Making a birth plan seems to be something we have done since the beginning of time - but should it be a "plan"?
There are two schools of thought here; if we make a plan then we are committing to the type of birth experience we have always desired. On the other side of the coin, we can't "plan" birth (unless we are have a planned c/s) so should it be called a "preference"?
My experience in a hospital birth suite would tend to fall towards the "preference" ideology. Why? Because we cannot manage spontaneous or induced vaginal birth, the only birth that can be managed is an elective c-section, and even then, it can throw us a curve ball from time to time.
No matter how experienced you are, there are just too many variables. As a health professional there is nothing like maternity to keep you humble and in total awe of a woman's body regardless of your skill level.
This is why it should be called a "birth preference" and not a "birth plan". When you are in labour it is not the time to be making decisions around pain relief or immediate post birth care of your precious newborn - there is too much emotion, not enough informed consent.
This is for a tonne of reasons. The most prevalent is your choice of pain relief - if you would like to have an epidural or you want to see how far you can go you should note this in your birth preferences. Discussing the pros and cons of an epidural whilst you are in the throes of active labour is not the time to make this decision.
If you birth attendant is fully aware of your desires he/she can facilitate these in a safe and timely manner. If you want to see how far you can go without an epidural - we won't ask you if you want one. If you want an epidural we advise you of the best time (around 5-6cm), site a cannular and send of bloods early so there is no delay in you receiving your epidural. It easy to ensure you have informed consent if you make these decisions before you go into labour.
I have attached a "birth preference" ideas check list, list will help you write your own birth preferences. Remember there is no right or wrong answer, just YOUR preference for standard care options when you are in the hospital.