Birth Plan: What Expecting Mothers Need to Know

Your due date is approaching, and you can't wait to welcome your little one into the family. But, you may find yourself wondering about many things, such as how you want to deliver your baby, whether you want to use pain relief, and whether you want to hold your baby skin-to-skin after birth. To help you make these decisions and communicate them effectively to your care team, it's helpful to write a birth plan.

But what exactly is a birth plan? Will your care team take it seriously, and how can you ensure that your wishes are understood during labour? Let's take a closer look at how this plan can help you achieve your ideal birth experience.

What is a birth plan?

A birth plan is a written description of your preferences and wishes for the day you are due to give birth. It helps your care team understand your feelings and priorities during this important event, so rather than viewing it as a checklist, consider it a conversation starter with your obstetrician and gynaecologist (O&G). This can be particularly helpful for first-time mothers who may not yet be sure of their preferences.

If you've been wondering whether creating a birth plan might be seen as too demanding by your care team, rest assured that it's quite the opposite. So, if you wish, you can discuss your plan with your doctor well before your due date. However, having a birth plan doesn't guarantee that your labour and delivery will go according to plan, as unexpected things can happen during the process.

What should I consider when creating my birth plan?

Since the purpose of a birth plan is to ensure that you and your pregnancy doctor are on the same page during labour and ensure that you have a positive birth experience, there are a wide range of topics that you can discuss. These include:

• Birth environment & support:

  • Your desired location of birth (birthing centre, home, or hospital)

  • Who should keep you company in the delivery room, such as your partner or a doula

  • Atmosphere preferences like lighting, music, or personal comfort items

• Medical preferences:

  • Available delivery methods

  • Monitoring preferences during labour

  • Birthing positions during labour for your comfort

  • Pain management techniques, from natural techniques like breathing exercises or water birth to pain medications such as anaesthesia or IV pain relief

• Clinical decisions:

  • Interventions (e.g., episiotomy or caesarean section)

  • Placenta delivery preferences

  • Immediate newborn care, such as skin-to-skin contact with you after birth

When making your plan, there is no need to follow a strict template or make it too formal. Simply note down the issues that concern you the most, along with your birth preferences, and discuss these with your doctor. So don’t worry about creating the "perfect" plan for your delivery.

If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of writing anything down, or if this is your first pregnancy, talk to your doctor about how to prepare without a written plan.

Worried about how your medical team will receive your birth plan? At Thomson Women's Clinic, we value your birth choices and collaborate with you to develop practical plans that ensure your medical safety. Schedule your consultation today.

What are the types of delivery methods?

To help you plan your preferred birth experience, it is important to consider which mode of delivery you would like. Here are the most common methods available to help you make an informed decision.

Natural birth

A natural birth, or vaginal delivery, refers to delivering a baby through the vagina without surgical intervention. In most cases, labour begins spontaneously and progresses naturally. It often involves using natural techniques, such as relaxation, breathing exercises, massage and movement to relieve pain.

Vaginal birth is the most common method of childbirth and is considered safe for low-risk pregnancies. For some mothers, natural birth can be empowering, making them feel more connected to their body and the birthing process.

Freebirth (unassisted birth)

Freebirth, or unassisted birth, is when a woman chooses to give birth without the help of a healthcare provider or midwife. This is a planned decision made before labour, which is different from an emergency situation where deliveries happen unexpectedly before the mother can get any medical help.

While some may receive emotional and practical support from a doula or family members, these individuals do not offer clinical care.

Forceps/vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery

Forceps- or vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery is a procedure used to assist in the delivery of a baby when the mother is having difficulty delivering vaginally, such as in the prolonged second stage of labour, or when there is concern about maternal and foetal well-being.

The healthcare professionals use instruments such as forceps or a vacuum to apply traction to the baby's head to guide it out of the birth canal. Forceps-assisted delivery uses metal forceps to grasp the baby's head. Vacuum-assisted delivery uses a suction cup attached to the baby's head to provide traction.

Water birth

Water birth is a birthing technique where the mother is immersed in a warm pool of water during delivery, which can help with relaxation and pain relief. It's a popular birthing technique among women who prefer a natural childbirth without the use of an epidural or medication.

There are several benefits of water birth:

• Warm water helps to relax and soothe muscles, reducing contraction pain during labour

• Immersion in the warm water helps to lower blood pressure and promote relaxation.

