Birth Preference Lists

A ‘Birth Preference List’ is a way for you to highlight particular requests that you may have for your labour and birth. You do not have to have a birth preference list – our aim is for you to have as natural a birth as possible. However, once you have completed your parent education classes, you may wish to make a preference list for birth. It is very important that you discuss your birth preferences with your midwife or doctor well in advance of your labour.

If there are any areas where the hospital may be unable to meet a particular request, you will be given an explanation for this, and possibly an alternative option. Once the discussion is completed, your midwife or doctor will sign your birth preference list and a copy will be scanned into your electronic medical chart. It is important to have an open mind about your labour and birth. We aim to work in partnership with you and to keep you informed and involved in your care during labour and birth.