***PLEASE NOTE - At the time of posting this there are still a few more pieces of information that I am looking for so the entire post is not complete, however it is close enough to completion to be posted for public consumption***

The purpose of this blog entry is to provide observations between Animal and Human Behaviours During Labour and Delivery. The animals that have been observed are Domestic (Pet) Rats, commonly used in laboratory settings to test reactions to drugs that are used on humans and diseases that affect humans. These particular Domestic Rats are kept in communal cages of 3+ Domestic Rats and are separated prior to delivery, although notes have been taken of deliveries that have occurred prior to separation.

Please take note – this is not a medical study. There is no laboratory involved, nor any funding or research project. This blog entry is merely comparing personal observations and showing the similarities and differences of behaviour between Animals (in this instance the animals are Domestic Rats) and Humans during the birthing process and the effects that Intervention can have on that natural process.
These observations will be put down in three separate parts – Behaviour and the Effects of Intervention in Early Labour, Behaviour and the Effects of Intervention During Delivery and Behaviour and the Effects of Intervention Post Birth.

This blog post has been inspired by past discussions on a Doula support board involving the benefits or lack thereof of Ingestion of the Placenta post birth.


Humans – Behaviour and the Effects of Intervention in Early Labour

Modern humans are impatient and want things to happen quickly. During early labour we tend to, for the most part, try to make things move faster by walking, having sex, doing various routines to try and make sure that the baby is in a good position, eating and drinking when we feel able to. Some women don’t eat at all, and some rarely drink which can cause problems further on during labour. The most common advice given to women during early labour is suggestions to get moving, suggestions to rest, and suggestions to eat and drink so that a woman will have enough energy for the next stage of labour.
If interventions occur during this stage various things can occur – labour may stop or stall, it may slow down, or it may pick up and move faster. Baby may also go into distress if the amniotic sac is artificially broken or pitocin/cytotec is used to make labour progress faster, or baby may be fine and the labour will progress faster or continue to progress at the same rate as before. Also a woman may feel discouraged if she is checked via an internal examination and found to still only 1cm, 2cm or 3cm dilated after many hours of contractions during early labour, she may feel like it is not doing anything and this can make her morose and unhappy, or even make her feel like a failure. A woman may also be very tired which can slow down labour and may cause it to stop or stall. We cannot anticipate exactly what will happen when interventions occur, however we can provide insights in to what has happened to others in the past.
During early labour women may also be irritable and moody, or excited and talk or laugh a lot. Some women may not like to be touched during this stage while others find that touch comforts them a great deal and want someone to be touching them or holding their hand at all times. If a woman is upright and moving around early labour tends be shorter in duration or it might feel to her that it is of a shorter duration because she is partially distracted by the movement.
If a woman does not feel safe in the place where she is while in early labour her body will release adrenalin which will make her body “clamp down” and she may not progress any further on her own without further intervention.
For the majority of human women who do not feel safe or who receive intervention in the form of internal examinations, being touched when they don’t want it or are exposed to lots of noise that is distracting or annoying during the early labour period their labour will slow down or stall. There are always exceptions however.


Rats – Behaviour and the Effects of Intervention in Early Labour

With Domestic Rats early labour goes on for a relatively short time, contractions may start as little as 5 minutes before the active second stage of labour is established, or as long as a few days before the active second stage of labour is established. If a rat is disturbed during this time she will actively stop her labour until such a time as she feels safe again at which point labour will begin again. Rats during this stage can be overly protective of their nesting area and may bite or make noise to warn off intruders.
If they are in a group setting they will attack any rats that they don’t want near them although they may allow other females to sit beside them, this may include allowing another female to groom the labouring rat. During this stage any other females allowed in the nesting area will act protectively towards the labouring rat, they will forcibly remove any other rats who are not permitted in the nesting area, effectively “holding the space” around the labouring rat (this particular piece of information was taken by many in the Doula Group to be the equivalent of other female rats acting as a midwife or doula for the labouring female).
Any intervention will affect the way a female rat labours, and almost always results in the labour stopping entirely until she feels “safe” again.


