Why Make a Birth Plan?
Clarify Priorities
Writing things down helps you decide what matters most—pain relief options, room atmosphere, or newborn care steps.
Improve Communication
Sharing a concise plan keeps your support team, nurses, and providers aligned even if shift changes happen.
Stay Flexible
Plans are guidelines, not contracts. Listing preferences makes it easier to pivot when medical needs arise.
Remember: a birth plan is a preference list, not a binding agreement. Stay open to changes recommended by your care team.
How to Build Your Plan
- Talk with your obstetrician or midwife early in the third trimester about common protocols at your hospital or birth center.
- Tour your birth location (in person or virtually) to see what equipment, mobility, and visitor policies are available.
- Ask whether the practice provides a birth-plan template. Use it as a checklist for questions, then tailor to your needs.
- Compare your wishes with provider advice—high-risk pregnancies may limit certain options, so prioritize what still fits.
- Print or save multiple copies: for yourself, your chart, your partner/doula, and your hospital bag.
Timeline for Birth Plan Decisions
Break the process into manageable steps. Use these milestone weeks as reminders to research, draft, and finalize.
Weeks 24–28
Research & Brainstorm- Attend childbirth classes or virtual webinars to learn available options.
- Note hospital policies on visitors, photography, and room amenities.
- Identify support people (partner, doula, friend) and confirm availability.
Weeks 29–32
Draft & Discuss- Create a first draft using your provider’s template or your own.
- Review high-risk considerations with your obstetrician or midwife.
- Ask about pain-management protocols, C-section policies, and induction thresholds.
Weeks 33–36
Finalize & Share- Shorten the plan to critical bullet points (1–2 pages max).
- Upload to patient portals and print copies for the hospital bag.
- Walk through the plan with your partner/support person so everyone knows their role.
Weeks 37+
Practice & Pack- Review coping tools weekly (breathing, counter-pressure, affirmation playlists).
- Confirm transportation, childcare, and pet care logistics.
- Set reminders to grab the plan when contractions begin or induction is scheduled.
Preference Categories to Consider
Atmosphere
- Lighting, music, aromatherapy
- Freedom to walk, shower, or use birthing balls
- Food and drink options, if permitted
Labor Procedures
- Continuous vs. intermittent fetal monitoring
- Use of IV lines, saline locks, or mobility aids
- Birth tools such as squat bars or peanut balls
Pain Management
- Unmedicated coping (breathing, massage, hydrotherapy)
- Nitrous oxide, IV meds, or epidurals
- When you might request or decline interventions
Delivery Positions
- Semi-reclined, side-lying, squatting, or hands-and-knees options
- Ability to change positions during pushing
Procedures
- Preference to avoid routine episiotomy unless necessary
- Thoughts on assisted delivery (forceps/vacuum)
- Partner involvement if a C-section is needed
Newborn Care
- Immediate skin-to-skin vs. quick clean-up first
- Cord clamping timing and who cuts the cord
- Feeding plans, pacifier use, rooming-in vs. nursery
After-Birth Decisions
Note the choices you’d like immediately after delivery. Providers can better honor your preferences when they’re on paper.
- Cord blood banking or donation instructions
- Cultural or religious rituals (circumcision, naming, prayers)
- Bathing preferences and whether you want photos or quiet bonding time first
- Plan for siblings or support people visiting
Birth Plan Template Outline
Birth Team Contacts
- Provider name & practice
- Support person(s) and roles
- Doula contact info
Labor Preferences
- Environment & mobility
- Monitoring & IV instructions
- Pain management plan
Delivery Preferences
- Positions & pushing cues
- Episiotomy/assisted birth guidelines
- C-section requests (clear drape, partner present, immediate skin-to-skin)
Newborn Care
- Cord clamping & cutting
- Eye drops, vitamin K, Hep B timing
- Feeding & rooming-in preferences
Special Notes
- Allergies or medical flags
- Language or accessibility needs
- Top three priorities if plan must change
Planning for Inductions or Cesareans
Even if you hope for spontaneous labor, outline your preferences in case induction or surgical birth becomes necessary.
Questions to Ask
- Why is induction being recommended, and what happens if we wait?
- Which methods will be used first (membrane sweep, cervical ripening, Pitocin)?
- Can I still move around, eat, or use the tub/shower while induced?
Preferences to Note
- Pain relief timing during a longer induction process.
- Desire to avoid unnecessary vaginal exams once active labor begins.
- Support persons allowed overnight or during early cervical ripening.
Backup Plans
- Under what circumstances will we switch to a Cesarean?
- How will we preserve elements of the birth plan (music, delayed cord clamping) in the OR?
- Who will stay with baby if separation is required?
Partner & Support Person Roles
Share this list so everyone knows exactly how to back you up the moment labor begins.
Communicator
- Share the plan with each new nurse or provider on shift.
- Speak up about top priorities (mobility, skin-to-skin, delayed cord clamping).
- Clarify consent before procedures when the birthing parent is focusing on contractions.
Comfort Coach
- Track contraction patterns and suggest position changes.
- Offer water, snacks, cool cloths, or counter-pressure as requested.
- Cue breathing, visualization, or affirmations from the plan.
Logistics Captain
- Keep copies of the plan, insurance cards, and pediatrician info accessible.
- Update family per your agreed-upon communication plan.
- Pack up belongings and double-check the room before discharge.
Keep Flexibility Front and Center
- Highlight your top three “must-haves” so staff can honor them even if time is short.
- Include wording like “If medically safe, I prefer…” to show openness to change.
- Add a paragraph about how you want information delivered (e.g., “Please give me a moment to process before moving forward”).
- Leave space for notes so nurses can document what was discussed or updated.
Postpartum Plan Add-On
Extend your birth plan into the postpartum period so your team knows how to support you after delivery.
Immediate Recovery
- Who will stay with you the first night post-delivery?
- Preferred pain relief or anti-nausea medications after birth
- Mobility or toileting assistance instructions
Rooming-In & Feeding
- Whether you want baby in-room 24/7 or prefer nursery breaks
- Lactation consultant visit preferences
- Pumping or formula supplementation instructions
Going Home
- Transportation plan and car-seat installation check
- Prescription pick-up responsibilities
- Household or pet-care help for the first 72 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a birth plan?
No, but many parents find it useful to organize thoughts and keep everyone aligned. You can still have a positive birth without one.
What if my plan can’t be followed?
Medical needs or hospital policies may require adjustments. Use the plan as a conversation starter, then stay flexible as caregivers make safety decisions.
How long should my plan be?
One to two pages is ideal. Highlight your top priorities so they stand out even during a busy shift change.
Can I change my mind about pain relief?
Absolutely. Note your preferences but remind yourself that it’s okay to ask for options during labor.
When should I share the plan?
Review it with your provider around 32–34 weeks, bring copies to later prenatal visits, and pack extras in your hospital bag.
Key Takeaways
Write It Down
Capture your most important wishes in 1–2 pages to share with your team.
Collaborate Early
Review the plan with your provider around 32–34 weeks to align on safety.
Stay Flexible
Use the plan as a guide but adapt quickly if medical needs arise.
Pack Copies
Keep extra printouts in your hospital bag for nurses, doulas, and partners.
Important Medical Disclaimer
This page provides educational information only. It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always discuss your plan with your obstetrician, midwife, or healthcare professional.
Labor can change quickly. Follow hospital policies and provider recommendations to keep you and your baby safe, even if the plan shifts.