Hi there - I have just had my first 5 weeks ago. I didn't go in with a written birth plan as I wanted to go with the flow. Same as you I didn't know what it was going to be like and what I could and couldn't cope with so I kept an open mind. I didn't go in saying I didn't or did want drugs - as it turned out I tried the gas which made me feel sick and out of it so I only used it briefly and then didn't have anything else, this is just how it went. The best advice I can give is to be informed. Know your options, know your hospital policy on certain things, know the benefits and risks of drugs and intervention, and let your partner know what you are thinking. You may not be able to make rationale decisions during your labour but if your partner knows your wishes then he can do it for you. I believe keeping an open mind and going with the flow is the best thing. As for cutting the cord etc we knew that DH was to do that so we let the midwife know when we arrived and she passed it on at handover to the other midwives. As for managing the third stage, it was hospital policy that it had to be managed so I found out the advantages to it being managed and asked lots of questions about that so that I was comfortable with that (by the time the injection was given the cord had stopped pulsating anyway). So, i don't think a written birth plan is necessary, you will work out what you want and don't want at the time. good luck with your upcoming birth - it will be here before you know it.