Written the first draft of my birth plan, I got some examples from Vivien at active birth classes and copied and pasted a fair few extracts. Hope to discuss it with the midwife on Thursday, here it is...

Birth Plan

In preparation for this birth, I’ve attended active birth classes. Ideally, I would like as active and natural a birth as possible. However, of course the health of the baby is of paramount importance, and also I appreciate that I might well need to be administered with pain relief and need medical intervention if the birth is difficult. The notes below apply to an ideal birth. If it is necessary to deviate from these points, please can:

*The pros and cons for options be explained clearly to me and my husband;
*The implications of doing nothing to be outlined to us.
*Please can we be given as much time as is practical and possible to make a decision

I want my husband Mark to accompany and support me throughout, even if I have to have an emergency Cesarean section.

Environment:
I have been booked (?) into the Active Birth Suite but if for some reason on the day I have to be in one of the normal delivery rooms, I would like if applicable (ie there is no medical reason for me to lie down) and if possible for the bed to be pushed to one side and for me to be offered some crash mats.

Please can the lights be kept as low as possible throughout, including after the birth. I would like my music to be played during the birth.

I am happy to have students present during the birth.

Managing labour:
I would like to have as active a birth as possible – moving around, kneeling, using my birthing ball etc. – and would like to avoid lying on my back. If I need to lie down, I would like it to be on my side if possible. I would also like to have a birthing stool available to try, particularly in later stages when I am tired but still want to remain in an upright position. I understand these are available on the birthing suite.

If our baby appears to be poorly positioned or if labour is not progressing well for some reason, I would appreciate it if you could suggest changes of position or movements which might help. Any general advice as to comfortable active labour positions will also be extremely welcome.


Medical routines and interventions:
I would like intervention in the birth to be kept as low as safety allows, with foetal monitoring used that allows me to move around.

internal examinations? (not sure about this bit, whether I want to minimised them or not)

I would like to avoid the birth being induced if possible. I would prefer for my waters not to be broken artificially unless it is at the end of the 2nd stage of labour and this would aid the birth.

If I need to be on a drip or have baby monitoring during my labour I would still like to be able to move around, so please use a long lead and attach to my arm instead of hand.

I am very keen to avoid tears so would appreciate advice on this. I would also prefer not to have an episiotomy unless our baby needs to be born quickly for her safety.

If a Cesarean is necessary I would like our baby handed straight to me or Mark, if possible.

Pain relief:
For natural pain relief, I plan to use my breathing techniques. I plan to use a TENS machine, heat pack, massage etc.

If medical pain relief is necessary:
I am happy to try gas and air.
I am not keen on pethidine, but would consider it if it was recommended.
If an epidural becomes necessary I would like it to be as low a dose as possible, so that I can continue to feel my legs and be aware of contractions. I would prefer for it to wear off for the second stage as I would like to be able to push our baby out myself.
Please avoid offering me pain relief, I would prefer to ask for it myself

3rd Stage & after birth:
Ideally, we would like Mark to cut our baby’s cord once it has stopped pulsating.

If I have not needed any previous medical intervention that would increase risks from blood loss, I would prefer a natural 3rd stage. If a managed 3rd stage is necessary, my next preference would be for delayed active management and for the cord to finish pulsating before the drug is administered.

I would like to attempt to breastfeed my baby immediately if possible. I would like as much time as possible to bond with our baby before she is taken for weighing etc - unless there are medical reasons which over rule this. My husband and I would like to find out the sex of our baby ourselves. My husband and I would like to spend some quiet time together with our baby at this time.

I am happy for our baby to have the vitamin K injection.

If I have a tear or episiotomy, I am happy to have stitches immediately after the birth.

If the labour has gone very smoothly and I have been able to breast feed without problems then I would like to be discharged home after six hours.

If she has to go to a special baby unit for any reason, I would like to express milk to give to her.



Finally, although I have written this birth plan, I am happy to be lead by the experience of the midwife team at any point that it is deemed beneficial to me and our baby.

Thank you in advance for your kindness and support during this experience. I value your knowledge and expertise and appreciate that you have only our best interests at heart.