Teaching about Birth Preferences and Birth Plans. As perinatal educators, antenatal teachers, doulas, and birth workers in the UK, one of the most important roles we play is helping expectant parents navigate the often overwhelming world of birth preferences and birth plans. These tools empower parents-to-be to make informed decisions, advocate for themselves, and communicate their wishes clearly with healthcare providers. However, it’s crucial to teach this topic in a way that is flexible, inclusive, and respectful of the unpredictable nature of birth.
In this post, we’ll explore some effective strategies and activity ideas for teaching about birth preferences and birth plans, whether you’re working with groups or individuals, and whether your sessions are in-person or online.
Understanding Birth Preferences vs. Birth Plans
What Are Birth Preferences?
Birth preferences are a flexible approach that allows parents to outline their wishes for labour and birth while recognising that circumstances may change. This mindset encourages a sense of adaptability and can reduce feelings of disappointment if things don’t go exactly as planned.
What Are Birth Plans?
Birth plans are more detailed and structured, typically outlining specific choices regarding pain relief, birthing positions, who will be present, and what to do in case of complications. While still subject to change, birth plans can be a useful tool for clear communication with healthcare providers.
Group Activities
In-Person
1. Birth Preferences Brainstorming Session
Activity: Divide participants into small groups and provide them with a variety of scenario cards. Each card should present different birth situations, such as an unplanned caesarean or an early arrival. Ask the groups to brainstorm potential birth preferences for each scenario.
Objective: This activity helps parents understand the range of possibilities and encourages flexible thinking.
Materials: Scenario cards, flip charts, markers.
2. Birth Plan Role-Play
Activity: Organise a role-playing exercise where participants take on the roles of parents, midwives, and doctors. Using sample birth plans, each group acts out how they would discuss and implement the plan in different scenarios.
Objective: This role-play helps build confidence in communicating birth plans and adapting to changing circumstances.
Materials: Sample birth plans, role cards, props (e.g., stethoscopes, blankets).
Online
1. Interactive Birth Preferences Quiz
Activity: Create a quiz that participants can take during the session. The quiz should cover different aspects of birth preferences, asking parents-to-be to choose their preferred options in various scenarios. Discuss the answers as a group to highlight the diversity of preferences and the importance of flexibility.
Objective: This activity helps to engage participants and allows them to reflect on their own preferences.
Tools: Online quiz platforms like Kahoot or Google Forms.
2. Virtual Birth Plan Workshop
Activity: Share a birth plan template with participants and guide them through filling it out during the session. Encourage discussion and questions in real-time, either through chat or by unmuting participants to share thoughts.
Objective: This workshop ensures participants leave with a concrete, well-thought-out birth plan while feeling supported and heard.
Tools: Video conferencing software with screen-sharing capabilities, editable templates.
1:1 Activities
In-Person
1. Personalised Birth Preferences Discussion
Activity: Sit down with the parent(s)-to-be and have an in-depth conversation about their birth preferences. Use open-ended questions to explore their values, concerns, and hopes for the birth experience.
Objective: This personalised discussion allows for a deep understanding of the parents’ unique situation and helps tailor the birth plan accordingly.
Materials: Birth preferences worksheets, note-taking materials.
2. Creating a Visual Birth Plan
Activity: Work with the parent(s) to create a visual birth plan using images and icons to represent their preferences. This can be particularly helpful for those who find it easier to communicate visually rather than through text.
Objective: A visual birth plan is a quick-reference tool that can be easily shared with healthcare providers.
Materials: Magazines, scissors, glue, poster boards, markers, or digital tools like Canva.
Online
1. 1:1 Virtual Birth Preferences Consultation
Activity: Conduct a private video call to discuss the parent(s)’ birth preferences in detail. Use screen-sharing to show examples of birth plans and answer any questions they may have.
Objective: This ensures the parent(s) feel supported and informed, even in a remote setting.
Tools: Video conferencing software, digital birth plan templates.
2. Guided Birth Plan Creation via Shared Document
Activity: Use a shared online document to guide the parent(s) through the process of creating their birth plan. Make suggestions and edits in real-time, allowing them to see the birth plan come together as you discuss it.
Objective: This collaborative approach ensures that the birth plan is comprehensive and tailored to the parent(s)’ needs.
Tools: Google Docs or other shared document platforms.
Final Thoughts
Teaching about birth preferences and birth plans is about more than just providing information—it’s about empowering parents to feel confident and prepared for their birth journey. Whether you’re working with groups or individuals, in person or online, the key is to create a supportive environment where parents feel free to explore their options, ask questions, and express their hopes and fears.
By integrating these activities into your sessions, you can help parents-to-be create birth preferences and plans that are both realistic and empowering, setting the stage for a positive birth experience no matter what unfolds.
Remember, birth plans and preferences should always be flexible, and the ultimate goal is a healthy mother and baby, no matter the path taken to get there.
Let’s continue to support, educate, and empower expectant parents across the UK, helping them navigate their birth journey with confidence and clarity.