Top 10 tips for writing a birth plan
Over the years one of the questions I’ve received the most is how to write a birth plan and what to include. Most people aren’t sure what to write or what to expect, especially when you are expecting your first child.
I also have a YouTube video where I talk about this.
In Swedish the word for birth plan (or birth preferences as it is called in Hypnobirthing) is Förlossningsbrev. This translates into “Birth letter” which I personally quite like. It has become more and more common with birth plans in Sweden, some write them on their own, others write them with their midwife.
If you’re planning a home birth you will know your midwife/midwives and probably have had time to talk through what you want and need. So these tips focus on the type of birth most common in Sweden: a hospital birth.
Here are my top 10 tips for writing a birth plan:
You don’t have to write a birth plan. Only write one if you feel that you want to. It’s nothing you are forced to do, but if you want to write one please do.
A birth plan is an amazing way for you to show the midwife who you are, see it as a way to introduce yourselves and what’s important to you. Have you had a traumatic experience in a hospital? Do you love massages to relax? Do your love drinking coconut water? Whatever is important to you can be part of this letter, it doesn’t have to be all focused on birth. Do you want to write by hand or on a computer? The choice is yours!
Though I just gave you tip number two, make sure the letter is not too long. Sometimes it needs to be read quickly, so one to two pages written on the computer, not more.
Include your name, your birth partner’s name, and/or Doula’s name. It makes it easier for the staff to remember your name.
Include what’s important to you during labour, birth and after the baby is born. You may have a set of different requests or dreams for each stage of birthing.
How have you prepared for birth? Are you using any special techniques? Hypnobirthing? FUR (Föda utan rädsla)? Lamaze? If you have prepared in a certain way and aim to use a certain technique during birth it is good for the staff to know.
Do you want pain relief? Medical or non-medical? If there’s something you know you don’t want or something you feel you absolutely want, include that.
If you have a partner talk through the birth plan with them. The same goes for a Doula. Make sure everyone that is there to support you will know what the plan is.
Include your partner’s requests. Do they not want to cut the umbilical cord or do they want to see the baby being born? It’s the birth of their child to, their requests matter too.
Remind the midwife to read your birth plan. You can keep it with the folder your bring to the hospital or hand it over by itself. But if you have a birth plan and have taken time to write things down make sure the hospital staff take part of what you have written.
Don’t worry about being too specific. It’s your body, your baby, your birth. You have the right to have requests, ask questions and say no!
Did you have a written birth plan? What’s your best tip for writing a birth plan? Share in the comments!
