Why write a birth plan?
It’s well worth your time to write a birth plan. It lets health care professionals, doctors and birth partners know how you want to be treated during labour. This can include your preferred pain relief and position during childbirth.
Thinking about all this beforehand is really important because it not only prepares you for the experience, but also helps you focus on the way you want to welcome your baby into the world! However, it’s important to remember that as your labour can change from second to second, you’re free to change your mind at any time, even during the birth so it’s worth keeping your plans flexible. Mind you, they might not be able to provide an available birthing pool should you suddenly demand one!
Creating a birth plan
Before starting to write your birth plan, get as much information as you can and need. Go to antenatal classes and speak with your health care professional about what’s involved. It’s also worth talking to other mums who’ve been through the experience already – find out what they put in their plans and how everything worked out. Your birth partner is also important; make sure they are comfortable with what you would like them to do and the amount of responsibility they will have on the day. If you would like more information about birth plans you can also contact the Kariclub team who can offer you some additional support.
Download your birth plan
Some mums-to-be can find it a bit daunting putting together a birth plan but it doesn’t have to be complicated. To start you off, our downloadable birth plan will give you an idea of the kind of things to think about. It’s just a guide, so don’t worry if some of the suggestions aren’t relevant to you. Just make sure that you are happy with your decisions for you and your baby.
Click here to download My Birth Plan template