Writing Your Birth Plan
A birth plan is a record of what you would like to happen during your labour and after the birth. You don't have to create a birth plan but the process of writing one helps you reflect on the birth experience you would like and your personal preferences. It is also the starting point for a discussion with your birth partner. Talk to them about the type of birth you would like and the things you prefer not to do so they can help support your decisions.
Your birth plan is personal to you. It depends on what you want, your medical history, your circumstances and what services are available to you.
Discussing a birth plan with your caregivers gives you the chance to ask questions and find out more about what happens in labour. It also gives your caregivers the chance to get to know you better, and understand your feelings and priorities.
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. Remember you can change your mind about your wishes for labour and birth at any time but do it fully understanding the implications of your choice! For more tips on writing your birth plan why not check out my blog post on birth plans.
To help you write your birth plan you can download a birth plan template, a list of options you may like to consider and an example of a completed birth plan below.
Your birth plan is personal to you. It depends on what you want, your medical history, your circumstances and what services are available to you.
Discussing a birth plan with your caregivers gives you the chance to ask questions and find out more about what happens in labour. It also gives your caregivers the chance to get to know you better, and understand your feelings and priorities.
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. Remember you can change your mind about your wishes for labour and birth at any time but do it fully understanding the implications of your choice! For more tips on writing your birth plan why not check out my blog post on birth plans.
To help you write your birth plan you can download a birth plan template, a list of options you may like to consider and an example of a completed birth plan below.
Simply Hypnobirth Birth Plan Template |
Simply Hypnobirth Birth Plan Options |
Simply Hypnobirth Birth Plan Completed Example |