‘Birth Plan’ Ideas

[KA19911]

First baby due Jan 2023. I don’t plan on writing up an actual birth plan as I want to go in quite open minded and see how I find things and make decisions based on that, also aware birth plans very rarely actually go to plan.

However, I would be interested to hear what helped you during labour and delivery, maybe something someone like me with no experience wouldn’t think about, just to have in mind.

I really like the idea of dimmed lights if possible and having the hour after birth just me my husband and baby with no interruptions (unless needed)

You can note your preferences rather than a plan as such.
So for instance, you can say you're happy to have a student with you, or no you don't want monitoring or examinations, you do want pain relief in some form and what your preference in order might be, stuff like that.

It's my second time and I've been reading loads of birth stories from Positive Birth Company to get a realistic idea of how things can go and what might work for me.

I think it's good to have some preferences listed, during labour you're often 'in the zone' and partners aren't always our best advocates first time around!
Maybe mention if you want to be offered pain relief or wait until you request it, if you want vaginal exams, managed 3rd stage, want to try water birth etc
My biggest tip is don't get too set on things going a certain way, I was devastated when my first birth didn't go how I planned, I felt like a failure and it effected my bonding etc I wish I'd been more open minded, we were both safe and that's the most important thing x

My birth plan was to give birth! I knew I didn't want to go straight I. With full on pain relief, but apart from that I was open. I kept saying 'never say never' you don't know what may happen!
In the end it was an unplanned water birth as the room was free and I thought why not?! A little gas and air and that was it. BUT if I had needed more help I would have taken it. Don't be martyr just to have a beautiful birth story. As long as you and the baby are well, it doesn't matter how you get there.

Sounds like you've got a good attitude. I've had 4 babies and my birth plans read something like:

Water birth if possible please (Definitely helped me with pain.)
Please reassure me things are ok regularly
Delayed cord clamping pls
Lots of skin on skin if possible
Natural third stage
No formula pls unless necessary.

I've always found low light really important for me, so I pack some battery tea lights. Good luck, I'm sure all will go well 😍

You can state preferences but it might all go out of the window! Mind you, some people want an epidural from the get go, some want to avoid pain relief if possible, some might not plan to breastfeed etc.

I brought all sorts of stuff for VBAC - fairy lights etc - when it came to it I was oblivious to it all. Stay at home as long as you can, then just breathe your way through where possible.

With my first birth I put myself off some of my favourite music too - be careful what you put on your playlist, I had to stop listening to an artist I liked as it gave me flashbacks.

The things they want to know are things like vitamin K injection or oral etc.

Decide on pain relief at the Time not before as be prepared for everything. But make sure your birthing partner advocates for you in labour . Nothing worse than you being in pain and a birthing partner saying remember you said you didn't want an epidural?

Read up on everything - know what pain relief does what, get it at the earliest opportunity, know what an episiotomy is forceps, suction etc

I've had 3 very different births.

1st I was young had no idea and was scared. I went 14 hours without pain relief until my mum shouted at them.

Second I was very assured and knew my options and got an epidural as I knew what was coming and didn't want to be fobbed off with you can do this you did it before

Third I actually refused to be induced, (GD) and opted for an elective section that they didn't offer. It was wonderful and I'm doing it again this time x

Hi OP, it's actually a good idea to write a plan or preferences down, so you can show this to the medical professionals when you see them during labour, you may not be in a good frame of mind to explain everything if you're having contractions etc. Any decision or deviation from preferences will be (should be) raised for you and if you need to make changes to the "plan" you can do so of course. You're statistically more likely to have a positive experience if you have some preferences down and in your mind and you've done some research into what you want. You can even have 2 or 3 plans for different eventualities!

I really recommend reading the positive birth book by Milli Hill to help you have an idea of what you'd like, and also the hypnobirthing course by the Positive Birth Company. Both v affordable.

A golden hour after birth and dim lights are a great idea 💡❤️ best of luck! Xx

I would strongly suggest doing the Positive Birth Company online course, it’ll help prepare you and help you make these kind of decisions.