Is it time to start your birth planning and write that much-talked-about birth letter? Hooray, childbirth is within reach! But what should you include in your birth letter? There are no must-haves, but we have developed a birth letter template that you can use to get you started.

A birth letter, or as many people call it "my birth letter", is an important tool in your birth preparations. It gives you the opportunity to write down things that are important to your birth experience, including your expectations and any fears. You will give the letter to your midwife when you arrive at the maternity ward. If you are feeling nervous about giving birth, it can be particularly helpful to have your wishes written down, especially if you are planning to give birth in a delivery room.

In the Baby Journey app you can enter your birth letter (and eventually your birth story too!) and then print as a PDF to take to the delivery room. This makes it easy to have a digital version of your birth letter template pdf that you can update as needed.

A birth letter is part of your birth plan, where you have the opportunity to express your wishes regarding communication, treatment, and care of the baby after birth. In addition to the questions in the template, you can write down anything you would like the maternity ward staff to know about you or the way you want to give birth. For example, you can include your thoughts on pain relief, such as pn birth (PCB), breastfeeding, and how you want the delivery room to be designed.

For inspiration, you can look at a sample cover letter or use a cover letter template 1177. Remember that your letter is personal and should reflect your own wishes and needs. You might also consider including information on whether you plan to have a doula with you during the birth or whether you want to hire a birth photographer to document this special event.

If you have specific medical needs or previous births that affect your planning, it is important to mention this. For example, you may need a special birth certificate for a caesarean section if it is planned. It is also helpful to include information about your preferred birthing positions, as well as your thoughts on postpartum care, such as late cord clamping or who will cut the umbilical cord.

Once you've written your birth letter, it's time to pack your maternity bag, also known as a birthing bag or baby bag. Here are some tips on what to put in your maternity bag:

• Comfortable clothes for you (maternity bag mom) and baby clothes (baby bag)
• Nursing bras and softwear
• Kit of hygiene items, including baby oil for the newborn
• Mobile phone chargers and identification
• Water bottle and snacks
• Baby diapers and wipes
• Indoor slippers for your comfort on the ward
• A baby blanket to keep the newborn warm
• Baby carriers for the journey home

To make packing easier, you can use a birthing bag list or maternity bag checklist. Remember to pack both a birthing bag for the actual birth and a separate maternity bag for the time afterwards in the maternity ward. Don't forget to include some extra clothes for the baby, as it may take a few days for the baby bump to disappear completely.

Click on the link to download Baby Journey's birth letter template as a PDF, then you can print, sign and pack the letter in your maternity bag. With your birth letter and a well-packed maternity bag, you are ready for your labor.

Remember to start planning and packing your maternity bag well in advance, ideally a few weeks before your due date. Your midwife at the midwifery clinic can advise you on when to register with the midwife and when it is appropriate to start preparing, based on your week of pregnancy. If you are unsure about anything, you can always check the 1177 commissioning service for more information on the birth process.

As part of your preparation, you can also focus on preparing your lower abdomen for childbirth. This can include pelvic floor exercises and perineal massage, which can help reduce the risk of tearing during labor.

When labor begins and it's time to head to the delivery room, you'll feel well prepared with your birth certificate and your packed maternity bag. Good luck with your birth!

Download the maternity letter as a PDF