How to Prepare for Childbirth with a Birth Plan

Whether you’re pregnant with your first child or your fourth, the days leading up to your baby’s birth can feel chaotic. You may be so busy organizing the nursery, running to last-minute prenatal appointments, and preparing for the other children for the birth of a sibling that you have little time to think about what you really want to happen during labor and delivery. This is where a birth plan may come in handy.

A recent review of birth planning research suggests that family planning can provide parents with a sense of autonomy and control during childbirth. They can also help parents prepare for the unexpected, making decisions on the big day easier no matter what happens.

Here’s everything you want to know about how to write a birth plan, plus a free birth plan template to get you started.

What is family planning?

A birth plan is a written outline of your preferences and expectations during labor that you will share with your maternity caregivers. While writing it down isn’t required, it can help parents feel more calm and in control as they welcome their new baby, especially if they have strong preferences about how they want their birth to be – and they’re even associated with a more active birth related results. A recent study shows that birth planning can increase rates of normal vaginal delivery, improve maternal and neonatal outcomes, and delivery satisfaction.

It can be helpful to share and discuss your birth plan with your caregivers in the weeks before your due date to give them the information they need to have the birth experience you want. For example, if you strongly prefer not to have an epidural, your caregiver should know this before labor begins.

Dr. Betsy Caldwell, a physical therapist who specializes in childbirth, pregnancy and postpartum health, says having a birth plan also gives you and your partner time to reflect on the process ahead and agree on some important issues. “The birth planning process is an opportunity for parents to learn about all aspects of childbirth,” she says.

How to write a birth plan

Give yourself plenty of time to develop a birth plan. Recommended by Dr. Caldwell Open Notes on your phone and write down snippets of your birth plan as you get closer to your due date.

“Don’t wait until the third trimester,” she warns. “Birth preparation and birth plans take time and may change from week to week. Read positive birth stories, learn about your options, and communicate respectfully and clearly during your prenatal appointment.

Some topics you may want to include in your birth plan:

• If you want to be able to move or walk during labor
• If you want to control pain during labor
• If you would like to have a cervical test during labor
• In what position do you wish to push (e.g. if you would rather kneel or lie on your side than on your back)
• Preference for interventions such as the use of forceps
• If you are willing to undergo continuous fetal monitoring
• Delivery room environment preferences (you can specify whether you want low lighting and quiet sound in the delivery room)
• If you strongly object to any surgery during childbirth
• What neonatal surgeries do you and do not undergo?
• If you plan to breastfeed
• Contact information for your partner and birth team

“If you give birth in a hospital, educate yourself about the hospital’s routine procedures and be sure to write them down if you agree or disagree with them,” Dr. Caldwell says.

Your birth plan will vary based on your own preferences, but most experts recommend keeping it simple.

“I think more than a page or two of the finished product is probably too much,” Brock said. “You want it to be simple and easy for your team to read, understand and reference.”

Remember to print it out and bring extra copies to share with everyone in case of a shift change during labor.

Disadvantages of family planning

There is substantial evidence that the use of birth plans generally results in increased satisfaction with childbirth. However, one study showed that more requests for family planning were associated with a significant decrease (80%) in satisfaction. In other words, setting expectations too high may increase the chance of disappointment. Additionally, it is important to treat your care team with respect and remember that they are professionals.

“Try to avoid an ‘us’ versus ‘them’ mentality,” says Dr. Caldwell. “Think of your birth plan as a guide to open communication. In certain situations, instead of saying ‘Don’t do this,’ write ‘We prefer x, y, or z.’

Birth Plan Template

Ready to make your birth plan? This basic template is a great starting point. Simply select the points you want to include in each category and feel free to add whatever is important to you.

Contact information

Patient name:

Patient’s care provider:

Infant Pediatrician:

Emergency contact information:

I would like the following people to be with me during labor and/or delivery:

____________________________

____________________________

____________________________

labor

• I prefer to control the temperature, lights and sounds in the delivery room.
• I preferred being able to move around during labor.
• I want to be able to drink fluids during labor.
• I [am / am not] Get a cervical check during labor.
• This is [OK / not OK] Have trained people present during my labor and delivery.
• I am interested in trying birth support such as a birthing ball, birthing stool, birthing chair, squat bar, warm shower or bathtub.

pain management

• I [plan / do not plan] Receiving an epidural during active labor.
• I prefer using a shower or jetted tub for pain relief.
• I prefer to use massage or breathing techniques to relieve pain.

deliver goods

• I wish to avoid the use of forceps or episiotomy
• I prefer to use [directed pushing techniques / self-directed pushing].
• I want to bank cord blood.
• If it was a vaginal birth, I would want my partner to support me during the pushing.
• If it’s a natural birth, I prefer a quiet, dimly lit environment.
• I hope someone documents the birth with photos and/or video.
• My partner plans to cut the umbilical cord.

caesarean section

• I think [name of person] Stayed with me during my C-section.

after birth

• I prefer to have my baby placed directly on my chest immediately after delivery.
• I prefer to clean my baby before putting it on my chest.
• I plan to breastfeed as soon as possible after giving birth.
• I prefer to look at my baby before I give them eye drops.
• I think [name of person] If I can’t hold my baby right after delivery.
• I think [name of person] Go to daycare with your baby.
• If the baby is a boy, I [would / would not] Hopefully he gets circumcised in a hospital/birthing center.

Newborn care

• i plan [breastfeed exclusively / formula-feed / combine breastfeeding and formula-feeding].
• please don’t give it to my baby [a pacifier / formula]
• I prefer to have my baby in my room [with me at all times / except when I am asleep / only for feedings].