What a Birth Plan Really Is (and How to Make One That Works)
Your guide to creating a birth plan that supports informed, empowered decision-making, without trying to script the whole experience.
When you’re preparing for birth, chances are you’ve heard this before:
“Don’t bother making a birth plan. It’ll just go out the window anyway.”
And while it’s true that birth is unpredictable… that doesn’t mean planning is pointless. In fact, making a thoughtful, flexible birth plan is one of the best things you can do to prepare.
Let’s break down what a birth plan really is, why it matters, and how to make one that’s actually useful—plus grab your free editable template below.
✅ What a Birth Plan Isn’t
❌ It’s not a rigid script
❌ It’s not a wish list that guarantees a specific outcome
❌ It’s not something providers will roll their eyes at (when done well)
💡 What a Birth Plan Is
A birth plan is a communication tool; a way to express your values, preferences, and needs so that your birth team understands how to support you.
Think of it more like a birth map: it includes your ideal path, but it also helps you navigate detours with more confidence and clarity. I also like to think of it as a set of “preferences”, or even just “birth vibes” for how you want the big day to feel!
🧠 Why Make a Birth Plan?
Creating a birth preferences sheet helps you:
Understand your options ahead of time
Communicate more clearly with your provider and support team
Feel empowered and informed, even when things shift
Involve your birth partner in meaningful ways
Practice using tools from your childbirth class (like BRAINES for decision-making)
HOT TIP: Have partner type up or create your plan! When we write something down it’s like reading it 7 times, so it will help them remember what was discussed and why it was important if they do it themselves.
📝 What to Include in Your Birth Plan
Your birth plan should be brief, respectful, and easy to read—ideally 1 page double sided if needed. Use bullet points and clear headers. It’s also wise to have a Plan A (All is well), Plan B (Unplanned interventions needed), and Plan C (in case of cesarean). You can start with writing out Plan A, where Plan B is highlighting the most important aspects should unforeseen interventions be needed. Plan C can be on the back of Plan A.
Consider the below:
1. Your Intention
What are the vibes? Calm/peaceful? Light hearted? Positive? Loving?
Think about words that evoke the feeling you want your baby to be born into.
2. Your Environment/Birth Nest
How do you want the room the look and sound? Music? Lighting? Privacy?
If you have any trauma history, it’s important to communicate that here as well. Perhaps you have certain triggers, or don’t want any male nurses, students?
3. Comfort Measures
What tools would you like to use and how can your providers help?
Do you want medication? Do you want it offered, or prefer to request it?
Are there other amenities you can use, such as a birth tub, yoga ball, shower, peanut ball, etc?
Would you and your partner like assistance with movement and labor positions?
How would you like to manage your hydration and nourishment?
4. Monitoring
What is your preference in terms of cervical exams?
How do you feel about getting an IV lock (sometimes also called a saline lock or hep lock)?
Would you want your amniotic membrane broken artificially at any point?
How would you prefer to monitor baby’s heart rate? Ask your provider what options are available and what makes sense for YOU.
Resource: Fetal Monitoring (Evidence Based Birth)
5. Pushing & Birth
How do you feel about pushing positions?
Do you or your partner want to catch the baby (with the providers help)?
Do you want guidance for pushing, or quiet to focus on your body’s lead?
Would you like a mirror for pushing, or to be reminded to touch your baby’s head as it emerges?
5. Immediately After Birth
How would you like the umbilical cord handled?
How would you like the placenta birth to be managed? Do you want to take it home?
Do you have any preference for managing a potential hemorrhage?
Is immediate skin to skin important to you?
Do you plan to breastfeed?
Resource: Leaving Well Alone: A Natural Approach to the Third Stage of labour by Dr. Sarah Buckley
6. Medications and Procedures for Baby
Do you want your baby to receive…
Hepatitis B vaccine?
Circumcision?
Resources: Evidence Based Birth, Your Whole Baby
Do you want your baby to receive a bath?
Find out about any other routine medications, test, or procedures you may be offered as well.
7. Cesarean Preferences (just in case)
Who will your support person be? Can your doula come too?
Would you like it quiet in the OR, with no side conversation from staff?
Do you want a clear drape, or the drape lowered when baby is born?
Would you like immediate skin to skin if possible?
Do you want your partner to go with baby, or stay with you?
Here are some additional resources to aid in your research!
📎 Bonus Tip: Keep It Collaborative
Use your plan as a starting point for discussion with your provider. Ask:
“How do you typically approach these preferences?”
“What hospital policies should I know about?”
“What might change if complications arise?”
This is what informed consent actually looks like—and it builds trust before birth even begins.
🔗 Grab Your Free Birth Plan Template
We’ve created a simple, editable birth preferences template you can customize and bring to your appointments or birth.
🌀 Final Thoughts
A birth plan won’t guarantee the birth you think you want—but it can help you have a birth that feels supported, respected, and empowered. That’s what really matters.
