Birth plan
A birth plan is made to provide information of what you like to happen during your labour and after birth.
Birth plan
A birth plan is a record of what you would like to happen during your labour and after the birth. You don’t have to create a birth plan but, if you would like one, your midwife will be able to help.
Discussing a birth plan with your midwife gives you the chance to ask questions and find out more about what happens in labour.
It also gives your midwife the chance to get to know you better, and understand your feelings and priorities, and allows you to think about or discuss some things more fully with your partner, friends and relatives.
You can change your mind about your wishes for labour and birth at any time. Click on the link below to download our personalised care and support plan which includes information about your birth preferences:
Where to give birth: You can give birth at home, in a unit run by midwives (a midwifery unit or birth centre) or in hospital. Find out more about all these options on this link
Newborn screening
Newborn screening provides results which can help make sure that your baby is given appropriate treatment as quickly as possible if needed.
Newborn screening
You will be offered newborn screening tests for your baby soon after they are born.
These screening tests are recommended by the NHS. This is because results from these tests can help make sure that your baby is given appropriate treatment as quickly as possible if needed.
It’s important to think carefully whether you want to have these screening tests. Your decisions will be respected, and healthcare professionals will support you.
Ask your midwife or doctor for more information about newborn screening.
The red book
Your baby’s Personal Child Health Record is also known as the red book or PCHR.
It’s used to record your child’s weight and height, vaccinations they’ve been given and other important health information. You can also add information yourself – it’s a great way of keeping track of your child’s progress.
Remember to take it with you when your baby has appointments at the clinic, GP or hospital.
Health and development checks
Your baby’s health checks are very important – they’re an opportunity to check your baby is developing properly.
They’re usually carried out by your health visitor either at home or in your GP surgery, baby clinic or children’s centre.
These development checks are also a good opportunity for you to raise any concerns you might have.
Your baby’s very first health check takes place shortly after they are born and will continue until your child is 2 to 2-and-a-half years old.
Read more about your baby’s health and development reviews.
Vaccinations: Your baby needs their first injections at 8 weeks. Vaccinations are offered free of charge in the UK, you only need to book your appointment with your GP.
Pack your bag for labour
See link below for a list of things that should be ready at least 3 weeks before your due date.
Pack your bag for labour
- Pack the following items at least3 weeks before your due date:
- your birth plan and hospital notes
- something loose and comfortable to wear during labour that does not restrict you from moving around or make you too hot
- 3 changes of loose, comfortable clothes
- 2 or 3 comfortable and supportive bras, including nursing bras if you’re planning to breastfeed – remember, your breasts will be much larger than usual
- breast pads
- 2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads
- 5 or 6 pairs of knickers – you may want to bring some disposable ones
- your washbag with a toothbrush, hairbrush, flannel, soap, lip balm, deodorant, hair ties and other toiletries
- towels
- things to help you pass the time and relax – for example, books, magazines, music or podcasts
- a fan or water spray to cool you down
- front-opening or loose-fitting nighties or tops if you’re going to breastfeed
- dressing gown and slippers
- healthy snacks and drinks
- extra pillows
- a TENS machine if you intend to use one
- any medicines you’re taking
For the baby, you might want to pack:
- bodysuits, vests and sleepsuits
- an outfit for going home in
- a hat, scratch mittens and socks or booties
- plenty of nappies
- a shawl or blanket
- muslin squares or bibs
- a car seat for the trip home
Check in your midwife if you need to bring any items in addition to the above, there maybe items that must be brought to the unit as they are not provided.
Home births
If you’re planning to give birth at home, discuss your plans and what you need to prepare with your midwife. Think about where in your home you want to give birth.
You’re likely to need:
- clean bed clothes and towels
- clothes (including a hat) and nappies for the baby
- 2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads
- Even if you’re planning to have your baby at home, you should pack some things in case you need to go into hospital at any point.
Get prepared
When you come home, you will not want to do much more than rest and care for your baby, so do as much planning as you can in advance.
If you can, buy lots of basic items such as toilet paper, sanitary towels and nappies in advance.
If you have a freezer, you could cook some meals in advance and freeze them.
Transport
You should plan how you’ll get to the hospital or midwifery unit because you might need to go there at any time of the day or night.
If you’re planning to go by car, make sure it’s running well and that there’s always enough petrol in the tank.
If someone else has said they’ll take you, make an alternative arrangement just in case they’re not available.
In this video, a midwife goes through the essentials you should pack in your hospital bag.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deslF51rZcA
Informed choice: Informed consent to treatment means a person must give permission before they receive any type of medical treatment, test or examination and be informed about the treatment being received.
https://www.birthrights.org.uk/factsheets/consenting-to-treatment/
PSCP: If you live in Berkshire West, Oxfordshire or Buckinghamshire, you will be provided a personalised care and support plan to manage your pregnancy journey with your midwife. Click on the following link for the digital copy.
Special care: ill or premature babies
Special care for babies is sometimes provided on the ordinary postnatal ward and sometimes in a specialist newborn (neonatal) area.