Birth plans are really important .....

No matter how much we prepare for birth - getting fit, taking pregnancy yoga classes, taking a hypnobirthing course - none of us know how our births are going to turn out. That’s why I always say that my hypnobirthing course will enable you to have a positive birth no matter what the circumstances are.

Let’s face it, birth is completely unpredictable so there isn’t any way that you can really plan accurately for it. However, by thinking ahead and thinking about what you do and don’t want, you can ensure that you are ready for any changes.

Writing a birth plan or a list of preferences is empowering because you are taking responsibility for your birth – and it is your birth! So why should you let somebody else make the decisions around your birth?

If you’re taking a hypnobirthing course or practicing pregnancy yoga, you’re already getting yourself prepared for your labour and birth. You’re already maximising your chances of having a positive birth so it makes sense to think about other things around birth that will enhance your experience.

Milli Hill, author of The Positive Birth Book and Childbirth is a Feminist Issue, created The Visual Birth Plan and the icons are just perfect to quickly build up a list of different birth choices. You can label them as A (what I want), B (in case I have to make changes) and C (definitely not). By including things that you want to avoid unless it’s an absolute emergency you end up with a very clear picture of what your birth can look like.

Birth plans should include place of birth, who you want at the birth, who you don’t want at the birth, preferences for pain relief, interventions, cord clamping, who cuts the cord and thinking about your golden hour immediately after birth. Have you thought about Vitamin K injections, whether you want a midwife to tell you your baby’s gender or do you want to find out yourself (if you don’t already know, of course).

There’s a huge amount to think about but it’s a huge event. You’re having a baby - you’re bringing a new small person into the world. In my opinion, planning is essential.

Once you have thought about all of the things that you want (and don’t want), you need to make sure that your midwives have read your plan. It’s a good idea having a chat with them in advance of the birth and make sure that your plan is kept with your medical records – but do remember to keep a copy for yourself!

Did you make a birth plan and did your labour go as you hoped?