A birth plan isn’t about controlling every detail of labor; it’s about clearly communicating your preferences to your care team. Many templates online are overly complex, but a strong birth plan is concise, realistic, and flexible. It should focus on what matters most to you, while acknowledging that labor often unfolds in unpredictable ways.
What a Birth Plan Is (and Isn’t)
A birth plan is a brief summary of your wishes for labor, delivery, and newborn care. Its primary function is to help you think through your priorities, learn about available options, and ensure your care team understands what you want.
It’s not a rigid contract. Labor is dynamic, and sometimes the safest course isn’t what you initially expected. A good plan includes backup choices, so you still feel informed and empowered if things change.
Start With Your Top Priorities
Before diving into details, identify your three most important preferences. These should guide decisions if labor progresses rapidly. Common priorities include pain management, who you want present, and the desired birth environment.
If you’re unsure what matters most, consider what makes you feel safe and supported under stress. Build your plan around those needs.
Keep It Simple and Easy to Scan
Aim for a one-page plan organized into clear sections. Use short, direct statements. Your care team should be able to quickly grasp your preferences during a busy labor.
Labor Environment and Support
- Who do you want in the room? Include partners, support people, or doulas.
- What kind of support do you prefer? Do you want coaching or quiet encouragement? Do you have cultural or personal needs that should be respected?
- If you experience anxiety or trauma, specify what helps you feel grounded (e.g., calm explanations before exams, permission before touch).
Comfort Measures and Pain Relief
Pain management isn’t an all-or-nothing choice. Many people use a combination of methods. If unsure, state that you prefer to start with non-pharmaceutical options and remain open to additional support.
Consider these options:
- Movement and position changes
- Breathing techniques
- Massage or counter pressure
- Warm showers, heat, or cold packs
- Calm environment, music, or dim lighting
If considering medication, discuss what’s available and how it might affect mobility and monitoring.
Having a backup plan doesn’t mean failure. It means you’re prepared for any scenario.
Monitoring, Movement, and Food/Drink
Discuss monitoring options with your provider. Ask about intermittent monitoring if desired.
Many people want to move freely during labor. Clarify what’s encouraged at your facility and what might limit mobility (e.g., certain monitoring types, epidurals).
Some facilities allow clear liquids during labor, while others restrict intake if anesthesia is a possibility. Confirm the policy beforehand.
Pushing and Delivery Preferences
If labor progresses normally, you may have flexibility in pushing positions. Note any preferences (e.g., squatting, side-lying).
Some people want a mirror or delayed cord clamping, while others prefer not to. Include these details if they matter to you.
The “What If” Section: Planning for Changes
This section addresses potential complications.
- Induction/Augmentation: Ask about common methods and your provider’s criteria for recommending them.
- Assisted Delivery: Discuss situations leading to this and next steps if it’s unsuccessful.
- C-Section: Note your preferences if a C-section becomes necessary (e.g., support person present, skin-to-skin contact when safe, feeding plans).
If you have a previous cesarean, discuss VBAC options with your provider.
Newborn Care and the First Hours
The first hours after birth can be chaotic. Write down preferences for:
- Immediate skin-to-skin contact (if stable)
- Feeding preferences
- Lactation support
- Discussion of routine newborn medications or screenings before administration
Reviewing Your Birth Plan
Bring your plan to a prenatal visit before the final weeks. Ask your provider to review it, discussing what’s realistic given your pregnancy and the facility’s policies.
If they suggest changes, ask why. Understanding the reasoning will help you feel more prepared if plans shift during labor. Keep the final version concise and easy to read.
A well-crafted birth plan doesn’t guarantee a perfect delivery, but it empowers you to communicate your wishes and feel more confident as you approach labor. It’s a tool for informed decision-making, not rigid control.
