birth plan template australia
this is general pregnancy information, not medical advice. always discuss your birth plan with your midwife or obstetrician.
what is a birth plan?
a birth plan is a document that outlines your preferences for labour and birth. it covers things like pain relief, who you want in the room, and what you'd like to happen after your baby arrives.
it's not a contract — things change, and your care team will always prioritise the safety of you and your baby. think of it as a communication tool between you and your midwife or doctor. it helps them understand what matters to you, especially if your care team changes during labour.
tip: most hospitals in australia will ask about your birth preferences during antenatal appointments. having a written plan makes that conversation easier.
birth plan checklist
use this checklist to think through your preferences. you don't need to have an answer for everything — just the things that matter most to you.
labour preferences
- ☐who you want in the room (partner, mum, doula)
- ☐mobility during labour — walk around, shower, birth ball
- ☐pain relief preferences — natural first, gas, epidural, or open to anything
- ☐music, lighting, and atmosphere
- ☐monitoring preferences (intermittent vs continuous)
birth preferences
- ☐preferred birth position — upright, all fours, side-lying, whatever feels right
- ☐delayed cord clamping (wait 1–3 minutes — recommended by most guidelines)
- ☐who cuts the cord
- ☐skin to skin immediately after birth
- ☐vitamin K injection (recommended for all newborns in australia)
after birth
- ☐breastfeeding within the first hour
- ☐rooming in (baby stays with you)
- ☐visitors policy — who, when, how soon
- ☐photos and video during birth
- ☐placenta — keep, encapsulate, or hospital disposes
if things change
- ☐preferences for assisted delivery (ventouse or forceps)
- ☐c-section preferences — skin to skin in theatre if possible
- ☐who goes with baby if separated
- ☐music in theatre
- ☐lowered drape so you can see baby being born
vaginal birth vs c-section
there is no "right" way to give birth. what matters is that you and your baby are safe. here's a balanced overview of what each option involves.
vaginal birth
- • shorter recovery — typically 2 to 6 weeks
- • shorter hospital stay — usually 1 to 2 days
- • baby receives beneficial bacteria passing through the birth canal
- • can be unpredictable — labour length varies widely
- • perineal tearing is possible (varies from minor to more significant)
planned c-section
- • scheduled date — you know when baby is coming
- • surgery risks include infection and longer recovery (6 to 8 weeks)
- • longer hospital stay — typically 3 to 5 days
- • may be medically necessary (breech, placenta praevia, multiples)
- • you can still request skin to skin in theatre and delayed cord clamping
emergency c-section
- • unplanned — happens when baby or mum is in distress
- • recovery is the same as a planned c-section
- • your care team will explain what is happening and why
- • having a "plan B" in your birth plan helps you feel more prepared
did you know: around 1 in 3 australian births are by caesarean section, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
what to expect during labour
labour happens in stages. knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared — even though every labour is different.
early labour
contractions start but are often irregular. this stage can last hours or even a day or two. stay home as long as you're comfortable — rest, eat, drink water, and time your contractions.
active labour
contractions are 3 to 5 minutes apart, lasting about a minute each. this is when you head to the hospital. your cervix is dilating from about 4cm to 7cm.
transition
the most intense part. you're nearly fully dilated (8 to 10cm). contractions are very close together. you may feel like you can't do it — this usually means you're almost there.
pushing
follow your body's urges. your midwife will guide you. pushing can take 30 minutes to 2 hours for a first baby. try different positions if you can.
third stage — placenta
delivering the placenta usually takes 5 to 30 minutes. you can choose active management (injection to speed it up) or physiological (let it happen naturally). your midwife will discuss this with you.
pain relief options in australia
you don't need to decide in advance — but it helps to know what's available. here are the main options offered in australian hospitals.
TENS machine
small electrical pulses through pads on your back. works best in early labour. you control the intensity. no side effects for baby.
gas (nitrous oxide)
breathe it through a mouthpiece during contractions. takes the edge off but doesn't remove pain completely. can make you feel lightheaded. you control when you use it.
water immersion
warm water in a bath or birth pool. helps with relaxation and pain relief. available in many hospitals and birth centres. some women choose to give birth in the water.
epidural
anaesthetic injected into your lower back. very effective pain relief. you'll need continuous monitoring and an IV drip. may slow labour and increase the chance of assisted delivery.
pethidine / morphine
an injection given in your thigh or buttock. helps you relax between contractions. can make you drowsy. usually avoided close to delivery as it can affect baby's breathing.
sterile water injections
small injections of sterile water into your lower back. helps with back labour pain. the injection stings for about 30 seconds but relief can last 1 to 2 hours. no side effects for baby.
tips for writing your birth plan
- 1keep it to one page. your midwife needs to read it quickly, often during a busy shift.
- 2discuss it with your midwife at 34 to 36 weeks. they can flag anything that may not be possible at your hospital.
- 3use "I would prefer" not "I want". it sets a collaborative tone with your care team.
- 4include a plan B.think through what you'd prefer if things change — assisted delivery, c-section, or unexpected complications.
- 5bring multiple copies. one for your file, one for the midwife on shift, and one for your birth partner.
frequently asked questions
when should I write my birth plan?
most midwives recommend around 34 to 36 weeks. this gives you time to attend antenatal classes, research your options, and discuss preferences with your care team before the big day.
do I need a birth plan in australia?
it's not mandatory, but it's strongly encouraged. most hospitals will ask about your preferences during antenatal visits. a written plan helps communicate what matters to you, especially when your care team changes during labour.
what happens if my birth doesn't go to plan?
birth is unpredictable and plans often change. your care team will always prioritise safety. having a plan B section means you've already thought through alternatives, which can help you feel more in control even when things shift.
related guides
this information is general in nature and is not a substitute for medical advice. every pregnancy and birth is different. discuss your birth plan with your midwife or obstetrician.