Birth plan / birth preferences template

A birth plan is really a set of preferences, a way of telling your midwives and doctors what matters to you, so they can support your choices even on a busy day. Births rarely go exactly to plan, and that's okay. Think of this as 'what I'd like if all is well, and what I'd want if things change'. Keeping it short and clear (one page is plenty) means your team can take it in quickly.

There are no right or wrong answers here. Some people feel strongly about a calm, low-light room and freedom to move; others want every option for pain relief on the table from the start. Both are completely valid. Bring it to a conversation with your midwife in the third trimester so you can talk through anything you're unsure about.

You have the right to ask questions and to say yes or no to anything offered. A helpful phrase is BRAIN: ask about the Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, what your Instinct says, and what happens if you do Nothing right now. You can use this for any decision, at any point in labour.

If English isn't your first language, or you'd simply feel more comfortable, you can ask for an interpreter, this should be a professional, not a family member. You can also note who you want with you, and anything cultural, religious or personal that helps you feel safe and respected. Studies show Black and Asian women are more likely to feel unheard in maternity care, so being clear about your wishes, and naming an advocate to speak up for you, is a real and reasonable thing to plan for.

This is a placeholder template for the Bump Circle team and will be reviewed by our midwife, Dumebi, before launch.