• The water buoyancy allows for easier movement and positional changes during labour.

• Warm water also softens the perineal area (the tissue between your vagina and rectum), helping to reduce tears during childbirth

Caesarean section (C-section)

A caesarean section is a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through incisions in the abdomen and uterus, rather than through the vagina. There are two main types of this procedure: an elective C-section, which is planned in advance for medical reasons or personal choice, and an emergency C-section, which is performed urgently during labour when complications arise.

The incisions can also be made in two ways: either a lower segment C-section, where the incision is made across the lower part of the uterus, or a classical C-section, where a vertical incision is made on the upper part of the uterus. Conditions requiring a caesarean section include:

• Labour complications:

  • Foetal distress or failure to progress in labour

• Medical conditions:

  • Placental problems, abnormal foetal positions, and maternal conditions, such as hypertension, can make vaginal deliveries risky.

Although a C-section can be lifesaving and is a common practice in maternity care, it is still major surgery. Recovery may take longer than after a vaginal birth, and there may be risks, such as infection, bleeding, or complications in future pregnancies.

Which is the right delivery method for me?

After exploring the various delivery options above, Mother may be wondering which is appropriate for your pregnancy. The most suitable method depends on your overall health and any pre-existing medical conditions you have, as well as your baby's condition in the womb.

If you are healthy and have a low-risk pregnancy, natural childbirth may be recommended. However, certain medical conditions, such as gestational diabetes or pregnancy-related hypertension, or complications during labour, may necessitate a change to an assisted delivery or caesarean section.

You may be scheduled for an elective caesarean section if it aligns with your personal preferences, if you have specific concerns about vaginal delivery, if you have had previous caesarean sections, if your baby is in a breech position, if you have placenta previa or if there are other medical complications that make vaginal delivery risky for you or your baby.

However, deciding on the right delivery method is a collaborative decision between you and your healthcare team. Your O&G specialist will assess your individual circumstances, discuss the benefits and risks of each option, and help you make an informed choice that prioritises both safety and your birth preferences.

Delivering at Thomson Medical

At Thomson Women's Clinic, our O&G specialists understand that childbirth is an important moment for both the father and the expectant mother. That's why our doctors work closely with you to discuss your birth plan, including delivery options duringchildbirth, room types and rates that suit your needs, and maternity packages designed around your preferences.

If you’re interested in delivering your little angel at Thomson Medical, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment. Our O&G specialists can help determine which delivery method works best for you and support you throughout your pregnancy journey.

What to expect after birth?

After giving birth, you will experience physical and emotional changes as your body recovers and adjusts to your routine as a new mother. Here's what you can expect after giving birth:

Physical changes

• Lochia:

  • Vaginal bleeding and discharge occur to eliminate blood, mucus and excess uterine tissue. This is a normal part of postbirth healing and typically lasts up to eight weeks.

• Afterpains:

  • These are menstrual-like cramps as your uterus contracts back to its normal size. The pain may be more intense when breastfeeding.

• Breast enlargement:

  • Your breasts start to fill with milk about 3-5 days after delivery.

Emotional changes

• Fatigue:

  • Lack of sleep and increased physical demands can lead to fatigue.

• Mood swings:

  • Hormonal fluctuations can cause mood swings, including the postpartum blues.

• Stress:

  • The transition to parenthood can be stressful.

• Bonding:

  • Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding are important for bonding with your baby.

FAQ

When and how should a birth plan be created?

Do I need to have a written birth plan?

Having a written birth plan is helpful. It serves as a way for you to communicate your preferences for delivery with your birth team. As you cannot control every aspect of labour and birth, having a birth plan helps to manage expectations and ensures a more personalised and informed birthing experience.

Is it risky to have a home birth?

How many visitors are you allowed after giving birth?

In most hospitals, you are generally allowed two adult visitors at a time after giving birth. However, this can vary depending on the hospital's specific policies. Some birth centre may restrict the number of visitors or have designated visiting hours.

Do you need a birth plan for a C-section?

Although a birth plan is not mandatory for a caesarean section, it can still be helpful, even for a planned caesarean section. It helps you communicate your preferences and wishes regarding the procedure and your overall experience with your healthcare provider, which ensures a more personalised and comfortable experience.

What is the best age to plan pregnancy?

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, schedule an appointment at Thomson Women’s Clinic.