Birth Plan information

In Development

This page is here to help you make decisions that are right for you during your labour and birth, you can browse in your own time or use these to have informed discussions with your health care professional.

A birth plan is a document where you can record what you might like to happen during your labour and birth, you don’t have to make birth plan but if you would like to, we are here to support you with this.

Discussing a birth plan with your midwife will help you understand your options during labour and birth, including the risks and benefits of each option. You'll have the chance to ask questions and find out more about what happens during labour and birth.

This allows you to think about or discuss some things more fully with your partner, friends and relatives.

You can change your mind about your wishes for labour and birth at any time.

Your birth plan is personal to you. It depends on what you want, your medical history, your circumstances and what is available to you at the place of birth you decide on.

You will be given a leaflet by your midwife and a discussion around your wishes will take place. It's a good idea to keep a copy of your birth plan with you so you can show your midwife when you're in labour.

You need to be flexible and prepared to do things differently from your birth plan if complications arise with you or your baby, or if facilities such as a birth pool aren't available.

The maternity team will tell you what they advise in your particular circumstances. Don't hesitate to ask questions if you need to.

We are here to support you and birth plan.