Birth choices and making a birth plan

What are birth preferences?

Your birth preferences, or choices, are a considered and thought-out plan that states what you would like to happen during labour. It is a way for you to communicate the kind of birth you would like to have with your healthcare team.

You can write down your birth choices, or share them verbally with your team during your pregnancy or childbirth.

Your birth preferences are your choice.

Your birth choices can include things like what kind of pain relief you want during labour, who you would like with you and what position you want to give birth in.

During pregnancy, your birth choices can change. It is fine to change your mind about what you would like to happen when you are having your baby. Even when you are in labour and your baby is close to being born, you still have the right to change your plan.

Do I need to make a birth plan?

Not everyone chooses to prepare a birth plan, it's up to you.

Working out your preferences is a good chance to learn about pregnancy and prepare for birth. It is also an opportunity for you to discuss your options with your partner and healthcare providers. Together, as part of shared decision-making, you can consider your personal beliefs, cultural background and medical situation to make an informed decision about the kind of birth that best suits you. This way, you can feel supported, confident in your decisions and have realistic expectations.

Research shows that if you prepare your birth preferences, you are more likely to be satisfied with how your birth goes.

When should I think about my birth choices?

There is no specific time to prepare your birth preferences.

Speak with your partner or healthcare provider — such as your midwife, obstetrician or counsellor — about what is useful to include in your birth choices. Together you can discuss your options. It might depend on where you give birth and if you or your baby have any specific health conditions.

How should I get started developing my birth plan?

You can start developing your birth preferences by thinking about what is important to you.

What should I include in my birth plan?

You can include whatever you want in your birth plan — just check your expectations with your healthcare team, so you can be confident that they are realistic and achievable.

It is important to remember that your labour and birth may not go exactly as you would like. There needs to be room for flexibility, in case things happen that you didn't plan for.

Sometimes medical interventions are needed for your wellbeing or for your baby's health.

Creating your birth preferences

Here are some ideas on what is generally included in birth preferences:

• Who are the key people in your support network?
• Are there any cultural factors you want to list?
• Do you want to stay active during labour?
• Where would you like to give birth — in a hospital, birthing centre or at home?
• What positions do you prefer for labour and birth?
• Would you like your health team to offer you pain relief early, and do you prefer a specific type of pain relief?
• Would you prefer medical intervention if labour is taking too long?

You don't need to answer all of these questions, and you may not know the answer to some questions, especially if this is your first baby.

You can also discuss with your birth support partner how you would like them to support you during your birth, including when and how you would want them to speak with the staff on your behalf.

You can also include your ideas for what will happen after your baby is born:

• Do you prefer skin-to-skin ('kangaroo') care?
• Do you plan to breastfeed your baby?
• Who will support you when you go home with your baby?

After your baby's birth, you can also talk with your midwife, GP or child health nurse about how you're feeling and ask any questions about recovery or feeding. Regular follow-up visits can help you stay supported and confident in the weeks after birth.

Read more about cultural practices and preferences when having a baby.

Resources and support

• The Women and Newborn Health Service in WA has an informative handbook with information about pregnancy, birth and your baby.
• The Royal Women's Hospital provides helpful information on making a birth plan.

Languages other than English

The Multicultural Centre for Women's Health has a catalogue of health resources for women, available in more than 70 languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Baby Coming You Ready? is a digital platform that supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples during pregnancy and after birth.