In a birth plan you write down all your wishes for the birth. It is meant first of all for yourself, but also for your partner, your midwife and any other care providers. The plan shows what matters to you. Whoever supports you during the birth then knows exactly what your wishes are and can take them into account as far as possible.
Why write a birth plan?
- you are already thinking about the birth, so you will be well prepared when the time comes.
- you let the midwife and other care providers know what you find important, what your wishes and ideas are, and how you would like to be treated.
- you and your partner can talk through in advance what you expect from one another during the birth.
- a birth plan prepares you for the things that can happen during labour and the decisions that may have to be taken — including at moments when you cannot easily say what you want yourself.
Nothing in the plan is fixed
- you may of course change your mind at any moment.
- if the birth goes differently from what you had wanted or expected, it may not be possible to grant all your wishes.
- certain interventions may turn out to be necessary.
- the midwife may have to refer you to the gynaecologist at the hospital.
- your baby may need to be admitted to the paediatric ward.
Download your birth plan here.