Birth Plans: How to Create One That Works

Pregnancy is full of decisions, but one of the most empowering things you can do before giving birth is to create a birth plan. A birth plan is a written document that outlines your preferences for labor, delivery, and postpartum care. While you can’t predict everything about childbirth, a well-thought-out plan helps ensure your wishes are known and respected by your healthcare team.

Whether you’re a first-time mom or experienced parent, this guide will walk you through how to create a birth plan that actually works.

What Is a Birth Plan?

A birth plan is essentially a communication tool between you, your partner, and your healthcare provider. It includes details like your preferred birthing environment, pain management methods, who will be present, and how you’d like your baby cared for immediately after birth.

Keep in mind: flexibility is key. Birth doesn’t always go according to plan, so your birth plan should be a guide, not a rulebook.

Why You Should Have a Birth Plan

Here’s why creating one is worth your time:

• Clarity of your preferences

• Helps your support team understand your vision for birth

• Empowers you to make informed choices

• Prepares you mentally and emotionally

• Reduces last-minute decision-making stress

Key Elements to Include in Your Birth Plan

1. Basic Information

Include your name, due date, name of your doctor or midwife, and hospital or birthing center.

2. Preferred Birth Environment

• Dim lighting or music?

• Limit number of people in the room?

• Use of birthing tub or ball?

3. Labor Preferences

• Natural childbirth or pain medication?

• Epidural or no epidural?

• Movement and positioning during labor?

4. Pain Management Options

• Breathing techniques

• Massage or aromatherapy

• Nitrous oxide, IV medications, or epidural

5. Support People

• Who do you want in the room (partner, doula, family)?

• Do you want photos or videos taken?

6. Delivery Preferences

• Mirror to view the birth?

• Want to touch baby’s head as it crowns?

• Pushing positions?

7. Cesarean Section Preferences

• If a C-section becomes necessary, do you want your partner present?

• Would you like the screen lowered to see the baby’s birth?

8. After Birth Care

• Immediate skin-to-skin contact

• Delayed cord clamping

• Who cuts the umbilical cord

9. Newborn Care

• Breastfeeding or formula feeding?

• Vitamin K shot and eye ointment?

• Rooming-in vs nursery?

Tips for Writing a Realistic Birth Plan

1. Keep it concise – Aim for 1–2 pages.

2. Use bullet points for easy reading.

3. Be flexible – unexpected things happen.

4. Share it early – review it with your provider before your due date.

5. Bring copies – give one to your nurse or midwife when you arrive at the hospital.

Sample Birth Plan Template

Here’s a simple layout you can use:

Conclusion

A birth plan is a powerful way to express your wishes, feel prepared, and stay informed. It sets the stage for communication with your medical team and helps ensure your birth experience is as close to your vision as possible. Remember, the most important part of any birth plan is being open to the unexpected and prioritizing a healthy outcome for both you and your baby.