Creating a Birth Plan That Works for You

What is a Birth Plan?

A birth plan is a document that communicates your preferences for labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum care. Think of it as a roadmap that helps your birth team understand your wishes and values, while remaining flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances.

Why Create a Birth Plan?

• Clarifies your priorities: Helps you and your partner discuss what matters most
• Improves communication: Gives your care team clear information about your wishes
• Reduces anxiety: Knowing your preferences are documented can provide peace of mind
• Empowers decision-making: Prepares you to make informed choices during labor

Key Elements to Consider

Environment Preferences

• Lighting (dimmed, natural, etc.)
• Music or sounds
• Who you want present
• Photography or video preferences
• Essential oils or aromatherapy

Labor Management

• Freedom to move and change positions
• Access to water (shower, tub, birth pool)
• Preferences for monitoring (intermittent vs. continuous)
• Food and drink during labor
• Pain management preferences — read about natural pain management techniques

Medical Interventions

• Your stance on induction methods
• Preferences for vaginal exams
• Views on episiotomy
• Assisted delivery preferences (if needed)
• Cesarean preferences if surgery becomes necessary

Pushing and Delivery

• Pushing positions you would like to try
• Preferences for coached vs. spontaneous pushing
• Mirror to watch delivery (if desired)
• Who will announce the sex or catch the baby

Immediately After Birth

• Delayed cord clamping
• Skin-to-skin contact
• Breastfeeding initiation
• Placenta preferences
• Newborn procedures timing

Tips for an Effective Birth Plan

Keep it Concise

One page is ideal. Busy nurses and doctors are more likely to read a brief, well-organized document.

Use Positive Language

Instead of "I do not want..." try "My preference is..." This sets a collaborative tone.

Prioritize Flexibility

Birth is unpredictable. Include language like "unless medically necessary" to show you understand circumstances may change.

Discuss with Your Provider

Review your plan with your healthcare provider beforehand. This helps identify any potential conflicts and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Bring Multiple Copies

Have 3-4 copies available for shift changes and different team members. Pack them in your hospital bag!

Your Doula Can Help

Creating a birth plan is one of the many ways your doula supports you. We can help you:

• Understand your options
• Clarify your priorities
• Communicate with your healthcare team
• Navigate changes during labor

Remember, the goal is not a "perfect" birth — it is a birth where you feel informed, supported, and respected. Contact us to learn about our birth doula services or view our packages. You may also want to read how partners can support during birth.