Birth Preferences / Wishes
A birth plan is a great way to talk with your partner and your midwife or obstetrician/gynaecologist about what’s important to you during labour and birth.
Around 30 weeks, we’ll give you a birth plan form. We’ll then schedule extra time to go through your wishes, expectations, and any concerns.
Together, we can discuss whether your wishes are realistic and what alternatives might be available if there are medical or practical limitations.
It’s good to keep in mind that birth is unpredictable — a birth plan isn’t a strict script, but rather an overview of what matters most to you, so we can respect that as much as possible.
In your birth plan, you can include things like:
- Where you’d like to give birth.
- What you think you’ll need (peace and quiet, certain positions, etc.).
- Anything you’re anxious about or would prefer to avoid.
- The role you’d like your partner to have.
Water Birth
Warm water often has a relaxing effect and can support the progress of labour. During the dilation phase, you are welcome to take a shower or bath. If your waters have already broken, please check with us first to see whether getting into the bath is still a good idea. Taking a shower is always fine.
Would you like to give birth in water?
That’s possible, as long as you and your baby are both in good condition and a suitable bath is available (it should be spacious enough and close to a raised bed). Unfortunately, a regular household bathtub is not suitable.
Good to know: in all the hospitals we work with, water birth is possible.
What can help you cope with the pain?
Warm water: A warm bath or shower can help you relax and makes contractions easier to handle. Breathing: Slow, steady breathing and “breathing through” contractions help your body release endorphins — natural painkillers that make the pain more manageable. Birth TENS: A TENS device sends gentle electrical pulses to your nerves, reducing pain sensations. You can rent one yourself, and some health insurances cover the costs. Check this with your insurer.
Medical Pain Relief
If the methods above aren’t sufficient, you can choose medical pain relief in the hospital,such as:
- A morphine-like medication (remifentanil) via an IV.
- An epidural.
When using medical pain relief, your care is transferred to the obstetrician/gynaecologist, and your baby will be continuously monitored with a CTG (heart rate monitor). At the moment, laughing gas (nitrous oxide) is not available in hospitals in our region.
You can find clear information and video explanations about pain relief at www.deverloskundige.nl. The Anna Hospital also offers informative videos about the epidural and remifentanil pump.