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Birth Preferences

Learn how to decide on your birth preferences.
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Your birth preferences outline what you would like to happen during birth. They are meant to be shared with your health-care team to communicate your wishes for labour, birth and postpartum care in the hospital.

Writing down your birth preferences also helps you reflect on your hopes and wishes for the birth. However, it is important to be flexible since the circumstances of labour and delivery can change quickly. This means your expectations may have to change too.

We encourage you to talk with your pregnancy care provider about what is important to you and ask any questions you may have. They will work with you to to decide on birth preferences that meet your needs.

What to consider

Consider the following information when deciding on your birth preferences:

  • Who will support you during labour 
  • Your pain management preferences
  • Any special instructions about lighting, music or birth supports such as a birthing ball
  • Who will support you during and after your labour and birth
  • Who should cut the umbilical cord
  • Who will take pictures
  • If your baby needs special care, who should go with the baby
  • Whether you have arranged for stem cell collection
  • Your plan for feeding your baby
  • Who can stay with you in the hospital after the birth
  • Who will be supporting you at home

Your pregnancy care provider can provide you with a birth preference form (PDF). You can also download the form and print it yourself.

Please fill out the form and bring it to the hospital when you are in labour. Your care team will include it in your medical chart and do their best to honour your preferences.