What are birth preferences?

What are birth preferences?

Birth preferences are a written list of what you’d like to happen during your labour and birth. Preferences can include:

• Who your birth partner is
• What position you would like to give birth in 
• Your birthing environment example: Low light, quiet please
• Delayed cord clamping 
• Undisturbed skin-to-skin contact with baby 
• The language used eg.  referring to “surges” or “waves” rather than “contractions”.

Why do you need birth preferences? 

Birth preferences are a good way to let your midwife know what kind of care you would like during your birth and afterwards. They also help birth partners advocate for you during your labour and birth. 

It’s important to make informed decisions based on reliable information. Think of your own safety and well-being and that of your baby when you make these decisions. Do your research ahead of time, you will be able to make more informed decisions, should the need arise in the lead-up to and during your birth.

It’s also important to remember that your baby may have other ideas of how they would like to enter the world so it’s a good idea to be okay if your birth takes a different path. 

In our Hypnobirthing Australia Positive Birth Program this is a topic we cover in detail, providing you with sample birth preferences  so you can know exactly what to include based on the birth you would like to have. We covered birth preference for hospital admission,  during labour, during birth, after birth, and in case of an emergency caesarean. 

To find face-to-face classes click here.  

We also have online options available. Click here for further info.