What Is a Birth Plan? A Simple Guide to Creating One That Works
“What is a birth plan?”
That is the question at the heart of this blog. It might sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. A birth plan isn’t supposed to be a rigid script to be followed to the letter, but rather a communication tool. It outlines your preferences while leaving plenty of room to adapt as labor unfolds since each labor is different. The main goal of a birth plan is to help families feel ready to take on whatever might be thrown at them with confidence.
But by now you’re probably wondering what’s actually IN a birth plan. That can be broken down into four segments: basic medical info, labor & comfort preferences, delivery preferences, and after the baby arrives.
In basics and medical information you’re going to have your contact details, medical history, and your support team listed. It’ll have the names and phone numbers of your OB-GYN,
midwife, and your pediatrician. Medical history is going to be any current medical conditions or allergies you may have along with any regular medications you’re currently taking. And your support team is who you plan to have in the room with you like your partner, family members, or your doula 😉.
Once the basics are covered, we dive into the real heart of your plan: labor preferences and comfort measures. Think about how you want your environment to feel. Do you prefer dim lighting, a quiet room, or a custom playlist? Will you be using aromatherapy? You’ll also want to think about movement. Do you plan to walk around, try different positions, use a birth ball, relax in a labor tub, or spend most of your time resting in bed? Comfort measures also touch on how you'd like pain managed throughout labor. Whether you’re leaning toward an unmedicated birth, open to an epidural, considering IV medication, or curious about nitrous oxide, putting your preferences down on paper gives your team a starting point. It’s also helpful to note when you want those options discussed with you, so you aren't being offered pain relief in the middle of a surge when you've requested not to be asked.
Next comes your delivery preferences—what you hope the actual moment of birth looks like, as well as how you'd like medical interventions handled along the way. This is where you can note your thoughts on things like induction, Pitocin, artificial breaking of your bag of waters, or cervical checks. You can also mention preferences for pushing positions and
assisted delivery tools like vacuum or forceps. And if labor takes a turn and a Cesarean becomes necessary? Your birth plan covers that, too! You can request things like having your support person in the operating room with you, using a clear drape so you can watch your baby be born, immediate skin-to-skin contact in the OR, or initiating breastfeeding right in recovery.
Finally, there’s the segment for after the baby arrives. This covers those precious first few hours together. You can specify your goals around delayed cord clamping, practicing the Golden Hour, keeping baby skin-to-skin, and whether you want rooming-in. It’s also the place to share your newborn care choices—like Vitamin K, eye ointment, the Hepatitis B vaccine, feeding plans (breastfeeding, formula, or a mix), and how you'd like visitors handled.
Now that we’ve looked at what to include, let’s quickly talk about what NOT to put in a birth plan.
First, skip the novel! Avoid write-ups with extremely long paragraphs or medical jargon you don't fully understand. Most importantly, leave out demands, ultimatums, or the unrealistic expectation that nothing can change. Nurses and care teams read dozens of these, and a demanding tone can set an adversarial vibe.
Instead, frame your preferences with open, collaborative language like:
"If medically appropriate, we prefer..."
"I would prefer..."
"Please discuss options with me before proceeding whenever possible."
To write a birth plan that actually gets read and respected, keep a few quick tips in mind:
Keep it to one page: Aim for a clean, scannable document.
Use bullet points: They make key details easy for nurses to spot in a fast-moving labor room.
Prioritize what matters most: Focus on your absolute top non-negotiables rather than every tiny detail.
Review it with your care team: Go over it with your provider before your due date to make sure you're aligned.
Pass out copies: Bring printouts in your hospital bag for your nurses, give one to your support team, and keep a digital copy saved on your phone.
At the end of the day, remember: birth is unpredictable. Sometimes labor goes exactly to plan; other times, circumstances require a pivot. A successful birth isn't defined by sticking perfectly to a piece of paper. The true purpose of a birth plan is informed decision-making and clear communication, not perfection.
This is where having a doula on your team can make a huge difference. A doula can help walk you through common birth options, assist you in building a realistic birth plan, and
empower you to have meaningful conversations with your doctor or midwife. During labor, they are right there beside you to advocate for your preferences and keep you grounded if your birth takes an unexpected turn.
Ready to start building yours? Download our free Birth Plan Checklist! It includes a printable birth plan template, a quick preferences checklist, a hospital bag checklist, and a list of key questions to ask your provider at your next visit.
There’s no such thing as the "perfect" birth plan—only the plan that helps you feel supported, respected, and ready to welcome your baby. Keep it simple, stay flexible, and focus on what matters most to you!
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