No, it''s not essential but on a practical level, it helps to focus both your mind and the mind of your partner on what you would like. It is also very helpful to the staff caring for you, as they can read it without disturbing you, eg during contractions, or if you come in late in labour and are not in the frame of mind to talk much. Try to keep it short, avoid complicated unrealistic requests, avoid lots of ''I don''t'' and instead concentrate on ''I do'' want!