What is a birth plan? It is a written communication tool which describes your wishes for labour, birth and afterwards. It lets your midwife and Doctors understand the kind of birth you desire if all goes smoothly. It is a good idea to keep an open mind in case things don’t go to plan. Remember to seek advice from your midwife or doctor when thinking about your options and ask them what choices are available. The medical team are there to ensure you and your baby are safe – it is important to listen to their advice and follow their instructions if complications occur. Preparation Before writing your plans go to antenatal classes, or read books about labour and birth to educate yourself on the process and find out your options. Talk to women who have had various kinds of births and ask them about their experiences, the pro’s and con’s. Discus the options with your care givers, partner or birth companion. What to include in your plan Place of birth / Home, hospital, birth centre. Birth companion(s). Who you want with you, when and where. Consider a doula, or private midwife, or family and friends. Consider whether or not to allow student midwives or doctors to be present. Whether you want photos or filming during labour. Labour options First stage: Environment - Consider lights, music, furnishings, how long you will stay at home. Options - Consider if you want to be able to move about freely, monitoring, vaginal examinations, enemas, shaving. Pain management - Labour TENS, hypnobirthing, relaxation, mobility, breathing, bath /shower, birth pool, massage, homeopathics, heat packs, gas and air, pethidine, epidural. Intervention - Consider hydration options if needed, monitoring options, types of induction and augmentation available, forceps or vauntuse, episiotomy, caesarean. Delivery: Consider environment and atmosphere. Choice of positions, squatting, kneeling, supporting legs or stirrups, where the baby is placed immediately afterwards. After delivery: Consider your choices about cutting the cord, bathing, placenta delivery – natural or oxytocin injection, vitamin K for baby. Postpartum: Consider separation - where you would like your baby during the day and at night, any medications, feeding options breast or bottle. When you would like to go home. Special needs for you and baby Please inform your caregivers of any special considerations such as diet, medications, disabilities, ethical or religious considerations.