birth plan

[HappyMumtobe]

Hi ladies..

can someone help me with what to and how to write in the birth plan?

i am assuming its about my preferences in labour and delivery.. but does any1 have any good format or tips on things to include to use please

many thanks

 

[happygal]

i just wrote a simple list of things i would like to happen/do during labour.
try not to make it too long winded, the simpler the better i think.
and above all else, remember that your birth plan isnt set in stone and things dont always go to plan and its ok to change your mind x

 

[clairelou44]

I didnt actually write a birthing plan with either of my pregnancies, I just made sure my husband knew exactly what I wanted

 

[Loui1001]

I kept mine very short and concise - just details about what I wanted through labour and delivery. I don't think anyone looked at it but they did ask me verbally what I wanted

 

[peachypie]

I've written a very basic one of what I would like to happen/be done should I be given the choice. However, I know that they may not even have time to look at it. But I've made sure that my birth partner knows my wishes too in case I'm too 'out of it' to answer any questions.
If you google birth plans, you should be able to get a few templates. In fact, I adapted the one that is on the NHS website.
https://www.nhs.uk/Planners/pregnancycareplanner/Pages/Birthplan.aspx

 

[bigbetty]

I didn't write a birth plan - I was open to all options and just went with the flow!

If there is something you specifically do or don't want then it's a good idea to get it down in writing and hand it to your midwife when you go to the delivery suite but other than that just make sure you discuss it with your birthing partner xx

 

[mummylove]

I cant help. I wont be having a birthing plan

 

[teal]

My birth plan went out the window on the day due to meconium in my waters so I think it's a good idea to keep an open mind xx

 

[bunnyg82]

This was my birth plan. I pretty much had everything that I wanted (apart from the birth pool as my BMI didn't allow )

Birth companion
My husband, *NAME*, is my birth partner and I would like him to be with me at all times. He is fully aware of my birth plan and will speak for me if I am unable to communicate very well!

Positions for labour and birth
I would like to remain upright and mobile for as long as possible.

I would like the baby to be placed on my chest immediately for skin to skin contact

Pain relief
I would like to try and give birth without pain relief. However if I feel the need, I am happy to use gas and air.
I do not want to be given pethidine.
Although I would prefer to avoid an epidural, I am willing to consider it if it is felt necessary but would prefer not to be offered it unless I ask. If I do opt for an epidural, I would like a low dose, to enable me to remain active during birth.

Birthing pool
If it is available and I am able to use it, I would like to use the birthing pool for pain relief and possibly to deliver the baby in.

Monitoring my baby's heart rate
I would like my midwife to listen to my baby's heart intermittently using a hand-held device. I would prefer to avoid continuous monitoring as I would like to remain upright as much as possible. However, if it is deemed safer for the baby then I will of course take the advice of the midwife.

Assisted delivery
If this is necessary, I have no preference for forceps or ventouse

Cutting the cord
My husband would like to be offered the chance to cut the cord. I would like this to be done once the cord has stopped pulsing.

Third stage (delivery of the placenta)
I would prefer to try and deliver the placenta naturally, but if it is felt that it is taking too long, or any other reason, I am willing to have the injection but I would like this to be done once the cord has been cut.

Vitamin K
I am happy for my baby to be given the vitamin K injection

Feeding the baby
I will be breastfeeding my baby. I do NOT want my baby to be given a bottle

These are my wishes, however, if at any time there is felt that it is safer to do something else for the sake of the baby or me, I will of course listen to the team that are looking after me.

I had so many people telling me "oh don't bother with a birth plan, I didn't bother" or "oh there's no point in that, my birth plan went out the window as soon as I went into labour" but I am really glad that I did this. I had an open mind that things might not work out, but these were my hopes and thankfully they were listened to.

I think I also mentioned about wanting to go home as soon as possible on the same day of delivery - this one I had to fight for, but I did get that too x

 

[youngwife20]

Bunny that is a perfect birth plan very similer to mine!!
im actualy just gonna copy yours and tweak it mines too long lol

so what happens when you go into labour you hand it to the midwife?? x