A birth plan is a written document that communicates your preferences for labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum care to your medical team. It covers pain management, birthing positions, who will be present, intervention preferences, and newborn care wishes.
15 steps across 2 sections
1. Steps Guide
- Start planning in the second trimester (weeks 20-28) — This gives you time to research options, discuss with your provider, and finalize before the third trimester.
- Research your options — Understand the choices available for pain management, birthing positions, interventions, and newborn care. Take a childbirth education class if available.
- Discuss preferences with your provider — Review your birth plan with your OB-GYN or midwife to confirm which options are available at your birth facility.
- Choose your birth team — Decide who will be in the room (partner, doula, family members). Confirm visitor policies with your hospital.
- Address labor preferences:
- Environment: lighting, music, aromatherapy, freedom to move
- Hydration and nutrition: IV vs. oral fluids, eating during labor
- Fetal monitoring: continuous vs. intermittent
- Pain management: natural methods (breathing, hydrotherapy, birthing ball), epidural, nitrous oxide, or combination
- Address delivery preferences:
2. Key Details
- Flexibility is essential Labor is unpredictable. Frame preferences as "I would prefer..." rather than rigid demands.
- Hospital policies vary Some preferences (water birth, eating during labor) may not be available at all facilities. Confirm in advance.
- ACOG template The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) provides a free sample birth plan template.
- Visual birth plans Some parents create one-page visual/icon-based plans that are easier for busy nurses to scan quickly.
- Doula support A doula can help you create your birth plan and advocate for your preferences during labor.
Common Mistakes
- Making it too long or complicated
- Not discussing it with your provider beforehand
- Being inflexible
- Forgetting the C-section contingency
- Not sharing it with your partner/support person
Pro Tips
- Use the ACOG sample birth plan as a starting template and customize from there
- Take a hospital tour to understand what is and is not available at your birth...
- Consider creating a one-page visual birth plan with icons for quick reference...
- Include a section on what to do if plans change — this shows your medical tea...
- Discuss the birth plan at your 36-week appointment so it is fresh in your pro...