Birth Plan

It is a good idea to write a Birth Plan. This should be made up of short bullet points informing the midwife and doctors of your wishes during labour and delivery. Although midwives will attempt to adhere to your birth plan, you should try to be flexible as you may change your mind about certain issues during the delivery. For example, you may require more pain relief that you had originally anticipated or you may decide that you want the process accelerated by means of an episiotomy or Syntometrine injection. Try to keep a fairly open mind.

 

Here are some points you may wish to consider on your birth plan.

  • Who do you want in the delivery room with you?
  • What is your preferred choice of pain relief? See ‘Stage One' of Childbirth section.
  • Would you like any extra equipment in the delivery room e.g. mats, a birthing chair or ball?
  • Do you want your baby delivered straight on to your tummy or do you want your baby cleaned first?
  • Do you want your partner/companion to cut the umbilical cord?
  • Do you want a Syntocinon or Syntometrine injection to speed up the delivery of the placenta? See ‘Stage Three' of Childbirth section.
  • What is your preferred position for the birth? Squatting, kneeling, lying on your back etc?
  • Have you requested a water birth? See ‘Stage One' of Childbirth section.
  • Are you on any medication?
  • How do you wish to feed your baby?
  • Do you need someone who speaks your first language?
  • Do you need a sign language interpreter?
  • Do you have special dietary requirements?
  • Do you or your partner/companion have special requirements e.g. do you use a wheelchair?
  • Do you want your baby to have the vitamin K injection? See Immunisations and Injections.
  • Do you want your partner/companion to be with you if you have a Caesarean section?
  • If your blood type is rhesus negative you should indicate this on your birth plan so your midwife/nurse gives you an Anti D injection within 48 hours of the birth.
  • Are you GBS positive? If so, you should state this on you birth plan as you will need to be on an antibiotic drip throughout labour. Click here for more information regarding Group B Streptococcus. If you have not been tested for Group B Streptococcus, discuss this with your midwife.
  • Do you mind if students are present? Many hospitals are teaching hospitals.
  • Are there special religious customs you wish to be observed?
  • Would you prefer to be delivered by women only?
  • Have you made outside arrangement for holistic pain relief to help you cope with labour? For example, if you have arranged for a reflexologist, masseuse etc to help you through the birth, you should say so on your birth plan.
  • Is there anything you feel you may need extra help with?