Preparing a birth plan
Not everyone needs to have a birth plan but knowing options that are available to you and possible alternative outcomes will be helpful whilst navigating your delivery. We recommend a document detailing your preferences and needs such that our healthcare team knows exactly how to personalise your care for you and your baby. It should include (but is not limited to) your preferences on:
- Preferred method of delivery (natural, assisted, caesarean section or Vaginal Birth After Caesarean)
- Positions for labour and birth
- Accompanying persons
- Pain management
- Birthing equipment
- Skin-to-skin contact with your baby
- Possible need for an episiotomy
- Delivering the placenta
- Feeding your baby
- Vitamin K for your baby
- Any special requirements
The birth plan is best discussed during the antenatal period with your healthcare provider. It may help if you print out a copy so that your preferences can be made known to the team caring for you in labour.