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A birth plan is a record of what you would like to happen during your labor and after the birth. You don't have to create a birth plan but, if you would like one, your midwife will be able to help. Discussing a birth plan with your midwife gives you the chance to ask questions and find out more about what happens in labor.
It also gives your midwife the chance to get to know you better, and understand your feelings and priorities, and allows you to think about or discuss some things more fully with your partner, friends and relatives. You can change your mind about your wishes for labor and birth at any time.
Your birth plan is personal to you. It depends on what you want, your medical history, your circumstances, and what is available at your maternity service. You might be given a special form for your birth plan, or there may be room in your notes. It's a good idea to keep a copy of your birth plan with you. The maternity team who care for you during labor will discuss it with you so they know what you want.
You need to be flexible and prepared to do things differently from your birth plan if complications arise with you or your baby, or if facilities such as a birth pool aren't available. The maternity team will tell you what they advise in your particular circumstances. Don't hesitate to ask questions if you need to.
You can find out more about the things you need to think about when making a birth plan, such as:
You can work out whether there's anything you feel strongly about and might wish to include.
What you'll need for labor and birth
Get a few things ready at least 3 weeks before your due date.
For yourself, you'll probably want to pack:
For the baby, you might want to pack:
If you're planning to give birth at home, discuss your plans and what you need to prepare with your midwife. Think about where in your home you want to give birth.
You're likely to need:
Even if you're planning to have your baby at home, you should pack some things in case you need to go to the hospital at any point.
When you come home, you will not want to do much more than rest and care for your baby, so do as much planning as you can in advance. If you can, buy lots of basic items such as toilet paper, sanitary towels, and nappies in advance. If you have a freezer, you could cook some meals in advance and freeze them.
You should plan how you'll get to the hospital or midwifery unit because you might need to go there at any time of the day or night. If you're planning to go by car, make sure it's running well and that there's always enough petrol in the tank. If someone else has said they'll take you, make an alternative arrangement just in case they're not available.
Author: Dr. Iram Gill
Dr. Iram Gill is an MBBS doctor by profession and a Content Writer by passion. She is a mother as well and has observed the health-related challenges faced by mothers and babies. She wants to play her part in increasing access and support for breastfeeding and maternal health problems.
