Birth wishes

Some women find it helpful to prepare for labor by creating a birth plan. It is intended to help your midwife and other healthcare professionals understand what is important to you, as well as your ideas, preferences, and wishes. It can also be a useful way to discuss your expectations of labor and birth—and of each other—with your partner. A birth plan helps you stay involved in what happens during labor and in the decisions that are made, including at times when you may not be able to clearly communicate your wishes yourself.

A birth plan does not determine how your labor and birth will unfold, as no birth can be predicted. However, it can serve as a guide for discussing your expectations and preferences with both your partner and your midwife or obstetrician. If you have written a birth plan, we consider it important to review it together with you. This allows us to discuss whether your wishes are realistic and achievable. If there are any medical or practical limitations, there are often alternative options available. Between 30 and 35 weeks of pregnancy, we can schedule additional time to discuss your birth plan if you would find this helpful.
Creating a birth plan is entirely optional. It may not be something that suits you or your partner, and that is perfectly fine too.