Birth plan example: how to write your own birth plan

A birth plan isn’t a rigid script that your birth has to follow. It’s a way of putting into words what matters to you, so that your midwife, doula, hospital team and the people supporting you have an understanding of your wishes and what is important to you.

At the same time, it can be helpful to stay mentally flexible. Birth rarely unfolds exactly as planned, and that’s okay. Preparing yourself for the unexpected can help you feel more confident and grounded when things take a different turn.

Below, you’ll find an example of how you can structure your birth plan. Feel free to copy it and remember: You do you!

During birth, a lot can happen, and it can be difficult to think clearly or put your wishes into words when you’re in the middle of it. That’s why it can be so valuable to take some time beforehand, while you’re calm and have the space to reflect on what matters to you.

A birth plan isn’t about predicting exactly how your birth will unfold. It’s about exploring your preferences, understanding your options and putting into words what feels important to you. It can also be a beautiful starting point for an open conversation with your midwife or other care provider.

You may find that some things are done slightly differently from what you had imagined or prefer. Talking about this beforehand gives you the opportunity to ask questions, understand the reasons behind certain practices and find out where there is room to make choices that feel right for you. That way, you’re not discovering these differences for the first time when you’re in labour.

Want to know more about why realistic preparation can be so valuable? Read my blog about it here.

• General wishesThink about who you would like to have with you and what kind of atmosphere feels supportive to you. Perhaps dim lighting, music, quiet or as little interruption as possible. You can also consider how you would like information to be given to you. Would you prefer to hear what is happening step by step, or would you rather receive only the information you need to make a decision?

  A little about you

  It can be helpful to share anything about yourself that may be relevant to your birth or that you would like your care providers to take into account. This could include medication, a medical condition, a previous birth experience or trauma, for example. You don’t have to share anything you don’t want to, but including relevant information can help your care team understand what you may need to feel safe and supported.

  During the first stage of labour

  Consider what might help you feel comfortable and stay connected with your body: having the freedom to move around, trying different positions, using a birth ball, or making use of a bath or shower, if available.

  Pain relief

  Think about which comfort measures or natural forms of pain relief you would like to try, and whether you are open to medical pain relief if you need or want it. You can also look into the different options available and note down any preferences you have. See the: Overview of pain relief during labour.

  Pushing and the birth of your baby

  You can think about positions you might like to try, who you would like to be involved in the birth, and whether your partner or someone else would like to catch the baby. You can also include your wishes around immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth.

  If things don’t go as planned

  Birth doesn’t always unfold exactly as expected. You can think ahead about what would be important to you if your plans need to change. For example, if you need an induction or a caesarean (C-section). Even when circumstances change, there may still be choices you can make and preferences that can be taken into account.

  After the birth

  You can include your wishes around feeding, such as breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, delayed cord clamping, who you would like to cut the umbilical cord, and how you would like those first moments with your baby to be.

Short and clear works best: one A4 page of bullet points, not running text. Anyone who needs to read it quickly during the birth benefits from a plan they can take in within a few seconds.

Discuss your birth plan with your midwife beforehand, so you know whether your wishes are feasible in your situation. Take it with you to the hospital or birth centre too, and give a copy to everyone who will be present at the birth.

Would you like help drawing up and thinking through your birth plan? If you work with me as your doula, you don’t have to do this alone! We’ll explore your wishes and preferences together during our preparation sessions and create a birth plan that truly reflects you, while leaving room for the birth to unfold in its own way.

Want to know more about what this support looks like? Read more about what a doula does, or explore the different stages of labour to help you think through what matters to you at each stage.

Would you like to write your birth plan together with an experienced doula, so that it’s realistic and complete? Book a free introductory chat or take a look at my services and pricing.