If you are pregnant right now; you have probably thought to yourself ‘ok I need to write a birth plan; but where do I begin?’
Amongst obstetricians and labour ward midwives, birth plans can sometimes get a bad rep, but I dont necessarily agree.
Whether you’re planning a birth on a labour ward or considering other options, having a birth plan—or as we prefer to call it, birth preferences—can help you feel more prepared, and ready to adapt according to the situation, leaving you with a more positive experience of your birth in the end.
Watch my youtube video for more information about how to write the perfect birth plan!
Who should make a birth plan?
Honestly, not everyone needs to do it. If you feel confident and flexible about your birth, that’s totally okay. Especially if you have given birth before and you are happy to go with the flow as you know what to expect.
Also some people just prefer to let the health professionals guide them through at the time, which is great if you know your team already.
However, if you want to outline your preferences and communicate them clearly to your healthcare team, a birth plan can be very helpful. Above all, your birth preferences are for you. It is about you and your partner sitting down, researching or learning about what might happen, and then thinking about what choices feel right for you. Yes it is a tool that can be used on the day, but you dont actually need a physical copy. You just think about the different outcomes so that you know loosely what you want.
What is the difference between a birth plan and birth preferences?
I actually prefer the term “preferences” because, as you might guess, births don’t always go exactly as planned. Preferences give you the flexibility to adjust as needed while still having your wishes known.
This is where birth plans can get a bad rep; if you have a 6 page long document, that is very fixed saying things like; I do not want you to offer me an epidural, I dont want forceps in any circumstances, that might be the right choices for you, but sometimes, when the real life situation arrives you can feel different.
If you haven’t experienced labour pain before do you really not want the option of an epidural even if you are really struggling to continue?
Preferences is a way of saying; I would prefer a medication- free birth. But it still keeps that framework loosely available if the situation shifts.
How do you prepare to fill out your birth preferences?
Start by discussing your options with your midwife or doctor. They can provide valuable insights based on your health and pregnancy. If you have had previous surgeries, medical conditions or concerns for the baby they may be able to suggest what might be advisable for you, for example if you have gestational diabetes and you take medication you may be recommended to have an induction of labour at 39 weeks.
This gives you an opportunity to discuss in more detail the pros and cons of induction of labor, as well as what this process might look like for you. As an example, I also have a video about induction of labour on this youtube channel.
Another great idea is to attend antenatal classes in person, or just watch all my videos in the pregnancy, birth and postpartum sections! Also think about books you can read about labour and delivery, and talk to other parents about their experiences.
Once you have plenty of information you can have an idea of the pros and cons of different birth options.
What should be included?
There are loads of birth preference templates online, and I have linked my example in the description of this video, or of course you can link your own.
Here are the sections that I would suggest should be included:
1. **Where to Give Birth**:
You can choose between home, a midwifery unit, or a hospital. If you’re unsure, discuss it with your healthcare provider.
You want to consider your pregnancy history, previous surgery and also what pain relief options you may be considering as not all are available in each place.
2. **Companions**
Decide who you want with you during labour, whether it’s your partner, a friend, or a family member. It can be helpful to have a backup option for if your partner is unexpectedly unavailable, unwell or you have childcare issues.
3. **Birthing Equipment**
Think about whether you’d like to use items like birthing balls, stools or swings to help you stay comfortable and mobile during labour.
You can ask if there is an option to have a tour around your birthing units either in person or online to see what options are available.
4. **Special Facilities**
Check if your hospital has facilities like birthing pools – Do you want to use the water for pain relief or even give birth in water?
5. **Monitoring During Labour**
Discuss how you’d like your baby’s heartbeat to be monitored.
Some units have an option for mobile monitoring, so if you need to have a continuous CTG you can have a wireless telemetry so you can still move around
6. **Keeping Active**
Consider whether you want to stay mobile during labour and which positions might be most comfortable for you. Make a mention that if you are to have an epidural perhaps you may still want to stay active as long as possible
7. **Pain Relief Options**
Explore different pain relief methods, from breathing techniques and water immersion to medication and epidurals. I have a whole other video on this as well.
8. **Environment**
This is an area you can really customise. Consider lighting, smells, music. Maybe you wish to arrange some photos or affirmations around the room for you to read.
You can add electronic candles if you like.
9. **The second stage or the pushing phase**
Do you have any preference on your position for pushing, how you want to be encouraged, and also who you want to be present? You may wish to make a mention of perineal massage and support for delivery to reduce the risk of tearing.
Plan B (assuming that you are intending for a vaginal delivery)
10. **Instrumental birth**
Are you open to all types of instrument, do you wish to see the instruments before or have them hidden?
11. **Abdominal birth**
Do you have a preference about C sections? Who would you have with you? What music would you like playing? Early skin to skin? Show baby being born or not, so dropping the drapes. Again I have a separate video about C sections, which I recommend watching even if you arent planning to have a C section
12. **Episiotomy and Placenta Delivery**
Talk with your midwife or doctor about these procedures and your preferences.
It’s crucial to remember that your birth preferences should be flexible. Births can be unpredictable, and what matters most is the safety of you and your baby. However it is also really important to have a good experience, and part of that can come down to how your mindset is prepared before labour.
If you are open minded, you are less likely to be ‘dissappointed or devastated’ if you have a C section that wasnt on the cards, as you will have prepared for that as your plan B in your birth preferences, and you will be ready to make that experience the best it can be as well, giving you back the feeling of control.
Be prepared to adapt as needed, and ask as many questions as you need from your healthcare team to guide you.
What if you’re unsure about what to choose?
That’s perfectly normal! If you have any doubts about what to put in your birth preferences, discuss them with your midwife or doctor. They can provide more information and help you make informed decisions.
Also as I mentioned at the start, you simply dont need to stress about this. You dont need to pre-determine your choices, and you can just go with the feeling in the moment.
So, there you have it—some key tips for writing your birth preferences.
If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to comment below. I’m here to help you feel as prepared and confident as possible for your upcoming birth.