You've just inspired me to dig out mine from last time round
I think I copied most of it from the hypnobirthing course I'd just done, so it sounds a bit worthy and mad
and might not be completely relevant to you.
Nobody actually read it - I barked highlights of it at the MW when we arrived at hospital, inbetween demanding an epidural
(which I didn't have) - but I do think it's worth doing just so that you have a proper think about all the options and your preferences.
Incidentally, the only bit the MW really balked at was the physiological third stage bit - she said it would take at least an hour to deliver the placenta without the injection, so we compromised on me having the injection if it became necessary. In fact, the placenta was delivered within 12 minutes, with one push. Pshaw.
Anyway, here was my plan - feel free to plagiarise or, more likely, completely disregard it
:
"Birth Plan/Preferences: DVC
I understand that my birth plan is only an expression of my wishes in an ideal situation and am happy to follow guidance given by medical staff should intervention become clinically necessary to ensure the wellbeing of myself and my baby. Should intervention not be clinically necessary, we are planning a HypnoBirthing birth based on having as natural and relaxing a birth as possible using breathing and relaxation techniques and would be very grateful if the midwives could support us in having the most natural birth possible.
My birthing companion is my husband, MrVonCheese. I would like him to be present as long as he is comfortable to be.
I do not want to be induced unless clinically necessary. In the event of labour being slow to start or stalling, we would like the opportunity to use natural methods to stimulate labour, unless medical intervention is required.
I would like to labour at home for as long as possible and would prefer to give birth at home if possible. I would be grateful if the midwives who attend were supportive of home births and hypnobirthing techniques.
My preferred method of pain relief is breathing and relaxation techniques including self-hypnosis. I would like the birth to be as natural and drug-free as possible, with a birthing pool, tens machine and gas and air to be used as and when necessary. I am open to other methods of pain relief being used but would prefer that we ask for these rather than having them offered. I understand that options for pain relief are limited at a home birth.
I would like to remain free to move about as much as possible during labour to find most comfortable positions as long as the midwife is happy with this, with monitoring only if required. I would like to labour in water, with the possibility of giving birth in the pool.
I would like my baby to be delivered straight onto my tummy for immediate skin-to-skin contact. I am hoping to breastfeed immediately after the birth. I would like my husband and I to be able to hold our baby for at least half an hour after birth.
I would prefer a physiological third stage of labour. I would like the cord to finish pulsating before being cut. My husband would like the option of cutting the cord. I would like the placenta to be delivered naturally unless an injection is clinically required. I wish to breastfeed immediately after birth in order to assist with placental delivery.
We would like vitamin K to be administered to the baby orally if the birth has been normal and free from intervention. If the birth has involved intervention or been traumatic, we will follow medical advice on whether vitamin K by injection is more appropriate.
If a C-section is required, I would like to remain awake with my husband attending. My husband will hold the baby after C-section delivery and initiate bonding between the three of us."
(Having re-read it, I am now sniggering at the look on DH's face when he was actually given the option of cutting the cord
)