Example completed birth preferences: calm hospital birth

My top 3 priorities

1. Please explain what is happening before doing anything. 2. I would like my birth partner with me wherever possible. 3. Skin to skin as soon as it is safe. If things need to change quickly, these are the things I most want my maternity team to know.

About me and my birth partner

My birth partner is my partner. I would like them to be with me and included in conversations wherever possible. We are using breathing and relaxation techniques, and I would appreciate calm, kind support throughout labour and birth.

Previous birth experiences

I have had a previous birth experience that affects my preferences. I would like my maternity team to be aware of this and to support me with clear explanations, consent and time to ask questions.

Place of birth and environment

I am planning to give birth in hospital. If possible, I would prefer a private room and access to a birthing pool for comfort and pain relief. I would like the room to feel calm, with dim lighting and minimal noise where possible.

Communication and language

I would appreciate clear explanations in plain English. Positive, calm encouragement would help me. If plans change or decisions need to be made, please explain what is happening, what the options are and what happens next. Please include my birth partner in conversations wherever possible.

Communication, sensory and processing preferences

It helps me when information is given both verbally and in writing. I may need extra time to process information, and I would like the team to explain what they are about to do before touching me.

Pain relief and comfort

I would like to try breathing, movement, relaxation techniques, music and gas and air first where possible. I am not opposed to further pain relief, including an epidural, but I would like my options explained clearly and to ask for this if I need it.

Movement and positions

Where possible, I would like to stay mobile and use upright, forward leaning or open positions. I would prefer not to lie on my back unless clinically necessary.

Student involvement

Student involvement: I would prefer to be asked first each time.

Second stage and birth

If everything is safe, I would prefer calm support and guidance rather than being rushed. I would like immediate skin to skin after birth where possible. If I am unable to hold the baby straight away, I would like my birth partner to be offered skin to skin if appropriate.

Assisted birth preferences

If forceps or ventouse are discussed, I would like my maternity team to explain why this is being recommended, what the options are, the risks and benefits, and what happens next.

Third stage and cord preferences

If safe and appropriate, I would like my options around cord clamping and placenta delivery explained clearly. I would like my birth partner to cut the cord if possible.

If plans change

I understand that birth can change quickly and that my preferences may need to adapt depending on my health, my baby’s health and clinical advice. If plans need to change, please explain what is happening, why it is being recommended, what the options are and what happens next. Please include my birth partner wherever possible.

Caesarean birth and theatre preferences

If a caesarean birth is needed, I would like the maternity team to explain what is happening, what the plan is, and what choices are available where possible. If possible, I would like my birth partner to stay with me or our baby, depending on what is safest and most appropriate at the time. Skin to skin is important to me if it is possible and safe. If my baby needs urgent care or neonatal admission, I would like to be kept updated clearly about where my baby is, who is with them, and what is happening. If mother and baby are separated, I would like updates, photos or clear information where possible.

After birth and feeding

I would like skin to skin after birth where possible. I would like support with feeding after birth, including breastfeeding support if this is how I choose to feed my baby. I would like my baby's post-birth care options, including vitamin K, to be explained clearly so I can confirm my choices.

Useful information

I have reviewed or may wish to review trusted information about fetal monitoring and CTG monitoring, hormone drip (Syntocinon, sometimes described as a hormone drip), epidural, delayed or deferred cord clamping, active or physiological third stage, forceps and ventouse, caesarean birth and induction of labour before discussing my preferences with my maternity team.