Humans – Behaviour and the Effects of Intervention During Delivery

During delivery (the 2nd stage of labour which includes the pushing phase) a woman is focused internally on her body. She may become panicked and scared (a normal part of the transition process) and as a result may start demanding things like an epidural, a caesarean and/or drugs to take the pain away, or she may decide that she’s had enough and is going home and won’t have the baby that day and will come back another day (again this is very normal and it is a sign that the birth itself is getting closer).
If intervention occurs during this stage it can do one of 2 things for the woman labouring – make a woman scared and possibly traumatise her, or it may make her feel relieved and happy that something is being done to help her.
Intervention in the form of pitocin, artificially rupturing the amniotic sac, use of forceps or ventouse to help get the baby out or the use of pain relieving drugs at this stage could also cause problems with the woman labouring and could also affect the baby negatively. A woman could haemorrhage or her blood pressure may suddenly drop or rise to dangerous levels. A baby’s heart rate could drop too low or rise too high (aka baby may go into distress), baby may receive injuries to the head, neck or shoulders, and baby may be “floppy” and unresponsive at birth. These interventions can be detrimental mentally and physically to both the mum and the baby and as a result should only be used as a last resort.


Rats – Behaviour and the Effects of Intervention During Delivery

Rats are perfectly capable of delivering alone with no support or complications. A female will lick her baby’s clean, paying particular attention to the umbilical and facial areas, and will consume the placenta straight away before delivering the next baby. Any stillborn babies are removed from the nesting area by the mum and may be cannibalised if they aren’t removed from the cage within 12 hours (rats are self cleaners, they will cannibalise their own dead to try and reduce the threat of predators finding their nest).
 If they feel threatened or are disturbed (aka any form of intervention) they will stop their labour and move any babies already delivered to a “safe place” where she will begin labouring again and deliver the rest of her babies. If, however, it takes too long find a safe place (over 3-4 hours) in 99% of cases the remaining unborn babies will be stillborn.
In a group setting other females will help to clean the babies but for the most part will refrain from eating the placentas. The only time another female will eat the placenta is if the labouring female has not eaten it within 20 minutes of delivering a baby, in which case the supporting female will eat it and make sure that the baby is thoroughly cleaned. Any dead babies will be again be removed from the nest and if they are not removed from the cage within 12 hours they will usually be cannibalised. Other females will assist the birthing female to keep babies clean and toileted (baby rats are unable to urinate or defecate without stimulation to those regions, mother rats will lick the areas clean).
If the placentas aren’t consumed directly after the birth of a baby the females labour may stall or stop completely and she may run out of energy quickly. She may be unable to focus on caring for her babies that have already been born and as a result may not feed or clean them correctly. She may bleed for an extended period of time which puts her at risk of haemorrhaging. If the female still hasn’t eaten the placentas after a day this period of not being able to care for her babies may very well extend further until she has regained enough energy to be able to focus on them, but it may also result in her abandoning her babies completely or in her losing her milk.


Humans – Behaviour and the Effects of Intervention Post Birth

Post birth humans can feel excited and happy, teary and sad, or completely numb. If the birth has been traumatic or scary a woman is more likely to feel teary, sad and numb.
Women who eat a piece of their placenta within a couple of hours of birth report feeling more “normal” and more “happy”, while others who don’t eat their placenta may feel the same. Those who do eat their placenta more often than not report that they don’t experience the “baby blues” or only experience a small period of sadness or cry more than normal for a few days and then feel “normal” or better than “normal” afterwards.
Intervention post birth in the form of removing the baby from the mother or not allowing skin to skin contact can be detrimental to the bond between mother and baby. The mother may not bond as well as she could to the baby and the baby may feel “abandoned” by the mother and may cry more than is normal or need to be held more than normal.
A mum may feel inadequate if intervention occurs post birth, she may feel as though she is a failure or that she isn’t a good parent if she can’t care for her baby 24/7.
Extra stress can be classed as an intervention post birth as well and may raise the mothers blood pressure and can potentially affect her milk supply by causing it to reduce and may even stop milk production completely.


