What Is a Birth Plan?
A birth plan is a written checklist of what to consider before, during, and after giving birth. Your birth plan may include who you want present during labor, whether you want pain medication or medical interventions, and the ideal environment.
This plan helps you emphasize your preferences and options, allowing for a less stressful experience. It can also help you feel more comfortable if any issues or unforeseen circumstances arise.
You should give a copy of the birth plan to everyone on the birthing team, including your healthcare providers and anyone else in the room during the birth experience.
How to Write a Birth Plan
Step 1 – Add Your Basic Information
Include your name, due date, where you’d like to give birth, and the people who will support you.
Step 2 – Outline Your Preferences Before Labor
Decide the atmosphere you’d like (quiet room, music, lighting, number of staff, etc.).
Step 3 – State Your Preferences for Labor & Delivery
Share your wishes for labor positions, pain management, interventions (like induction or C-section), and pushing.
Step 4 – Plan for After Delivery
Cover what happens right after birth: holding your baby, cord cutting, feeding, newborn care, and any treatments or procedures.
Step 5 – Add Final Details
Note who can visit, whether you’d like photos or video, and any other special requests.
Tips for Writing a Birth Plan
Follow these tips when writing a birth plan:
Include a Contingency Plan
The labor and delivery process will go exactly as your birth plan describes in an ideal situation. But sometimes, complications can occur, and preferences such as having a home birth may no longer be safe for you or your unborn child.
If the unexpected happens, you should consider creating a contingency plan with backup options. For example, you may need to have an emergency C-section. In this case, you can specify you’d prefer a gentle C-section or a vaginal seeding procedure.
Educate Yourself
Consider completing a childbirth preparation program before attempting to write your birth plan. You can educate yourself on the different options for pain management, medical interventions, and other aspects.
If you are running out of time before delivery, try reading a book on childbirth preparation or watching a video course to enhance what you already know and present you with more possible choices.
Be Concise
Be concise in your birth plan by writing your preferences in short, clear sentences. Ask members of your birth team to proofread your birth plan for clarity so you can simplify any of your points if necessary.
