Developing your Origins birth plan

These are the questions your obstetrician will ask you:

• Do you want a natural labour, a pain free labour or just see how it goes?
• Do you want an elective caesarean section?
• Who will be with you in labour?
• Do you have any special requests for the birth environment?
• Have you thought about the positions you'd like to use during labour?
• Do you want an epidural? If so, when? Would you like a private anaesthetist?
• Are there any other types of pain management you would like to try?
• Will fetal monitoring be appropriate during your labour?
• What are your views on induction of labour if required?
• How do you feel about an instrumental delivery if required?
• How do you feel about having an emergency caesarean section if required?
• How would you feel about having an episiotomy if required?
• Would you like the baby delivered straight onto your tummy or checked first?
• Who will cut the cord?
• Will you have an ecbolic to reduce bleeding after delivery?
• Would you like to see and/or keep the placenta?
• Do you want your baby to have a vitamin K injection?
• If your blood type is negative, are you aware that you need an Anti D injection?
• Do you wish to have a private paediatrician attend the birth?
• Do you plan to breast feed?
• Where will you spend your post-natal stay?
• Do you need any special post-natal support?
• Do you know about the Guthrie test and newborn hearing screening?
• Are you aware of the recommendation that babies should sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome?
• Have you thought about contraception after the birth?
• Are you due for a cervical smear?
• Who will conduct the six week baby check?