Birth plan
A birth plan is a document in which you can write down specific wishes and expectations regarding childbirth. Every expectant mother and every partner approaches childbirth differently. Writing down your wishes, dreams, expectations and any fears in the wish list and discussing them with the midwife or gynaecologist helps you to understand each other and work together better during childbirth.
Being well prepared helps during childbirth. This can be done in several ways:
- Reading books
- Attending information evenings
- Taking a pregnancy course
- Making a birth plan
- Talking to your partner about childbirth: discuss what you expect and what is important to both of you.
The midwife or gynaecologist (referred to as obstetric care provider from this point onwards) will endeavour to take your birth wishes into account as much as possible. No one can predict how the birth will go; it may turn out differently from what you had hoped or expected. However, the safety of you and your baby is always paramount, which is why your birth wishes are sometimes deviated from. It’s also possible that during the birth itself you may want something different than you had in mind beforehand.
How to make a Birth Plan
Begin by reading information about the care you can expect from the midwife and gynaecologist and then click below for the form to complete your personal birth plan (Dutch only).