How to Make a Birth Plan: Tips for Expecting Parents (Free Template Included)

Throughout pregnancy, you're faced with countless decisions, from minor ones like packing enough clothes for the hospital, to significant choices such as whether to opt for an epidural. As your delivery date approaches, a birth plan can help you prepare for the big day!

It not only gives you the time to figure out how you want your birthing experience to go, but having a birth plan also ensures that those supporting you are fully informed on how best to assist you.

Introduction to Birthing Plan: What Is A Birth Plan?

A birth plan is a written document that outlines your preferences for postpartum care, labor, and delivery. Birth can be fast-paced and intense, so having a birth plan in place helps you feel more prepared and confident. Birth plans also allow let's those around you to know how to support you in these vulnerable experiences.

During birth, it can be hard to express your needs in the moment, especially when your focus is on getting through each contraction. Having your preferences written down takes that pressure off, giving you more space to breathe, stay present, and focus on the incredible experience of bringing new life into the world.

A birth plan doesn't guarantee that everything will go exactly as planned, but it gives your healthcare team a clear understanding of your wishes. There may be medical reasons that require adjusting your preferred plan, but ideally, these possibilities are talked through ahead of time, so you feel informed, prepared, and part of the decision-making process, no matter how things unfold.

If you're not sure where to begin, a birth plan template can offer a solid starting point.

Below, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about birth plans, plus provide a free template you can download to get started.

Understanding Birth Preferences and Pain Management

For many women, one of the most nerve-wracking parts of giving birth is anticipating the pain. The good news is that there are several pain management options available.

There are two general categories of pain relief:

Medical Options

• Epidural anesthesia: This is the most common form of pain relief in hospital births. It involves injecting medication near the spinal cord to block pain. While effective, it may limit mobility and can prolong the second stage of labour.

• Spinal block: Is used in cesarean deliveries, it provides quick and complete pain relief, but wears off more quickly than an epidural, making it unsuitable for the labor duration of vaginal births.

• Nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"): Inhaled through a mask, it can help take the edge off pain without fully numbing it. It wears off quickly and doesn't affect your ability to push.

• IV pain medications: These are opioids or sedatives delivered through an IV. They're use is very limited and generally not recommended, especially closer to labour, because they cross the placental barrier, which can lead to respiratory depression in the baby and can cause drowsiness, decreased alertness, or nausea in the birthing person.

While these pain relief options are often discussed during birth planning, it's important to understand that not all of them will necessarily be available or medically indicated for every patient. Even though patients can express their preferences and discuss them with their healthcare team, the final decision often depends on clinical indications, timing during labor, and hospital protocols. For example, some options may not be recommended based on how labor is progressing, the baby's condition, or the patient's medical history.

Non-Medicated Techniques

• Breathing techniques: Deep, patterned breathing helps focus your mind and regulate your body's response to pain.

• Massage and touch: A supportive partner or doula can use pressure and massage to ease tension.

• Hydrotherapy: Soaking in a warm bath or using a shower can ease contractions.

• Movement and positioning: Birthing balls, squatting bars, or walking around can help labour progress and manage pain.

• TENS units: Electrical stimulation applied to your lower back to disrupt pain signals.

You might want a completely unmedicated birth. Or maybe you're open to an epidural but want to try natural methods first. Your body, your birth.

For many first-time moms, labor can last 12 to 14 hours, so having a variety of tools, positions, and comfort measures to rotate through can help you stay more supported and comfortable as things shift.

Here are more options to consider:

• Birthing ball: Helps open the pelvis and relieve lower-back pressure; great for gentle movement and countering contractions.

• Peanut ball: Especially useful in laboring on your side; can help widen the pelvis and encourage the baby's descent.

• Birthing stool or squat bar: Supports upright positions, using gravity to aid progress.

• Tub or shower access: Warm water soothes and relaxes muscles, potentially reducing perceived pain.

• Dim lighting and calming music: Creates a more relaxed environment and helps your body stay in a steady rhythm.

