Birth plans

I was thinking about starting mine soon but have no idea where to start either x

From my experience, I would say it’s nice to think about the things that you feel are really important to you and the things that would really help relax you. But be open minded to the fact that things may have to change. Remind yourself that it’s ok if things need to change if it’s to keep you and baby healthy. Some things to think about are delayed cord clamping, water birth etc Then have about things like playlists, music, atmosphere you want to create. Films that make you happy etc

I’ve started watching a lot of birth vlogs (definitely recommend) and making mental notes of my preferences but yet to write anything down and really decide. - i am thinking of a water birth as I would like to avoid an epidural, and hypnobirthing is something that i’m looking into. Also remember it is best to have your birth plan so when they inevitably ask all of your preferences you know, however try not to be too strict with yourself and be open to the other possibilities! birth is so hard to plan/predict, and you will only feel disappointed and stressed if it doesn’t go exactly to plan xxx

Round 2 here’s mine… Sod the pool, hypnobirthing will last 5 minutes, no thanks opioids, yes the gas and air, I need that epidural!! In fact I’ll take a planned C please 👌🏻 Sorted 😅 FYI it’s verrrry personal it will go out the window, so I would educate yourself on all eventualities then go with the flow 💪🏻 Definitely write yours up, the process itself will be very helpful even if it’s not followed (also a student midwife can be a godsend so don’t dismiss from the get go, they’re not unsupervised and you can change your mind at any point).

I’m on my second. Had a long labour and forceps for first in the hospital! Despite it being painful and long I am hoping for a birthing centre birth this time. Fingers crossed I can stay home as long as possible then head to the birthing centre to get in the pool. The pool was really great for pain relief last time. But I’ll save pool and gas and air until as long as possible as last time I think pool slowed me down. Also had waters popped to speed things up which I don’t think I’d do this time as the pain just intensified quickly. I want to stay away from being in a hospital or on a ward ideally. My little one ended up with an infection and we were in hospital for 5 days with him on antibiotic drip. I can’t help but feel it was because I was left so long in the hospital with waters broken and they were constantly checking me down there when things weren’t progressing. 3 or 4 different people too. Not like at midwife units where there’s minimal intervention z

Also as it’s my second and last I’d like to have a go at being in our own room in a midwife centre after, rather than on a ward with others. But I’m open minded that I could end up on one and don’t completely rule it out xx

Never bothered making one. This will be my 3rd, I just tell them team go with the flow and do what's needed to get baby safely into the world

Honestly, make preferences but it’s all out of your control so may not go to plan so don’t be set on it. Ask the hospital how many birthing pools they have etc if you want this route as some only have one so if it’s your desire to do a water birth then it may not happen if there is already somebody using that room. Nobody will give you a medal at the end so if you need the drugs then take them. If instruments have to be used or you don’t progress then you may have to be open to alternatives like Caesarian section. The big one is would you want an induction if overdue or wait it out.

I’d just write it as you picture it. Where you’d like to be, how you want it to be sort of thing, the atmosphere. Birthing pool things like that. Just be prepared that it might not always go exactly as you’ve planned. Mine was totally different 😅