Writing Your Birth Plan
Writing a birth plan is a process that starts by understanding the available choices and ends with you communicating your preferences for labour, birth, and postnatal care to your caregivers. It can seem daunting especially when you are outside of your home country.
So, to get you started here are five key things to consider when formulating your birth plan
1. Understand Your Options
Research different aspects of childbirth, such as pain relief methods (epidurals, natural techniques), birthing positions, and medical interventions (induction, C-sections). Knowing your options helps you make informed decisions and articulate them clearly. Your research should also extend to where you birth your baby: home, hospital, birth centre. A good place to explore your options would be to do a prenatal course. These are available in English in Belgium and a great way of meeting other expectant parents. You can find out more at Birth Preparation Classes
2. Keep It Concise and Flexible
Focus on your top priorities (e.g., pain management, skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding
Use clear and concise language
Be open to adjustments—childbirth can be unpredictable, and flexibility ensures you and your baby receive the best care
3. Include Key Preferences
Labour and Birth: Preferences for environment (lighting, music), mobility during labour, and birthing positions
Pain Management: Specify your choices (natural methods, epidural)
Interventions: State your views on interventions like induction, episiotomy, forceps, or vacuum assistance
Partner's Role: Define how your birth partner will support you
4. Postnatal Care Wishes
Outline your preferences for:
Immediate skin-to-skin contact
Delayed cord clamping
Baby's first feed (breastfeeding, formula)
Newborn care (vaccinations, bathing, rooming-in)
5. Share and Discuss with Your Caregivers
Review your plan with your healthcare provider or midwife to ensure your preferences align with theirs. Have a copy placed in your notes so they are seen by your caregivers on your baby’s birthday and a take copy with you to your birth. It might be sensible to have a translation of your plan in French or Dutch depending on you caregivers.
