Hiya, I was just wondering for those that have done a birth plan or intend to, do you just type it out and how do you lay it out? Is it just personal preference?

My Birth Plan

Birth Partner
This will be Jase, my Fiancé.
I would like Jase to be able to take photographs during and after the birth of our Baby.
I would like him with me at all times. Including during any procedures I may need such as forceps or ventouse delivery or should the need arise, a caesarean section.

Pain Relief
I would like to try and give birth using only a tens machine for pain relief.
However, if I feel this isn't enough I would like gas and air, then pethidine.
I would like to avoid an epidural.

Monitoring During Labour
I would like to monitored as little as possible to allow me to be mobile during my labour.
Although I understand monitoring is needed to ensure the safety of my baby and I am happy to be led by the midwives on this matter.
I would prefer to be vaginally examined only when absolutely necessary.

Delivery and Beyond
I am happy to have 1 or 2 medical students present.
I would like to try a variety of positions to deliver my Baby.
I would like to be advised by the midwives as to whether or not I need an episiotomy.
I would like the opportunity to feel my baby's head as it crowns.
I would like my Baby delivered straight onto my Tummy before being cleaned and my partner Jase to cut the cord or if he feels he can't then I would like to.
If I have to have a caesarean section I would like the screen lowered at the last minute to enable me to see my Baby being born.
I am happy to have the Syntocinon injection to aid the delivery of the placenta.
I am happy for my Baby to have Vitamin K administered by injection.
I would like to breastfeed my Baby and do not want him being given a bottle/formula milk.
I would like either me or Jase to dress our Baby for the first time
I would like my Baby with me at all times. If at any time he needs to be taken from the room and I am unable to go with him, my partner Jase will accompany him.

These are my wishes and although I would like to see them followed through, I trust the midwives/doctors to advise me as to what is best for me and my Baby.

That was exactly how i set mine out, with each point as a bullet point and just printed out 5 copies
xx

If you Google birth plan there are lots of examples - especially on Baby Centre.

I've kept mine as brief as I can because they hardly read them - the shorter it is the more chance they'll read it and remember it and abide by it I think - but hubby will be there to ensure it's followed through anyway.

wow jayne thats a good birth plan! i dont think im planning on doing one but im very impressed with yours!

xxxx

I just filled in the relevant page on my green notes with my midwife. From the sounds of it short and sweet and remain open to rapidly changing situations is the way to go.

I think that you need to keep it as brief as possible really as MW hardly has time to read it, at our antenatal class we were todlt he most important hing to include was that we wanted the injection to help deliver placenta, and that we wanted baby to have Vit K injection.

Here is mine

Birth Plan: Amy Kate Davies
Birthing Partner: Glyn Davies (Husband)
Due Date: 8th November 2009
Stepping Hill Hospital
27/10/2009
Labour
I would like to be free to walk, change positions and use the bathroom as needed.
I would rather have an episiotomy than risk a tear.
I do not mind observation by students, interns or staff.
Pain Relief
I would like to try and give birth using only gas and air, and the birthing pool. However, if I feel this isn't enough I would like Remifentanil. I would like to avoid an epidural and do not want Pethidine at all.
Caesarean Section Delivery
I feel very strongly that I would like to avoid a Caesarean delivery unless absolutely necessary.
Immediately after the birth
Glyn would like the option to cut the cord.
I would like to have the injection to aid the delivery of the placenta.
I am happy for my Baby to have Vitamin K administered by injection.
Breastfeeding
I plan to breastfeed rather than use formula.

thats like the best birth plan iv ever read hehe i think i may redo mine reading urs as urs gives alot more detail which i seem to hav missed out xx

Sorry to jump in, I never had a birth plan ready.I'm glad, I would only have worked myself up...so I went with the flow.... air, epidural, baby, and expressed milk after.

And if theres a next time, I wont be making a birth plan either, I prefered going with the flow.

Thanks everyone, special thanks to Jayne and third time (happy due date x ) x x x

I feel the same as Jasmineivy. I didn't have a birth plan with my first at all and didn't mind. I told them a few things when I went in, such as who my parteners were etc.. but I didn't know what I should expect and didn't have a clue as to what I would want for pain meds etc... lol. It's a good idea to have one but I liked just going with the flow and doing what felt right at the time This time I am going to have a c-section so I am not too worried about planning much lol, I just want my date done for sure so I can get family and friends notified and plans set in place etc...