Birthing plan

Have you had your 36 week appointment? My midwife told me that’s when we are going to discuss it. Some do it at 34

I wouldn’t worry too much. I gave birth at 38 weeks and didn’t even discuss a birthing plan with my midwife Unless you were planning on having a c section maybe worth mentioning it to your midwife but I wouldn’t stress over it

Have you had your 36 week appointment? That's when my midwife spoke about birth plan. The midwife told me about the NHS antenatal classes at about 20 weeks .. did you get a pregnancy notes folder with a leaflet that gives you details of what they should cover each week? That should say in there and if they haven't covered it, I'd question the midwife

Nobody ever discussed mine with me. I did my own research and knew what I wanted/ didn’t and made sure my partner was well aware. It’s most important your partner knows your wishes so he can advocate for you as during labour and birth you won’t be in a place to advocate for yourself. Birthing classes vary by area - we did private ones but the NHS also offered some in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy at the community midwife centre but I assume it varies widely by area x

Same, I've done my own research, I recommend the audiobook 'positive birth book', learnt alot from this and we have started antenatal but alot they mention is covered in this book. I would just ask your midwife when you are going to discuss it..it's your labour and you have choices.

I had a ‘birth options’ appointment at 34 weeks but I didn’t ever have that with my first!

My midwife booked me in for mine at 36 weeks. I have a placenta scan at 34 weeks so I guess that will potentially change the discussion.

As everyone has said above usually it’s discussed at the 34 or 36W appointment. Though your midwife should’ve mentioned that to you and at least asked if you had one/if you were working on one!

My midwife started discussing birth plan with me recently at my 32 week appointment

My midwife discussed it at my last appointment (about 32 weeks?) but it was basically just downloading this NHS template and telling me to have a look through! We’ve had more detail through antenatal classes, which we’re doing through NCT. You could look for an online option to do that might be available and easier to access (the in person ones tend to run at specific dates and time so book up quickly) or call your community midwife team and ask them for recommendations - some hospitals offer free sessions but I don’t think it’s common. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/preparing-for-the-birth/how-to-make-a-birth-plan/

@Rali I haven’t yet that is the next weekend

@Beth I did not get a folder

Yes. Luckily it's my 2nd time round. She said she would normally talk more at 36 weeks but I jave a consultant appointment then and they shouod do it but don't always and then I see her again om the 5th of December. 7 days before my due date. She's told me to fill it out in the meantime. Even my first go round no one explained to me what things were. My 39 week growth scan is 3 days before my due date aswell. I'm laughing because if I do opt of an elective this time then my baby will most likely be here. My advice is go in with all kinds of plans for all outcomes because mie never went to plan anyway. The epidural was supposed to be alast resort but they kinda forced it on me.

I had my birth plan chat at 34 weeks but I had already done all the research, it was basically telling her what I wanted. Someone already mentioned the Positive birth book, I listened to it on audiobook and found that the most helpful thing. Usually my midwife apts are just checking blood pressure etc, you don't seem to get any info. I was never told about antenatal classes, I was chatting on here to a local lady who is the same stage of pregnancy and she gave me a local link to apply for antenatal classes, I have only just started them at 35 weeks and I wish I had known about them earlier as I feel like I'm cutting it fine now to get them in before I give birth. I have been a bit disappointed with midwife services too, it feels like you need to do all the research yourself and apts are just to check you over. I was offered a 1hr one to one antenatal advice appointment though, which I've just had about breast feeding and that was useful (my midwife offered it and I was contacted over the phone to book)👍🏻xx

The NHS does provide prenatal classes, I have been attending some at my hospital for the last couple of weeks. Ask for the link or phone number at your Antenatal department. The easiest thing to do with your birth plan is to just write down your preferences on a piece of paper, then take it with you. Knowing your options is essential (varieties of pain relief, who will be in the delivery room, managing the 3rd stage of labour, etc). Do some research or you can send me a message for ideas or if you have any questions, as I already have my plan written out xx

Best thing to do at your midwife appointments is check via the NHS website what the appointment should cover and then make a list of any questions you have and simply ask your midwife the questions at the appointment. Also taking antenatal classes is a must imo, either private, NCT, or any free ones your local community children’s centre may offer