Birthing Plans
NHS Birthing 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, if you would like one, your midwife will be able to help.
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Discussing a birth plan with your midwife gives you the chance to ask questions and find out more about what happens in labour.
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It also gives your midwife the chance to get to know you better, and understand your feelings and priorities, and allows you to think about or discuss some things more fully with your partner, friends and relatives.
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You can change your mind about your wishes for labour and birth at any time. To find out more about birthing plans and to download a template visit: How to make a birth plan - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Writing your Birth Plan
A birth plan is a way for you to communicate your wishes to the midwives and doctors who care for you in labour. It tells them about the type of labour and birth you'd like to have, what you want to happen, and what you want to avoid. The BabyCenter published information about creating a birthing plan- Writing a birth plan.
Writing a birth plan and deciding about pain relief
Birth plans can help mums-to-be decide how they'd like the birth to go and birth partners to feel more involved. The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) have published guidance to help you with writing a birth plan and deciding about pain relief.
Making your birth plan
Tommy's have published information to support you as you make your birth plan | Tommy's (tommys.org)
Your Birth Plan
An ideal childbirth experience can mean very different things to different people. Every woman has a different idea of how they want their labour and birth to go. For example; some women want to experience every contraction and feel every sensation of their baby’s birth, some women want to be as pain free as early as possible and some just want to see how they feel once they are actually in labour. All of these choices are equally valid – no one is right or wrong. These are the things which are important to them. These choices can help women feel like they have some control in their birth experience and are important for health professionals too. Having your birth plan prepared by your 34 week appointment will give your community midwife the opportunity to discuss this with you. MAMA Academy has useful resources to support you when writing your birthing plan.
How to Create a Birth Plan: Template & Examples
As you approach the exciting day when you get to meet your baby face to face, it’s time to think about your preferences for labor and delivery. Some moms-to-be create birth plans to gather their thoughts and to use as a springboard for a discussion with their healthcare provider. Pampers have published birthing templates which you may find useful.
