Most women now prepare a birth plan, but what should it contain and is it entirely necessary? Simone Kenny Glennon outlines the benefits and provides tips on planning your birth.

Giving birth is a funny thing (funny strange, not ‘ha, ha’). Even though women do it every minute of every day, no two births are the same, and you may feel that you can’t prepare for something of this magnitude. But you can, and it’s important to set aside time for yourself to get your head around the labour and birth process.

During pregnancy, there is so much information to absorb in advance of D (delivery) day. As well as the realisation that you’ll soon be responsible for an actual tiny person, there’s the small matter of birthing that tiny person. That’s a terrifying prospect for most of us, but arming yourself with as much knowledge as you can – be it through magazines, books, websites or friends and family – will go some way in helping you to prepare for what lies ahead. This will also help for coping if things don’t go to plan so you will then be well-equipped for making decisions.

Do bear in mind that although you may feel strongly about your preferences, ultimately, you and your baby’s health and safety are paramount, so try not to be too disheartened if things don’t go according to plan.

Arming yourself with as much knowledge as you can – be it through magazines, books, websites or friends and family – will go some way in helping you to prepare for what lies ahead.