Birth plans
A birth plan or wish list is not a set of commands and demands, and certainly not a contract. It is merely a list of preferences that you have thought about once you have all the information you need.
It is imperative to understand that these are guidelines and not guarantees for your labour. The most important thing you can take into labour is an open mind. Points to consider include, among others, the role your partner will play, the type of pain relief you would want and when, eating and drinking during labour, being allowed to adopt any position and the ability to move around, skin-to-skin contact with your baby and early breastfeeding.
Ten suggestions for writing your birth plan
1. Keep it short and to the point. There may not be time for caregivers to read reams of writing.
2. Use short sentences to sum up, and be polite.
3. Be specific, for example, “I would prefer my baby to be delivered onto my abdomen”.
4. Keep your options open and be flexible. Birth plans are not cast in stone. Bear in mind that labour and childbirth are unpredictable.
5. Plan for the unexpected: you may need a Caesarean or your baby might need special care.
6. Discuss a draft of your plan with your midwife or doctor.
7. Give a copy of your plan to your midwife or doctor to add to your file and keep a copy yourself.
8. Show your birth plan to your childbirth educator for feedback and discussion at your antenatal classes.
9. Mention any special needs that you may have, such as how to cope with an existing condition and what help you will need.
10. List the things you really don’t want to happen, such as “I don’t want my baby to have supplementary feeds without my permission”.
Related articles
Nutrition during pregnancy
By taking responsibility for your body, you can maximise your level of wellbeing and enjoy good health.
Good nutrition is of the utmost importance during your pregnancy
5 mins to read
Single parent
Today an increasing number of women are facing the challenges of pregnancy, birth and parenthood alone. This may be through personal choice or circumstantial.
2 mins to read
Vaginal birth
In most instances, the baby’s head is the presenting part that moves into your pelvis before labour begins.
5 mins to read
Labour support
Labour support is a concept that has been around for thousands of years.
5 mins to read
Personal considerations
You may need to consider some personal issues before you become pregnant.
1 min to read
Contact your doctor
What signs and symptoms during pregnancy to be aware about.
5 mins to read
Protein in Pregnancy
Protein (and the amino acids within) is the most important building blocks for all human cells. Given the rapid cell development of your baby-to-be it should be an essential part of your diet.
5 mins to read
Unexpected outcomes
All parents worry about the possibility of complications such as prematurity, abnormality, stillbirth and neonatal death.
5 mins to read
Medication for pain relief
In a normal, uncomplicated labour and delivery, the use of medication is not always necessary. Your own resources are often enough.
5 mins to read
The last few weeks of pregnancy
The uterus
5 mins to read
Tips to budget for baby
There are many factors to consider before dedicating yourself to raising and budgeting a child for the next 18 years or more.
5 mins to read
Food choices for a healthy pregnancy
-
5 mins to read
First visit
A detailed medical history, of you and your partner, will be recorded at your first prenatal visit.
2 mins to read
Checklist - maternity ward suitcase
*Check whether the maternity ward has a list of the items you will need.
Items for hospital stay
5 mins to read
Labour
As labour starts, a mother’s mood changes and she becomes less aware of what is happening outside her body, and more aware of what is happening inside her body.
5 mins to read
Pregnancy concerns and diet solutions
-
4 mins to read
Multiple births
Regular prenatal care is most important if you are carrying more than one baby, as the risk to you and your babies is higher.
1 min to read
