Can I write my own birth plan?

[flyingbeet]

I am 30 weeks pregnant and I think I've heard that the midwife gives you a birth plan to fill out. I wanted to ask if I can make my own birth plan instead of using the template they give. I would like to write out my birth plan now. As in I'm trying to get things done and relax for the last few weeks

@flyingbeet don’t put too much stock in your birth plan. I think the only thing that happened at birth of DS that was written in my birth plan was DH cutting the cord. Everything else went to pot, didn’t even end up in the local hospital I was meant to never mind having my midwife there.

Yes of course you can! A birth plan isn't an official document, the midwives go though it to make sure people are aware that it's a thing. You can definitely turn up at your midwife appointment with a fully formed birth plan, I did :)

That’s what a birth plan is. I never had a template given to me with my 3.

Yes 100% they only use the questions as a guide and to review anything you haven't thought about perhaps. As PP said please don't put too much weight on it, be prepared for it all to goto pot! X

I just wrote mine down on a piece of paper. You’ll get a lot of posters telling you that birth plans always go out the window, and certainly they often do. But the birth I ended up with was pretty close to what was written in my plan.

Yeah you can. Make sure your birthing partner knows exactly what is in it so that they can advocate for you during your labour as you might not be able to think straight! I packed a fan in my hospital bag and was dripping with sweat, I forgot I even had it (well, I was too distracted to consider it!) and hadn't told my husband.

Of course you can 😊

I never had one for any of my 3; wouldn’t have had a clue to what to write tbh, i just trusted that they would tell me what to do to get the baby out safely and that was it but there’s nothing wrong with drafting a list of rough ideas etc. I think your best bet would be talking through things with your birthing partner so that they know your wishes.