Birth Plan
How to write a plan that actually gets used
Why a Birth Plan Matters
A birth plan is not a contract. It is a communication tool. Its value is not in predicting the birth, births are unpredictable, but in making sure the care team knows who you are, what you value, and how you prefer to be supported.
Keep It Short
One page. Bullet points. Nurses read these quickly between patients. A dense paragraph plan is less likely to be read than a clear one-pager. Consider including a photo so the team sees who they're caring for.
What to Include
- Name, due date, care provider name
- Who is present in the room and who is the primary support person
- Preferences on pain medication, open to anything, prefer to try without first, or no medication unless requested
- Preferences on monitoring, continuous vs. intermittent if low-risk
- Preferences on IV, hep-lock only vs. running IV
- Cord cutting, who cuts it, delayed cord clamping if desired
- Immediate skin-to-skin, before routine newborn procedures if possible
- Feeding intentions, breastfeeding, formula, or undecided
- Anything specific to your situation, multiples, previous trauma, hypnobirthing
The Cesarean Section
Include a section for cesarean preferences even if you're not planning one. Gentle/family-centered cesarean, partner presence, skin-to-skin in the OR, delayed cord clamping, these are all possible and worth requesting in advance.
When to Share It
Share your plan with your care provider before the birth, ideally at a prenatal appointment. Bring copies to the hospital. Put one in your bag before 36 weeks.