• Heat and cold packs: Use heat for tension and back pain, and cold for swelling or to refresh during longer phases.

It's also important to keep in mind that your individual medical history plays a significant role in shaping your birth plan. For those with high-risk pregnancies, such as those involving gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or other medical conditions, there may be a greater need for monitoring, specific interventions, or certain limitations on your birth plan.

That doesn't mean you don't have choices, but rather that your plan may need to be more flexible. Discussing your preferences with your healthcare provider early on helps you understand what's safe and realistic for your unique situation, so you can still feel informed and empowered, even if adjustments are needed along the way.

Labor and Delivery Preferences

Time to dive into the heart of the plan, the actual labor and delivery. Let's look at your options below.

Delivery Method

When creating your birth plan, it's important to think about your preferences around how your baby is delivered.

• Vaginal birth: For most low-risk pregnancies, a vaginal delivery is the typical goal. It's often associated with a shorter recovery time, reduced risk of complications in future pregnancies, and earlier opportunities for immediate skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. Vaginal birth can also look different for everyone, as it might take place in a hospital, birth center, or at home, with or without pain medication, and in a variety of positions.

• Cesarean delivery (planned or unplanned): A C-section is a surgical delivery in which the baby is born through an incision in the abdomen and uterus. Some people know in advance that a cesarean is the safest option for them due to medical conditions like placenta previa, breech positioning, or a history of previous C-sections. Others may plan for a vaginal birth but need a C-section due to how labour progresses.

• Assisted vaginal delivery: Sometimes, during a vaginal birth, tools like forceps or a vacuum extractor may be needed to help guide the baby out, especially if labour has stalled in the pushing phase or if there are concerns about the baby's heart rate. These procedures are typically only done when medically necessary, and your provider will explain what's happening in the moment.

Even if you're planning a vaginal birth, it's wise to have a backup plan for a C-section just in case.

Monitoring and Interventions

• Fetal monitoring: Your doctor will work with you to determine if you require intermittent (periodic checks) or continuous (belt monitors) monitoring of your baby based on your clinical situation and any complications, risk factors, and other factors that require closer surveillance. Continuous monitoring may restrict the movement of the birthing person.

• Saline lock or IV: Some hospitals recommend a saline lock (a capped IV line) for quick medication access. Talk to your provider about whether you'd like this placed right away or only if needed.

Other Labor Preferences

• Who is present in the room: Decide who you want by your side during labor. For some, it's just their partner; others may want a doula, a close friend, or a family member like their mom.

• Freedom of movement: Many birthing people find it helpful to walk, sway, squat, or try different positions throughout labor. If staying mobile is important to you, include that in your plan and talk to your provider about how monitoring or interventions might affect this.

• Environment: Consider the atmosphere you want in the room. Would you prefer dimmed lighting? Music or calming sounds? The use of essential oils? These sensory details can help you relax, manage pain, and stay grounded during intense moments.

Birth Plan Checklist: Creating a Birth Plan

Now, let's get into how to create a birth plan. Starting off, your birth plan should be easy to read, ideally one page, max two. Keep it concise, clear, and organized. Using a checklist format can help keep your wishes clear and also help you consider all options.

Here's a breakdown of considerations for what to include in birth plan:

Note: This plan represents my current preferences and intentions. I understand that medical circumstances may require flexibility, and I trust my care team to communicate with me and support my goals to the best of their ability.

General Information:

• Full Name & Pronouns:

• Partner/Support Person's Name & Pronouns:

• Due Date (or Induction Date):

• Healthcare Provider's Name & Contact:

• Hospital or Birth Center Name & Contact:

• Doula's Name & Contact:

Labor Preferences:

• Delivery Plan:

  • Vaginal Birth

  • C-Section

  • Water Birth

  • VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-Section)

• Support Team:

  • My Partner

  • My Parents

  • Doula

  • Children

  • Friend

  • Other Close Loved Ones

(Note: Please confirm the number of people allowed in the room with the facility.)