Rats – Behaviour and the Effects of Intervention Post Birth

Post birth rats need to be left alone with their babies for at least 12 hours and preferably for 48 hours to ensure that the bond between mother and baby’s is strong. If a rat is disturbed right after giving birth or within the first few hours of birth there is the risk that the mother may feel that her babies are in danger which could result in the mum “eating” her babies, removing them from the nest or may even result in the mother abandoning her babies completely.
Some female rats may be very over protective of their nest and babies and may bite and/or make a lot of noise as a result. They must be left alone if this happens, and experienced rat breeders will not breed them again.
If the female has ingested all of the placentas from her babies she will have regained some energy, the bleeding that occurs during birth will have stopped, and she will be able to focus solely on her babies.


Conclusion
My conclusion is that immediate ingestion of the placenta post birth in Domestic Rats shows a marked increase in energy and the amount of attention and care that is bestowed upon the offspring. Non ingestion of the placenta has shown that Domestic Rats have less energy and show less care towards their offspring than they would normally. This shows that ingestion of the placenta immediately post birth provides benefits of immediate energy and may possibly increase the oxytocin output which helps with the developing maternal-infant bond between mothers and babies. A marked increase in care for the babies with placenta ingestion, and a marked decrease with no placenta ingestion supports this. Rats that ingest the placenta immediately after the birth of the offspring have a shorter labouring time and a reduced amount of bleeding which may point towards the ingestion of the placenta being able to reduce bleeding and thus may prevent or reduce the severity of a post partum haemorrhage.
More research needs to be done, but in Human observations from Placenta Encapsulators, Doula’s and Midwives an increase in maternal energy levels and bonding with baby when some of the placenta is ingested raw immediately (within 2 hours) after birth has been observed regularly. I theorise that by ingesting the placenta so soon after birth it may help with the regulation of oxytocin and other hormones and thus increase the bonding with baby, increase milk production and may also help with healing from the birth by providing the body with an immediate source of energy, nutrients and minerals including iron which we may not otherwise have on hand in the form of other food if the placenta is not eaten. The placenta may also help to prevent post partum haemorrhage or reduce the severity of a post partum haemorrhage, how this occurs is yet to be determined and needs more research. The placenta, by helping to regulate hormones, may also assist in the reduction of the “baby blues” that occur approximately 3-7 days post birth and also may help to prevent Post Partum Depression.
Ingestion of raw placenta prior to encapsulation may also increase the effectiveness of the encapsulated placenta pills as the body has already been exposed to the placenta prior to ingesting the capsules. This is also a theory and would need research done on it, however observations from parents who have done this are so far very positive and I am yet to come across any negative observations, I will continue my search for negative outcomes from early placenta ingestion followed by capsule ingestion.



Jenna Edgley
Student Birth Doula
FOOTPRINTS & RAINBOWS

Here are 10 frequently asked questions (including one interesting question that came up a few months ago) about Meconium and their answers for you all. I have tried to keep them simple and to the point with easy to understand language.



Q1) What is meconium?

 A) Meconium is our first poo. It starts being produced inside the intestines while we are still within the womb and remains there until the bowel becomes mature enough for the baby to do its first poo. It is made up of amniotic fluid, intestinal epithelial cells, lanugo, mucus and bile.


Q2) Why do some doctors think that meconium as a bad thing?

A) Some doctors consider the present of meconium in the amniotic fluid to be a bad thing as it produces the risk of meconium aspiration. More details on meconium aspiration can be found in the answer to Question 4.


Q3) What does meconium look like?

