written down and held with your notes.

Some hospital maternity departments have their own forms for birth plans but you do not have to stick to theirs if you don’t want to. In any case your midwife is likely to point out that it is best to be flexible: your birth plan does not commit you to anything and circumstances and preferences can change even at the last minute.

The birth plan is really an aid to communication between you and your carers and it is better to compile it with a midwife than to present her with one that you have already drawn up. She may well think of issues you have missed, and will know what facilities are available in your area (not all hospitals have water pools, for example).

Who do you want with you?

You will probably want to have your partner with you, but you may also want more than one person, such as a friend or relative, or no one. If you do not want anyone you know, but do want some extra support, ask for someone to be with you: a midwife or student midwife will be happy to be there for you, while her colleague delivers the baby.

What sort of position might you find comfortable?

Ideally you should give birth in a room that offers a range of options: cushions, chair, bed, a covered area on the floor, so that you can move between them as and when you feel like it.

Can you opt for an epidural at any point? This may become particularly important if you need a caesarean. A general anesthetic takes effect more quickly, but not all ‘emergency’ caesareans need to be done immediately.

Do you want an electronic fetal monitor all or only some of the time?

Do you wish to avoid an episiotomy? Or induction? Other intervention? Do you want your waters broken or would you prefer them to go naturally?

Do you want your birth companion with you at all times, including when you are being examined?

How long might you have to stay in hospital?