Birth plan

Every woman has her own unique vision of her birth. You can discuss your birth preferences with your midwife or doctor, or you can set them out in writing.

We are currently seeing a decline in the number of birth plans submitted by expectant mothers, likely because most of the procedures outlined in them are now routinely carried out during all births.

Generally, we try to respect birth plans provided they do not in any way jeopardise the health of the mother or baby. Nevertheless, some requests contained in birth plans cover rather controversial topics. Sometimes these are requests for which there is no evidence of benefit; sometimes they may even be risky; or they may be requests and wishes that are normally feasible, but the current condition of the mother or baby does not allow them to be met. We

therefore explain our position on certain points in birth plans in the following text. It is important to realise that healthcare staff bear responsibility for the outcome of the birth. Our doctors and midwives follow recommended procedures and draw on their professional and life experience. Their aim is always a healthy and happy mother and a healthy baby. We hope that the following text will contribute to good cooperation between mothers, doctors and midwives, to mutual respect, and to satisfaction with the birth and the postnatal period spent in our maternity hospital.

If you have a birth plan, we recommend discussing it during your antenatal appointments and then again when you are admitted for the birth.