A) Meconium usually looks green-black or olive green in colour and has a tar-like consistency, meaning that it is very sticky. It is mostly odourless. When meconium has been passed in utero it can make the amniotic fluid appear to be any of various shades of green, brown or yellow.


Q4) What is meconium aspiration, how common is it and what can be done to prevent it?

A) Meconium aspiration is the one real risk of there being meconium present in the amniotic fluid. It occurs when the baby inhales meconium during pregnancy, labour or birth and results in the meconium being lodged in the lungs. While meconium is present in the amniotic fluid of 5-20% of all births only approximately 5% of those babies will aspirate meconium, making it not very common compared to other risks of childbirth, and yet it is still more common than uterine rupture or hemorraghe, however the rates of infant death as a result of meconium aspiration is higher than the rate of infant deaths where no meconium is present.
Currently there is nothing “official” that can be done to prevent meconium aspiration; however some birth professionals have suggested that induction of labour, speeding up labour with drugs, hyper stimulation of the uterus and baby before it is born (or before the head is out in the case of breech babies) and severe dehydration in the mother can contribute to it happening. Other causes like a brief cord accident and placental abruption cannot currently be prevented. Suction of the baby directly after a vaginal birth may help with removing the meconium within the amniotic fluid in the mouth and throat that has been pushed out from the lungs however as meconium aspiration from the meconium that remains in the lungs still occurs even with this technique and its success is limited. A caesarean delivery where meconium is present may also produce higher rates of meconium aspiration as the baby’s body has not been squeezed through the birth canal and the fluid can remain in the lungs even after suction is done.
Meconium aspiration can cause respiratory distress which can then turn into pneumonia in babies and can be fatal although I do not currently have the Australian statistics for fetal mortality from meconium aspiration.


Q5) What should I do if meconium is present in the amniotic fluid?

A) First of all, don’t panic. While 5-20% of all births have meconium in the amniotic fluid only 5% of those will result in meconium aspiration, which makes it a rather small number of approximately 0.25% or less of all deliveries which is really quite low.
Secondly, relax. As long as baby is happy and is not in actual distress (a scalp clip monitor or ultrasound are currently the best ways to assess how baby is coping and if distress is present) then you have nothing to worry about.
Lastly, the risk of meconium aspiration is very low, and well trained care providers can pick it up very fast and treat it quickly.


Q6) My doctor told me that meconium was present in the amniotic fluid on the ultrasound and said that I needed to have a caesarean section, is this really my only option?

A) For all of you pregnancy/birth-savvy readers who know as much as I do or more than I do about meconium, yes this is a real question that was asked a few months ago in a pregnancy support group (I have however changed the wording of the question). For those who don’t understand what I mean and are wanting to learn more – meconium cannot currently be identified via ultrasound. It is currently impossible to be able to see meconium on an ultrasound, even on those fancy 4D ones.
So to answer this question – No, caesarean is not your only option! You can birth however you want, whichever way you want. At this point I would be doubting the capability of any doctor who mentioned that to me, and anyone who is told this should question their care provider fully on how they came to this conclusion.


Q7) What causes meconium to be produced?

A) Meconium presence can be caused by hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain) which can cause the bowels to contract and release meconium, fetal distress is along the same lines as hypoxia in how it produces meconium but is usually not quite as bad and can eventually result in hypoxia as well if it is not picked up quickly, and it can also be a cause of baby being post estimated due dates. Meconium can also be produced during labour when the baby’s head is compressed while moving down the birth canal combined with the lack of oxygen during a contraction when the blood is squeezed out of the uterus by the contraction of the uterine muscles (a very normal thing and this can be reduced by breathing normally throughout contractions and while pushing instead of holding your breath). This can stress the baby out a bit – being squeezed and having your oxygen supply limited could stress anyone out really – which results in the involuntary contraction and release of the bowel and passing of meconium, this is not the same as true fetal distress however.


Q8) Is there anything that I can do to prevent meconium from being produced?

