Creating Your Birth Plan: Complete Template and Tips Guide

Creating a birth plan is one of the most empowering things you can do to prepare for labor and delivery. It's an opportunity to learn about your options, discuss your preferences with your healthcare provider, and ensure your support team knows how to advocate for you.

Remember that a birth plan is a communication tool, not a contract. Birth can be unpredictable, and flexibility is key. The goal is not to control every aspect of your birth, but to be informed and prepared so you can make decisions that feel right in the moment.

What Is a Birth Plan?

A birth plan is a written document that outlines your preferences for labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum care. It covers everything from pain management choices to newborn procedures, and serves as a guide for your healthcare team.

What It Is

•A communication tool for your birth team
•A way to organize your research and preferences
•A starting point for conversations with your provider
•A document that helps your partner support you

What It Is Not

•A legally binding contract
•A guarantee that everything will go as planned
•A replacement for medical judgment in emergencies
•Written in stone - it can change as labor progresses

Why Have a Birth Plan?

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Education

Creating a birth plan encourages you to research options you might not have known existed, from different pain management techniques to various labor positions.

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Communication

Your birth team may not know your preferences unless you tell them. A written plan ensures everyone is on the same page, even during shift changes.

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Partner Involvement

Your partner can advocate for you using the birth plan when you're focused on labor. It gives them a clear role and talking points.

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Empowerment

Understanding your options and stating your preferences helps you feel more in control during a time when so much feels uncertain.

When to Create Your Birth Plan

Start researching in your second trimester and finalize your birth plan around 32-36 weeks. This gives you time to learn about options, discuss with your provider, and make revisions. Don't wait until the last minute, but also don't stress if your preferences change.

Pain Management Preferences

Pain management is often the most discussed aspect of a birth plan. There's no right or wrong choice - what matters is that you understand your options and feel comfortable with your decisions.

Non-Medication Techniques

Movement & Positioning

• Walking and changing positions
• Birth ball exercises
• Squatting and lunging
• Hands and knees position

Comfort Measures

• Warm water immersion (bath/shower)
• Massage and counter-pressure
• Breathing techniques
• Hot or cold compresses

Mental Techniques

• Hypnobirthing methods
• Visualization exercises
• Meditation and mantras
• Music and aromatherapy

TENS Machine

• Electrical nerve stimulation
• Can be used in early labor
• No medication involved
• You control the intensity

Medical Pain Relief Options

Epidural

Regional anesthesia that blocks pain from the waist down. Most effective form of pain relief available. Requires IV, continuous monitoring, and limits mobility.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Self-administered gas that reduces anxiety and perception of pain. Quick onset and recovery. You remain mobile and in control. Not available at all facilities.

IV Pain Medication

Opioid medications given through IV to take the edge off contractions. Limited effectiveness compared to epidural. May cause drowsiness and nausea.

Learn more about preparing for labor →

Labor Positions

Being upright and mobile during labor can help labor progress, reduce pain, and improve blood flow to your baby. You can include preferences about movement in your birth plan.

First Stage Labor

• Walking the halls
• Bouncing on birth ball
• Leaning over furniture
• Slow dancing with partner
• Using a rebozo

Pushing Positions

• Squatting
• Hands and knees
• Side-lying
• Semi-reclined
• Using a birth stool

With Epidural

• Side-lying with peanut ball
• Position changes with help
• Elevated head of bed
• Supported squatting
• Ask about walking epidural

Sample Birth Plan Language

"I would like to remain mobile during labor and try different positions. Please support me in moving freely and suggest positions that may help labor progress. I prefer to push in whatever position feels most natural at the time."

Who's in the Room

Your birth support team makes a significant difference in your labor experience. Think carefully about who you want present and what role each person will play.

Support Team Options

•
Partner/Spouse: Primary support person, advocate, emotional anchor
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Doula: Professional labor support, continuous presence, comfort measures
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Family member: Mother, sister, or close relative for emotional support
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Friend: Trusted person who knows you well

Things to Consider

•Hospital visitor policies and limits
•Each person's role and responsibilities
•Privacy preferences during exams
•Who stays during delivery
•Photography and video preferences
•Who cuts the cord

See our Partner's Guide to Pregnancy and Birth →

Immediate Postpartum Wishes

The first hours after birth, often called the "golden hour," are crucial for bonding, establishing breastfeeding, and recovery. Include your preferences for this special time.

Immediately After Birth

•Immediate skin-to-skin contact
•Delayed cord clamping (1-3 minutes or until it stops pulsating)
•Partner cuts the cord (or decline)
•Baby placed on chest, not taken immediately
•Delay routine procedures for bonding

Feeding Preferences

•Breastfeeding support requested
•No formula or pacifiers (or ok if needed)
•Lactation consultant visit
•Combo feeding plans
•Formula feeding support

Placenta Preferences

Some families choose to save their placenta for encapsulation, burial, or other purposes. If you have specific wishes, include them in your birth plan and discuss with your provider in advance, as some facilities have specific policies.

Newborn Procedures

Several routine procedures are typically performed on newborns shortly after birth. You can specify preferences about timing and whether you want to be present for each procedure.

Standard Newborn Procedures

•APGAR scoring: Quick assessment at 1 and 5 minutes
•Eye ointment: Antibiotic to prevent infection
•Vitamin K shot: Prevents bleeding disorders

•Hepatitis B vaccine: First dose often given at birth
•Newborn screening: Blood test for genetic conditions
•Hearing test: Usually before discharge

Optional Decisions

•First bath timing: Can be delayed 24+ hours for skin-to-skin benefits
•Circumcision: If applicable, timing and who will perform
•Rooming-in vs. nursery: Your preference for where baby stays

Flexibility and Backup Plans

One of the most important aspects of a birth plan is acknowledging that things may not go as planned. Having backup preferences can help you feel prepared for any scenario.

Cesarean Section Preferences

Even if you're planning a vaginal birth, it's wise to include C-section preferences in case one becomes necessary.

•Partner present in operating room
•Lowered drape or clear drape option
•Immediate skin-to-skin if possible
•Delayed cord clamping if medically appropriate
•Partner accompanies baby if separated

If Baby Needs Extra Care

•Partner stays with baby at all times
•Skin-to-skin as soon as medically safe
•Breastfeeding support even in NICU
•Updates communicated to birthing parent

The Key to Flexibility

Frame your birth plan preferences with language like "If possible, I would prefer..." or "Unless medically necessary..." This shows your healthcare team that you understand flexibility may be needed while still communicating your wishes.

Birth Plan Template/Checklist

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Creating Your Birth Plan: Template and Tips

Medical Disclaimer

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