What is a Birth Plan?

• A birth plan is a written guide of what kind of childbirth you would like and how you would like your baby cared for after he/she is born.
• Your birth plan is developed before labour by you and your partner.

Why is it Important?

• The birth plan will inform your doctor or midwife and hospital nurses of what you would prefer to happen during labor and birth. 
• This allows you and the support team to work together.

Things to Include In Your Birth Plan:

• Where you intend to give birth (hospital birth or home birth)?
• Who will attend the birth? Who is your labour coach?
• What positions you would like to try during labour and the birth?
• What are your feelings about inducing or augmenting labour?
• Would you like the freedom to move around during labour?
• What your feelings are regarding medication and other means of pain relief during labour?
• What kind of positions do you want to try during the birth?
• Does your support person want to cut the umbilical cord?
• Do you want to hold the baby and breastfeed immediately after the birth?
• Do you have religious or cultural practices that you want your health care providers to be aware of?

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Your birth plan works best if you write down what you want and what you would prefer if things do not happen as you planned.
• It is important to know that changes may need to occur to your birthing plan depending on circumstances of the labour and birth.
• It is important to listen to your doctor or midwife and be open to changes that may need to occur.
• Be aware of possible medical interventions (such as narcotics for pain, or inducing labour) that may make your baby sleepy and affect his/her ability to breastfeed right after birth.

Sample Birth Plan:

• You can use the one provided by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada on their website http://www.sogc.org/health/pdf/BirthPlan.pdf
• I plan to give birth to my baby at the hospital under the care of a midwife.  At the birth I will be supported by my husband and mom.  I would like to try different labour positions that keep me the most comfortable throughout my labour.  I do not want to be confined to my hospital bed unless necessary or until the end of my labour.  If I find the labour to be very lengthy and intense I will consider medication to take the edge off my pain.  My husband plans to cut the umbilical cord, but if he is unable to my mom would like to.  I think it is very important that I initiate breastfeeding within the first 30 minutes of the birth.   I understand that my birth plan may change if needed.