A) No not really. It is usually out of our control, however some birth professionals have suggested that avoiding an unnecessary induction (just being post dates, baby estimated as being “big”/“large” or having controlled gestational diabetes does not automatically mean that you need to be induced if baby is still happy in there), and avoiding augmentation (speeding up) of labour can reduce the occurrence of some of the things (fetal distress and unexpected cord compression) that can cause meconium to be passed early. For the most part in a normal pregnancy meconium is only produced once the babies bowels are mature, so if you go into spontaneous labour and baby is otherwise happy and there are no signs of fetal distress and there is meconium present then you can be assured that your baby is ready to be born and his/her bowels are mature.


Q9) Why must I be constantly monitored if meconium is present in the amniotic fluid?

A) The idea behind constant monitoring is to pick up fetal distress early enough for emergency life saving measures to be implemented. As the presence of meconium can sometimes indicate that the baby is in distress hospital policies, and many obstetricians themselves, prefer to err on the side of caution and monitor the baby continuously so that the distress can be picked up quickly if it occurs and the monitoring is usually done using a CTG machine.  However recent research on constant monitoring has found that constant fetal monitoring does not improve outcomes by very much and the CTG machines can show false readings if baby moves too much or if the mother moves. The monitoring also limits movement of the mother which can result in other issues as well. Intermittent monitoring using a hand-held Doppler, constant monitoring using a scalp clip or regular monitoring by ultrasound can give better results and prove without a doubt whether the baby is in distress or not.


Q10) So I really shouldn’t stress about meconium then?

A) This depends on the reason for the presence of the meconium. If it is because baby is already in distress then it is time to worry, and you will be meeting your baby very soon either via caesarean or if you are already pushing then usually via assisted delivery using either forceps or ventouse (vacuum) extraction. If it’s there just because you are post estimated due date and baby is otherwise happy then you don’t have to worry. Meconium can also be present but be “old” meconium from a few weeks to a month or more earlier which can be caused by severe dehydration in the mother, baby pinching his/her cord, medication that the mother was given or another reason entirely. However it is always best to try not to stress at all and even if baby is in distress try to remember that your care provider will do everything in his/her power to make sure that baby arrives safely and is healthy and happy.


To conclude this blog post, as a general rule Meconium is nothing to be really worried about with no other issues present. It can be a sign of fetal distress which can be accurately ruled out via ultrasound, Doppler and fetal scalp monitor. Meconium aspiration as a result of meconium being present while it is a bad thing it is not very common at all and should not be a concern if there are no other risk factors and baby does not get over stimulated enough to take a breath before the mucous has been cleared from his/her lungs. Meconium can be produced by hypoxia or fetal distress (which as stated can be confirmed or ruled out quite easily), and can also be a very normal part of development for a baby in utero.

As always, feel free to share!

Jenna Edgley
Student Birth Doula
FOOTPRINTS & RAINBOWS

Just a quick update and apologies to those who have been patiently waiting for this week's regular blog post.

The blog post (regarding Meconium) has been delayed and will not be up until next Tuesday.

The reason for this is because I have spent this past week looking for a new car, and I am pleased to say that last night I finally found one and can now focus on completing the blog posts.

I look forward to sharing the next blog post with you on Tuesday!

Jenna Edgley
Student Birth Doula
FOOTPRINTS & RAINBOWS

I regularly see posts on parenting pages and groups on Facebook asking what someone can get for a new mum as a gift. Usually these people are asking specifically for something unique, something different to the usual post birth and baby shower gifts, something that isn’t nappies or clothes for the baby or other baby related items.

Today I saw one such post, I even commented on it suggesting something specifically aimed at the new mum that would be just for her, something that she could enjoy in those long hours at night while still in hospital when her only company would be her new baby and the midwives on the ward. Turns out I wasn’t the only one to suggest it, and it appears to be becoming more popular.

