What is a Birth Plan?

A birth plan is a written document that outlines your preferences for labour, delivery, and postpartum care. It covers various aspects of the birth experience, such as pain management, the environment you’d like to give birth in, who you want present, and any specific wishes for after your baby is born. While it’s important to be flexible, a birth plan serves as a useful guide for your midwife, doctors, and support people, helping them to understand and respect your choices.

Step 1: Start with Research

Before you begin writing your birth plan, it’s helpful to research your options and understand what’s available to you in New Zealand. Consider attending antenatal classes, talking to your midwife, and reading up on the different types of birth experiences, such as hospital births, home births, and water births. The more informed you are, the more confident you’ll feel in making decisions about your birth plan.

Step 2: Discuss Your Preferences with Your Partner

Creating a birth plan is a collaborative process, so it’s important to involve your partner or support person in the discussion. Talk about your hopes and concerns for the birth, and make sure you’re on the same page regarding key decisions. This ensures that your partner knows how best to support you and can advocate for your wishes if needed.

Step 3: Outline Your Birth Preferences

When you’re ready to start writing, begin by outlining your preferences for the various stages of labour and delivery. Here are some key areas to consider:

1. Environment:

• Where would you like to give birth? (Hospital, birthing centre, home)
• What kind of atmosphere do you want? (Low lighting, music, essential oils)
• Who do you want present? (Partner, midwife, doula, family members)

2. Labour Preferences:

• What positions do you want to use during labour? (Walking, squatting, using a birthing ball)
• How do you want to manage pain? (Natural methods, gas and air, epidural)
• Are there any interventions you want to avoid, if possible? (Induction, continuous monitoring)

3. Delivery Preferences:

• What are your preferences for pushing? (Spontaneous pushing, guided pushing)
• Do you want to use any specific birthing aids? (Birthing stool, water pool)
• Would you prefer a natural tear or an episiotomy if needed?

4. Immediate Post-Birth Preferences:

• Do you want immediate skin-to-skin contact with your baby?
• Who will cut the cord? (You, your partner, or the midwife)
• Would you like to delay cord clamping?

5. Newborn Care:

• Do you plan to breastfeed? If so, do you want support with latching?
• Are there any vaccinations or procedures you want to delay or skip?
• What are your preferences for your baby’s first bath and nappy changes?

Step 4: Consider Contingencies

While it’s important to have a plan, birth can sometimes take unexpected turns. Consider including a section in your birth plan for contingencies, such as what you’d like to happen if a caesarean section becomes necessary. This can help you feel more prepared and reduce stress if things don’t go exactly as planned.

Step 5: Keep it Simple and Clear

When writing your birth plan, aim for clarity and simplicity. Use bullet points or short sentences to convey your preferences, and keep the language straightforward. Remember that your healthcare team may be reading your plan quickly during labour, so it’s important that your wishes are easy to understand at a glance.

Step 6: Review and Discuss with Your Midwife

Once you’ve completed your birth plan, review it with your midwife. They can provide valuable feedback, help you set realistic expectations, and ensure that your preferences align with the policies of your chosen birth setting. This conversation also helps to build trust and ensures that your midwife is fully aware of your wishes.

Step 7: Share Your Plan with Your Support Team

In addition to your midwife, make sure your partner and any other support people are familiar with your birth plan. Keep copies of the plan in your hospital bag, and consider giving one to your midwife or doctor in advance.

Creating a birth plan is a wonderful way to prepare for your baby’s arrival, helping you to feel empowered and organised as you approach your due date. While it’s important to remain flexible, having a clear plan in place can make a significant difference in your birth experience. Remember, the ultimate goal is a safe and positive birth for both you and your baby.

For more resources and support throughout your pregnancy, explore the Hey Māmā directory, where you’ll find trusted professionals and services to guide you every step of the way.