So, you're thinking about birth and have been told that you must make a birth plan. But what is a birth plan? How do you make one? What do you put in it? Take a breath, and let's have a look together.
What is a birth plan?
A birth plan is a document that tells anyone involved in the birth of your baby what you would like to happen. From what kind of birth you would like, how you'd like the environment, and your preferences on interventions. As well as what you would like to happen, it is important to note down things you wish to avoid.
Click here to get your Birth Plan template!
Tips for creating a birth plan
Don't create just one. Birth rarely goes to plan and nobody can predict how it will go. There may be at least one thing that doesn't quite go to plan so make sure you have your plan B and even plan C.
Make sure you talk through your plan with your birth partner. It's important they know what to expect so, if needed, they can advocate for you effectively. There may be times when you may be focused on working through a contraction and not be able to respond to a question.
Do your research around all aspects of birth, from pain relief to your thoughts (think BRAIN) around inductions and everything in between. Being able to make these decisions beforehand and perhaps what circumstances may change your decision can be easier and you can be prepared for what may happen.
Think about all moments, not just the obvious like pain relief and birth positions (although still important!), but think about whether you'd like your baby to come earth side to a particular song or who is going to catch your baby? These are moments that will stick with you too.
Ok, not so fun and may not be needed by the midwife, but think about the logistics around giving birth. Do you have any other children or pets at home that you need someone to look after? Who's going to take you and bring you back from the hospital? All these things can impact your state of mind for labour too.
This is your birth, not anyone else's. I cannot stress this enough. You are birthing into a mother too as well as bringing a tiny human into the world, whether that's for the first time, second or whatever subsequent number baby. It's called Matrascence. You are going through such a transformative moment, don't forget about you.
What to include in your birth plan?
Your name, birth partner's name, and a bit about your history. Also, any religious or cultural traditions around birth.
Details about the birth environment- lighting, smells, music.
Pain relief options- natural and medical
Positions for labour and birth
Vaginal exams, foetal scalp electrodes, ECG monitoring, waters breaking anyone?
Your thoughts on interventions (forceps, ventouse) and episiotomy or natural tearing?
Do you want to be coached to push or trust your body to do it naturally?
Whether you would like baby passed straight to you or weighed and wiped first? Who will catch baby?
Who is going to announce the sex of your baby?
Your rules on the 'Golden Time'.
Vitamin K- oral, injection or no thank you!
When do you want the cord to be cut, and who by?
How you plan on feeding baby.
What do you plan on doing with the cord blood or the placenta?
If you're planning (or making your Plan B) for a caesarean birth, as well as much of the above, there may be some other things to think about:
Would you like to see baby being born?
Would you like baby to emerge themselves? There is a way where the obstetrician can pull baby out part way and baby can make their own entrance into the world, how sweet!
Do you want silence so your voice is the first voice your baby hears?
There are a lot of things to consider for birth, and it can feel a little overwhelming when faced with so many questions that you may not know much about. Make sure you do your research, read books, listen to podcasts, and attend Antenatal Classes.
But get creative, tap into what your intuition is telling you and take your time on this.
Good luck with creating your birth plan!
Amy x
P.S. Don't forget to grab your free Birth Plan Template here!
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