Naturally it has inspired me to write a blog post on things that are different, unique, special and just for mum that people can give to the new mum after the birth of her baby, and by proxy even give to her at her baby shower. I am going to include links to some of my personal favourite Australian-Based Facebook Pages to get gifts from, to make it easier for my Australian readers to find the gifts, and also to give my international readers ideas on what they can look for local to them as well.



First off here is an idea that you can do yourself – you could spend as little as $20 on it, or as much as $100, the cost is up to you and your individual budget – this particular gift idea is what I, and many others, suggested on the post that I saw today.

-          Put together a gift hamper of things that the new mum/mum-to-be likes. This can include soaps, skin care products, candles, chocolate, lollies, magazines, books, puzzles, stationary, a journal with a pen, jewellery, gift vouchers for things that mum likes (massages for example), pyjama’s, slippers, bathrobes etc.



My second suggestion is not for everyone but is a great idea, speak to Melanie at Beyond The Willow Tree – http://www.facebook.com/beyondthewillowtree22 - what she does is just amazing.

-          Get the new mum/mum-to-be a special piece of placenta/breastmilk/lock of hair Jewellery from Melanie at Beyond The Willow Tree. Melanie is the first person in Australia to offer this particular service, and she has inspired many others around the world to give it a try as well. Each item is special and unique, whether it is made from a piece of placenta, a lock of hair or from breastmilk. She also offers memorial jewellery made from the ashes of loved ones, so if your friend has lost someone dear to them recently who has been cremated you can organise with one of her family members to send off a small amount of the ashes to be turned into a special piece of jewellery. My personal favourite is the Solid Glass Breastmilk Drop Pendant for $55.



My next suggestion involves scented candles and melts. There are many Facebook pages selling handmade candles these days, but did you know that you can order a custom made candle? Amanda from https://www.facebook.com/amandas.wicked.candles is the one to see for custom candle/melt packages.

-          You can have a special candle package made to order for you to give a new mum/mum-to-be as a gift, and best of all you can choose the specific scents in each candle/melt yourself. Prices range from $2 to $30, and they look gorgeous too!



For something else a little bit different you could head over to Wild N Wooly – http://www.facebook.com/getwildgetwooly - and ask Janelle for something unique and handmade.

-          Wild N Wooly offers unique handmade crochet items made to order. While Janelle also creates items for babies and baby related items she can make something very special and unique for your friend. My personal favourite is the Purple Crochet Jacket for $50.



How does a photography session sound? You could buy your friend a maternity session or a newborn session with Kristal at Click With You Photography located near Brisbane, QLD - https://www.facebook.com/clickwithyouphotography (facebook page), and http://www.clickwithyou.com.au/ (website)- or if you're not local to Brisbane look up the local photographers in your area.



For handmade items like nappy wallets, breast pads, breastfeeding covers, burp cloths and cloth wipes plus more look no further than Michelle from Shell’s Stitches – http://www.facebook.com/shellsstiches

-          A breastfeeding cover (if the new mum intends to breastfeed and would like to cover up), cloth breast pads (still useful during those first few weeks even if the new mum chooses not to breastfeed as she will most likely still leak until her supply dried up) and a nappy wallet are great gift ideas for a new mum, and best of all Michelle can make them in your choice of fabric from her range. I love the flower pattern on the option "B" Breast Pads that are available at $5 for 1 pair and $8 for 2 pairs, makes me wish that I was still breastfeeding so that I could get them.



Your friend doesn’t like any of the other option? Well then does your friend like handbags? Rebecca from https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebecca-Cole-So-Jealous-Fashion-assistant-Traralgon-Vic/580234905397967 is a SoJealous consultant and sells some gorgeous handbags!

-          Lots of variety and the prices are really good. My personal favourite is the Purple Handbag that comes with a matching Pashmina for $75 + postage.



For some high quality hand stamped jewellery Chantel McCabe at https://www.facebook.com/ChantelMcCabeJewellery is the person to go to.

