Birth Mapping (Cartography)

What is Birth Mapping?

Birth Mapping was created by Catherine Bell, as a way to explore all possibilities of birth for the modern birthing women. “There is no one way. The Birth Map helps you find Your Way. No Matter What.”

Cartography is the study and practice of making and using maps, hence why we talk about creating a Birth Map. Birth Mapping is an informed birth preparation approach, helping you to consider variations of birth, and choices you would make to ensure you receive personalised care, and can make informed decisions. Knowledge is power when it comes to birth, so going into your labour and birth feeling educated, well informed, having previously discussed your options and decisions, will lead to a more positive experience where your wants and needs remained at the forefront.

It allows your care providers to know what your birth preferences are, and demonstrates that you have knowledge and understanding about possible interventions and scenarios. It means you don’t need to make decisions on the spot, as you have already had time and space to discuss and outline these in your Birth Map.

Having mapped out what decisions you would make depending on what pathway you are on, allows you to make decisions that are best for you, your baby, and your family. No two maps will be the same, as we all make different choices based on our risk and comfort levels. We can’t control or predict many aspects of birth, but what we can control, and take ownership of, is how we react and respond. In taking responsibility, comes great power. We replace fear with understanding, and by identifying our knowledge gaps we can work to fill them.

How do you create a birth map?

In an antenatal session we go through three main pathways; The Fast Birth Pathway, where you consider the possibly of an ‘unassisted birth’ or ‘birth before arrival’, the Expected Pathway covers spontaneous labour, an induction, or elective caesarean, and then we cover the Contingency Pathway, which is where all the alternatives and variations of labour occur.

This is done by playing The Game of Birth. You roll a 20 sided dice, and this will determine your scenario, based on overall statistical outcomes for healthy term pregnancy in the current Australian maternity system. As you roll the dice, different pathways and scenarios will be presented, and it will be up to you to decide what you would do at that decision point. This is a great way to have open discussions with your birth partner, to ensure you are both on the same page, they understand your birth wishes, and can advocate for you during labour if needed.

As we make our way along each pathway, discussions can be had to ensure you understand all your options, it prompts you to ask more questions, and find out more information so you can make an informed decision. It is always important to remember it is your body, your baby, and your birth, you are in charge. In playing the game of birth we cover a multitude of possibilities, allowing you to consider what you would do if this situation arose during your labour and birth.

Why have a Birth Map?

Because birth is unpredictable. As much as I love to focus on your ideal birth, and how we can best facilitate this, I think it’s also important to think about other variations. Birth may not always go as ‘planned’, but if you remain in charge, feel empowered, informed, respected, heard, and safe, you can still walk away having had a positive birth experience. Its often not what happens to you during birth, but how you are made to feel, that will have a lasting impact. Being prepared for all possibilities will enable you to stay in your power, and increase your overall birth satisfaction.

*I completed my Birth Cartographer training in 2023.