• Sound & Ambiance:

  • Soft, calming music

  • Curated playlist

  • Keep the room quiet

  • Dim lighting

• Movement:

  • Free to walk around as needed

  • Standing, swaying, or using a birthing ball

• Labor Positions & Tools:

  • Birthing ball

  • Birthing stool or squat bar

  • Tub or shower for water relief

  • Hands-and-knees positions for pushing

  • Side-lying positions for pushing

Health Considerations:

• Conditions/Considerations

  • Group B Strep

  • History of Genital Herpes

  • Rh Incompatibility

  • Gestational Diabetes

  • Needle Sensitivity/Fear

  • Previous Birth Trauma or Assault

• Interventions & Monitoring:

  • Limit vaginal exams

  • Only the medical team I trust (no students or residents)

  • Wear my own clothes

  • Clear fluids like ice chips or popsicles for hydration

  • IV fluids if necessary

  • Snacking as allowed

• Pain Management:

  • Breathing exercises

  • Hot/cold therapy

  • TENS unit

  • Hypnosis or guided meditation

  • Massage or reflexology

  • Epidural

  • Other methods to consider: (please discuss)

Delivery Plan

• Delivery Preferences

  • Spontaneous pushing

  • Directed pushing

  • No time limits on pushing as long as it's safe for baby and me

  • Want to use a mirror to watch birth

  • Baby placed on my chest immediately after birth

  • I'd like delayed cord clamping

  • Partner or support person to cut the cord

• Episiotomy Preferences

  • Only if medically required by my doctor

Newborn Care

• Feeding:

  • Breastfeed as soon as possible after delivery

  • If needed, please help me with formula feeding or pumping

• Visitors:

  • I want family to join us immediately after delivery

  • I'd prefer limited visitors or private time until we're ready

• Circumcision:

  • I prefer not to circumcise

  • Perform the procedure with anesthesia

  • Only if medically necessary

Recovery:

• Pain relief as needed (acetaminophen, Percocet, etc.)

• Stool softeners or laxatives as needed

Free Birth Plan Template for Expecting Parents

To help you begin your journey, we've included a free birth plan template designed to guide you through the important decisions and preferences for your upcoming delivery experience.

What About After Giving Birth: Newborn Care

After labor and delivery, there are still important decisions to make regarding your baby's care. One of the first decisions after child birth involves how you plan to feed your little one. You can choose breastfeeding, bottle feeding with breast milk or formula, or a combination. Donor milk is another option if needed.

Bonding with your baby is equally important after giving birth. Immediate skin-to-skin contact helps regulate your baby's temperature, heart rate, and breathing while promoting bonding and breastfeeding.

You can also note who should cut the umbilical cord and if you'd like that moment photographed on your birth plan.

When it comes to pacifiers, some prefer to delay their use to support breastfeeding, while others may introduce one early. There's no right or wrong choice.

Best Formula for Newborns

While exclusive breastfeeding is recommended if possible for at least the first 6 months, if you plan to formula-feed, you might wonder what the "best" formula is. All babies are different, so some formulas may be better tolerated by your little one.

Here are a few options, all of which are gentle and formulated for newborn tummies:

• Holle Cow Stage PRE

• Holle Goat Stage PRE

• HiPP Cow Stage PRE

• HiPP Goat Stage PRE

• Löwenzahn Stage PRE

If your baby has allergies, reflux, or colic, speak to your pediatrician about specialized or hypoallergenic formulas.

Your Questions on Birth Planning

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about birth plans.

When Should I Start Making My Birth Plan?

While you can start creating your baby birth plan at any time, many parents begin putting together their plan at around 28-32 weeks, then revisit and finalize it after talking with your healthcare provider. You can download our birth plan template free PDF above to get started!

What Is the 5 5 5 Birth Plan?

The "5-5-5 birth plan" specifically refers to postpartum recovery. It recommends spending the first 5 days resting in bed, followed by 5 days of staying on or near the bed with limited movement, and then the final 5 days gradually increasing activity while still prioritizing rest, aiming to support a new mom's physical and emotional recovery as she gently eases back into daily life.