Creating your birth plan
A simple guide to thinking through what matters to you
A birth plan is a way to communicate your preferences, priorities, and needs with the people caring for you during labor and birth.
It doesn't need to be long or complicated. And it isn't a guarantee that everything will happen exactly as planned.
Instead, think of it as a conversation starter — one that helps you learn about your options, ask questions ahead of time, and make sure your care team understands what matters most to you.
Before you start
Ask yourself: What will help me feel safe, comfortable, respected, and supported during birth?
Then think through these six areas.
1My support
Who would you like with you during labor and delivery?
Consider your spouse or partner, doula, family member, or other support person. Think about who you would — and would not — feel comfortable having in the room.
2My environment
What would make the room feel more comfortable?
You might consider:
Movement and different labor positions
Music or a quieter environment
Dimmed lighting
Privacy and modesty
Religious or cultural considerations
Who enters the room whenever possible
3Comfort & pain management
Think about how you would like to approach pain relief.
Would you like to begin with breathing, movement, positioning, a birthing ball, shower, massage, or other comfort measures?
How do you feel about an epidural or other medications?
Would you like your team to discuss pain-relief options with you, or would you prefer to ask when you are ready?
4Labor & birth
Talk with your provider about your preferences surrounding:
Monitoring and movement
Induction or augmentation of labor
Positions for pushing
Assisted delivery
Who you would like present for the birth
You don't need to know exactly what you want. “I'd like to understand my options before making a decision” is also a preference.
5After baby arrives
When medically appropriate, consider your preferences for:
Skin-to-skin contact
Delayed cord clamping
Who cuts the umbilical cord
Breastfeeding, pumping, formula feeding, or combination feeding
Routine newborn care
Keeping baby with you versus nursery care
Visitors and rest
6If the plan changes
Birth doesn't always unfold as expected.
Consider what would remain important to you if an induction, assisted delivery, C-section, or another change becomes necessary.
You can ask:
What is happening?
What are my options?
Is this urgent?
What are the benefits and risks?
Is there time to discuss this before we decide?
Before delivery
Bring your birth preferences to a prenatal appointment and review them with your OB or midwife. Ask which options are routinely available at your hospital and whether there are any hospital policies you should know about.
A birth plan isn't about creating the perfect birth. It's about entering the experience informed, prepared, and able to communicate what matters to you.
My birth preferences
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The basics
The people supporting me
During labor
Things that may help me feel comfortable:
Privacy, modesty & religious/cultural needs
Please be aware of the following:
During birth
After baby is born
When medically appropriate, I would prefer:
If plans need to change
If an induction, assisted delivery, C-section, or unexpected situation arises, what is most important to me?
My three most important priorities
- 1.
- 2.
- 3.
Remember
Preferences can change. You can ask questions. You can request more information. And you can communicate what you need throughout your birth experience.
This resource is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Discuss your birth preferences and medical questions with your healthcare provider.