Writing a birth plan that reflects what you really want

A birth plan is not a script. It is a way of sharing what matters to you, so the people caring for you understand your hopes before labour begins.

There is no right or wrong way to birth. A good plan simply makes your preferences clear while leaving room for the day to unfold. Your midwife will talk it through with you in the weeks beforehand and keep a copy with your notes.

Where you will birth

We attend births at Auckland City Hospital, one of the largest maternity units in the country. The birthing suite has rooms with birthing pools and a full epidural service on site, so most preferences can be supported in one place.

Pain relief and comfort

Think about what helps you feel calm. Movement and position, warm water, a TENS machine, gas (nitrous oxide), or an epidural. You do not have to decide everything now; you can change your mind at any time during labour.

• Who you would like with you as support people
• How you feel about water for labour or birth
• Your preferences for pain relief, and what you would like to try first
• Delayed cord clamping and skin-to-skin after birth

Above all, a birth plan is a conversation. We will revisit it together, and if anything needs to change for your wellbeing or your baby’s, we will talk it through with you every step of the way.