When your time comes and the excitement hits, it’s not ideal to have to make important decisions! A birth plan enables you do some research, and make unhurried decisions about the type of birth you want.
What to remember for your birth plan
- A birth plan is not a legal document, but merely a guideline.
- You can interview various practitioners if you’re not happy with their response to your preferences.
- Be flexible; the best laid plans occasionally go awry.
What to ask your Birth Doctor
Whether you decide on a GP, obstetrician or midwife for your birth, ask these three questions:
- What is your C-section rate? (not applicable to a midwife)
More than 15-20% means that this practitioner is scalpel-happy.
- What is your episiotomy rate in normal deliveries?
Upright birth almost never requires an episiotomy.
- Will you be on holiday around my expected date of delivery?
This means you may get a substitute at the last moment.
What to think about for your birth venue considerations
Decide if you want a homebirth, an active birth unit experience or a hospital birth? Then, tick off and discuss which of these are important to you.
I prefer not to have an induction of labour.
I want to be free to move around during labour.
I’d like my partner to remain with me at all times.
I’d like to use natural pain relief methods.
The delivery room should be as quiet as possible.
The lights should be dimmed.
I would like to try for a water birth.
Delivering in an upright position is important to me.
The umbilical cord should not be clamped until pulsation has ceased.
I want to hold my baby skin-to-skin immediately after the birth.
I wish to breastfeed my baby straight after delivery.
I want no bottles whatsoever to be given to my baby.
