Birth companion

Write down who you want to be with you in labour. Do you want this person to stay with you all the time, or are there certain procedures/stages of labour when you'd prefer them to leave the room?

Positions for labour and birth

Mention which positions you would like to use during labour and for your baby's delivery, e.g. on the bed, squatting, kneeling etc

Pain relief

Write down which pain relief options you would like or would consider, e.g. pethidine, entonox, epidural, etc. Remember – not all hospitals offer the same pain relief options, so check with your midwife.

Monitoring your baby's heart rate

Say how you want your baby to be monitored during labour.

Assisted delivery

You might want to express a preference for forceps or ventouse if, at the end of labour, you need some help to deliver your baby. You should also mention whether you would, if necessary, consent to an episiotomy.

First contact

Do you want your baby to be delivered straight onto your chest for a cuddle or would you prefer her to be wrapped up first?

Third stage - delivery of the placenta

Do you want to have the injection that speeds up the delivery of the placenta or would you prefer a natural third stage of labour?

Feeding the baby

Be clear about whether you want to breastfeed or bottle-feed.

Special needs

You may have very special needs that you want to mention in your birth plan. If you have a disability, write about the kind of help you will need in labour. Say whether there is any special equipment that would assist you. Also, remember to write down if you have particular religious needs.