What to consider when developing a birthing plan

• Do you what a birthing companion(s)?

• What sort of pain relief would you prefer to use? Breathing techniques, gas and air, pethidine, epidural

• Monitoring. Are you happy to have the baby electronically monitored and if so for what length of time

• Interventions. If necessary are you happy to allow the doctors to do an episiotomy or use forceps?

• What sort of aids do you want to use if any during labour? music, shower, bath, massage

• Delivery Positions: Standing, A birthing stool, A birthing ball, Hand and knees, a water birth, on your side, lying down (not great for gravity)

• Feeding: Are you going to try to breastfeed or would you prefer to go straight to the bottle.

Remember birthing plans are only intended to get you thinking about what you would prefer so that you are not placed in the position of deciding on the spot when labour has already begun. Your birthing plan is not supposed to be flexible and can be altered at any time.

Back to Pregnancy topics

Join the Modern Mums' Community for regular article updates

Disclaimer:

This Web site is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Information and interactions contained in this Web site are for information purposes only and are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Further, the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information available on this Web site cannot be guaranteed. AES Pty Ltd t/a Modern Mums’ , its affiliates and their respective servants and agents do not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information made available via or through Modern Mums’ whether arising from negligence or otherwise. See Privacy Policy and Disclaimer.