What is a birthing plan?

[Tunsa]

Hi Guys,

I was told by the midwives to start thinking about my birthing plan, but i have no idea what she was on about. I was pretty flustered at the time and didn't ask

So can you guys tell me? or point me in the right direction to find one?

TIA

Jenna

[Berry]

A wish list of your preferences for care and intervention during labour, birth and post-natal. Eg who will be there, options for pain relief and other interventions, etc. I think the idea is to consider options ahead of time so you're not making decisions in the heat of the moment when the baby is about to pop out. This is my understanding of it. Having said that, I don't go with any written plan - but my plan is to have a c-section and to have hubby there and to have this baby at 38 weeks!

[Phteven]

this thread might be of intrest to you

[Shanti]

do you type up the list of what you want and don't want? or can you get a template from the midwife for example?? do they give you a sample one to go off? just wondering...
sorry just found it, i clicked on the link

wow, that birth plan was great, pretty much what i would use... (the one Kelly has done up) I loved every part of it.... i am so glad i know about birth plans now its so important

[August]

Yes I agree that Kelly's birthplan is a great one and I based mine on the template. (Thanks Kelly!)

I have found that writing a birthplan has been good not only to advise the hospital of what I wish/dont wish for, but it has helped me to prepare mentally for the birth too.

In my plan I highlighted my main wishes, so whoever reads it will get the gist even if they only glance at it quickly. My main wishes are that I want an active and informed labour.

I also need to add that I do not want people popping in and out without announcing themselves and stating their reason to be in my birthing room. I've told DP to ask all people who enter to introduce themselves and to 'rack off' if its just a social visit!!

[Shanti]

what a great idea August moon... i think i'll mention that to my DF when the time comes around... i would get so upset if everyone was just coming in for a sticky beak esp as its something so private as giving birth!!!!!!