How to write a birth plan for a calm and serene labour

The arrival of a baby is a unique and special moment in the lives of parents. To experience this event in complete serenity, many people choose to write a birth plan. This document allows you to communicate your wishes and preferences to the medical team. But how should it be structured and what information should it include? This article guides you through it step by step.

What is a birth plan?

A birth plan is a document in which expectant parents express their wishes regarding how the labour and birth will unfold. This text facilitates communication between the parents and the medical team. It thus addresses a good number of questions and encourages better preparation.

Having a birth plan can help you to feel more relaxed and in control during labour. It also gives the medical staff a clear idea of any particular expectations, which improves collaboration and respect for the parents' wishes.

Why write a birth plan?

First of all, it allows you to put down in writing all your wishes for this important moment. Secondly, it clarifies your priorities and specific needs in the eyes of the care team. Thanks to this preparation, misunderstandings and confusion that could arise during labour are kept to a minimum.

Writing a birth plan can also ease the fears and anxieties related to childbirth by providing a sense of control and foresight. Bear in mind that every experience is unique and that being well informed helps you to formulate realistic and appropriate requests.

What to include in your birth plan

Personal information

Always begin your birth plan by including your personal details and those of your partner. Include your full names, telephone number, expected due date and any other relevant details.

Providing this information helps the staff to identify you more easily and facilitates communication. It is also an opportunity to specify any allergies, pre-existing medical conditions or specific constraints.

Your wishes and preferences for the birth

This section is perhaps the most important. It should include your preferences regarding pain management, such as whether you might want an epidural or whether you prefer natural pain-management methods. Also specify whether you would prefer to avoid certain interventions unless medically necessary.

Beyond pain management, also address your choices regarding birth position, the presence of your partner or a birth companion, and even environmental aspects such as lighting and music. Every small detail counts when it comes to creating a reassuring environment for you.

Pain management: epidural, relaxation, massage

Those present during the birth: partner, doula, family member

Room atmosphere: dimmed lighting, background music

Medical interventions: episiotomy, assisted delivery

The role of the medical team

Express your expectations regarding communication with the care team. For example, specify whether you would like to be informed of each decision before it is made. Some people prefer constant dialogue, whilst others simply want the team to act according to their expertise without frequent consultations.

It is also helpful to outline the desired role for your partner. Whether that means providing emotional support, guiding breathing exercises or actively participating in decisions, clarifying this point will help to avoid any confusion when the moment comes.

Structuring your birth plan

General organisation

A well-structured birth plan is clear and easy to read. Use short paragraphs and headings in the form of questions to capture the interest of the medical team. Place the most important points at the beginning of the document so that they are immediately visible and taken into account.

Do not hesitate to order information according to its importance. A classic structure starts with the essential information and then moves towards more specific details. Keep things as simple as possible to make reading quick and smooth.

Recommended themes

The birth plan can be divided into several thematic sections. Here is a model structure that you can adapt to your own needs:

Introduction: personal information

General preferences: pain management, atmosphere

Support and companionship: roles of those present

Medical practices: interventions, techniques used

Postnatal period: immediate care, breastfeeding

By following this structure, you ensure an orderly and intelligible presentation of the various points, making things easier for the medical staff responsible for respecting your wishes.

A concrete example of how to write it

Here is a fictitious but representative example to illustrate what a concise yet effective birth plan might look like:

"Marie Dupont and Jean Durand"

Expected due date: 12 June 2023
Contact number: 06 "" "" "" ""

Delivery room

We prefer calm, softly lit environments
If possible, please play a relaxing playlist for us

Pain management

Preference for natural methods such as breathing or massage
Epidural considered if necessary, after discussion

Presence and support

Having Marie (our doula) present is very important to us
Partner involved to guide and provide both verbal and physical support

Medical practices

Please avoid episiotomy unless urgent
Preference for spontaneous delivery; instruments as a last resort

Postnatal period

Please facilitate skin-to-skin contact immediately
Please support the start of breastfeeding as soon as possible

This example demonstrates how to structure your thoughts clearly and effectively. Be precise in your requests whilst remaining flexible in the face of potential medical emergencies.

Practical tips for writing your plan

Involving your medical team from the outset

Before finalising the birth plan, discuss your ideas and concerns with your doctor or midwife. Their expertise can offer valuable answers and adjustments. Communicating in advance builds trust and strengthens this essential mutual preparation.

Having the document reviewed by a healthcare professional will help to identify any oversights or areas for improvement. They may even be able to provide additional advice based on their clinical experience.

Staying open and adaptable

Even the most carefully crafted plan must retain a degree of flexibility. Unforeseen situations may require rapid changes in the interest of preserving both the mother's and the child's health. Insisting on your priorities whilst being willing to adjust certain points shows that you have a sound understanding of the medical considerations at stake.

Sometimes labour does not unfold exactly as planned, and that is perfectly normal. By keeping this perspective in mind, you will be better prepared to calmly manage whatever eventualities arise.