How to write a birth plan in a few easy steps

You should begin thinking about the type of birth you want as early as your second trimester, but it’s not necessary to write it down until you’re between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant.

What is a birth plan?

A birth plan is a simple way to communicate your preferences for the type of labor you want, what you want to happen in particular situations, and what you want to avoid before, during, and after your baby’s birth. You probably know what choices you’ll want to make during childbirth. Even so, it is nearly impossible to recall them while in labor or preparing for surgery. Writing down your wishes for your labor and delivery will assist you and others in preparing for your journey, as well as understanding the implications of any decisions you make.

Top tips to keep in mind

• Your birth plan should be simple — one single page of paper with bullet points should enough.
• Remember things don’t always go as planned, so you’ll need to be adaptable.
• Give your birth plan to your midwife or doctor to sign once it’s completed.

Consider your choices

• Do you want a natural birth or C-section?
• Do you want a water birth?
• Are you against the use of forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery (unless your baby is in distress)
• Would you like music played during the birth?
• Would you like the lights dimmed?
• Do you want to wear your own clothes during the birth?
• Do you want photos or a video taken during labor and delivery?
• Do you want access to a birthing chair/stool, birthing ball, beanbag chair, birthing pool/tub?

What about pain relief?

• Do you prefer to try laboring without the use of painkillers?
• Do you want an epidural?
• Do you want a TENS machine? Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy involves the use of low-voltage electric currents to treat pain.
• Do you want to undergo an episiotomy or tear spontaneously?

After the birth

• Do you want to hold your baby right away after delivery, deferring any treatments that aren’t urgent?
• Do you want to breastfeed as soon as feasible?
• Do you want the umbilical cord clamped and cut immediately or when it has stopped pulsing?
• Would you like your partner to cut the umbilical cord?
• Do you want to keep your baby’s cord blood?
• Do you want your partner present at all times after the birth?

After-birth care for your baby

• Do you want your baby to be given additional feeds while you rest?
• Do you want your baby to be encouraged to use a pacifier?
• Do you want your baby bathed immediately after birth?