A birth plan is a record of what you would like to happen during your labour, birth, 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.
Discussing a birth plan with your midwife will help you understand your options during labour and birth, including the risks and benefits of each option. You'll have the chance to ask questions and find out more about what happens during labour and birth.
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.
You can change your mind about your wishes for labour and birth at any time.
Your personal circumstances
Your birth plan is personal to you. It depends on what you want, your medical history, your circumstances and what is available at your maternity service.
You might be given a special form for your birth plan, or there may be room in your notes. It's a good idea to keep a copy of your birth plan with you so you can show your midwife when you're in labour.
The maternity team who care for you during labour will discuss it with you so they know what you want.
Be flexible
You need to be flexible and prepared to do things differently from your birth plan if complications arise with you or your baby, or if facilities such as a birth pool aren't available.
The maternity team will tell you what they advise in your particular circumstances. Don't hesitate to ask questions if you need to.
Things to consider
You can find out more about the things you need to think about when making a birth plan, such as:
You can work out whether there's anything you feel strongly about and might wish to include.
You can also show your birth partner these tips to support you.
Download a birth plan template
You can download a birth plan template (Word document 65KB, opens in a new window) to fill in and save.
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