-          You can have the jewellery hand stamped with the babies name/s and date of birth, or you can have the mums name or a particular phrase stamped onto it. Best of all Chantel is a registered user of Argentium Silver. My favourite is the personalised “I Love You To The Moon And Back” twin pendant priced at $132.14.



Alternatively for handmade jewellery with custom set stones see Cheri at https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/GemsOfOz who can make you some custom Jewellery with the gemstones of your choice.



Mamadoo is your go to place for all things related to mums, bubs and kids - https://www.facebook.com/shopmamadoo.

-          From maternity wear, to shoes, bedroom items, books and much more, Mamadoo has something for every mum.



Don’t have a maternity bag? Or confused about what to pack? Visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/MaternityBag/163354610503217 for prepacked maternity bags.



Is your friend into herbal remedies? Then Blissful Herbs at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blissful-Herbs/100120966742386 could be just the place you need to find your friend the perfect gift.



The last gift idea in our list is something very unique. How about a Gemstone Thunderegg? Want to know what it is them go and visit Thundereggs Downunder to find out more - https://www.facebook.com/thundereggsdownunder

As always, feel free to share.

Jenna Edgley
Student Doula
FOOTPRINTS & RAINBOWS

Informed Birth Planning:

Take birth into your own hands.

 

By Catherine Bell
Catherine Bell is an Informed Birth Planner with Bellabirth, a certified Doula and creator of the informed birth planning guide Plan Bellabirth: Informed Birth Planning, available from www.bellabirth.org




Birth plans have a mixed reputation.  Some people swear by them, others swear at them, and many are indifferent.  Yet, there does seem to be a general consensus that you ‘should’ have a birth plan.  For the most part, birth plans are given ‘lip service’, and as such, generally, fall into four categories:

1.        The Vague Plan “I want a natural birth….unless medically necessary”
This kind of plan leaves the birthing woman vulnerable.  Usually this plan accompanies unquestioning trust in the care provider, which can leave the mother feeling unimportant and infantilised. It often means a mother is not confident in her birthing abilities, and this lack of confidence can carry over into her breastfeeding and parenting.

2.        The free online template “this one looks pretty good…let’s copy it”
Usually this kind of plan is used without adequately being discussed with care providers, these plans often lack any informed decisions and are often discarded by the parents very easily. 

3.        The Declaration of War
This can put staff off side and creates an uncomfortable birthing environment, often resulting in a traumatic experience.  These plans are usually the result of a previously traumatic experience.  It is very important that a plan is developed in conjunction with care providers, to build a trusting relationship.

4.        The inflexible plan
Birth plans fixated on an ideal without considering contingency, leave parents feeling that any deviation is a failure.

Informed Birth Planning, however, is a process that means your plan will not fall into one of these categories.  The process creates an original document in conjunction with care providers over several antenatal appointments.  By allowing time to consider options and weigh up the risks and benefits, it is possible to make informed decisions.

The written informed plan outlines the techniques the mother intends to use, allowing support people to follow this guide, rather than interrupting to ask questions and ‘just check’.  The plan makes it clear what is needed generally, but most importantly contains informed consent or refusal. By negotiating and determining in advance the circumstances where certain procedures may (or may not) be considered, the mother is able to relax and concentrate on birthing. 

There are many optional, but routine, procedures that need to be considered in advance and require informed consent or refusal. 


The process of Informed Birth Planning identifies your expectations, builds your general knowledge and seeks evidence-based information.  It also includes contingency planning.  The contingency protects you from on the spot decisions and means you are more likely to recognise and understand any deviations from expectation, and respond calmly and appropriately having made informed decisions in advance.

Due to the nature of informed decisions, different people facing similar situations will make different choices.  Take the time to explore your options, understand them and make the choice that is right for you. 

The Informed Birth Planning process will take you beyond labour and birth, it will include a breastfeeding plan (see the Australian Breastfeeding Association website for more information) and a plan for your early weeks – The Transition into parenting.  Whether this is your first baby or your tenth – making an Informed Birth Plan means taking your birth into your own hands.