Add “create a birth plan” to your list of important things to do before your baby is due. Having a clear birth plan which you’ve talked to your healthcare professional and birthing partner about can help your labour be as stress-free as possible. It gives your healthcare team on the day clear instructions on how you’d prefer your birth to go. A birth plan includes everything from how you want to give birth to what you want done with your placenta after birth, and should include some back-up options in case things don’t go to plan. Bring your birth plan to your pre-natal appointments, with any questions you might have so that you can discuss the plan with your obstetrician or midwife.