Birth Plan: Why and How to Write One?
Pregnancy is a true journey, filled with joy, doubts, and sometimes apprehension. As the big day approaches, many women (and couples!) ask themselves: should we write a birth plan? And if so, how do we go about it?
In this article, we’ll explain what a birth plan is, why it can be useful, and most importantly, how to create one simply and effectively.
1. What is a birth plan?
2. Why write a birth plan?
3. How to write your birth plan?
4. Some tips
5. Birth plan example
1. What is a birth plan?
A birth plan is a document where you can express your wishes, needs, and preferences regarding your labor and delivery. It’s not a strict “contract” but rather a tool for open communication between you and the medical team.
2. Why write a birth plan?
Creating a birth plan allows you to take an active role in your childbirth by clearly expressing your expectations, which helps you prepare mentally and emotionally. It also fosters good communication with your medical team and builds trust. The plan lets you clarify what’s important to you, such as the desired atmosphere, labor positions, pain management preferences, or your partner’s presence. Lastly, it’s a peaceful way to anticipate unexpected events by considering alternatives (e.g., “if an epidural is needed, then…”), so you’re not caught off guard on the big day.
3. How to write your birth plan?
No need to write a novel! A birth plan can fit on one page and should remain simple, clear, and kind in tone. Here are the points you may want to include:
(You’ll find a clear example below you can use or adapt.)
1. Basic Information
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Your name, estimated due date, partner's name
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Planned place of birth
2. Atmosphere and Environment
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Dimmed lighting, soft music, silence
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Number of people present (partner, doula, etc.)
3. Labor Preferences
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Preferred positions during labor
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Natural pain relief methods (warm bath, birthing ball, hypnosis...)
4. Pain Management
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Epidural: desired? Not desired?
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Other options: acupuncture, massage, breathing techniques...
5. Birth
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Preferred positions for pushing
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Desire to avoid episiotomy if possible
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Baby placed on chest immediately after birth
6. Baby Care
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Immediate skin-to-skin contact
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Delayed cord clamping
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Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
4. Some Tips
When writing your birth plan, remember to stay flexible. This document is not set in stone and should adapt to unexpected situations. Use positive and open language to express your wishes kindly. Don’t forget to share it during your final prenatal appointment so you can discuss it calmly with the medical team.
5. Sample Birth Plan
Here’s a simple and clear birth plan template you can fill out. You can copy/paste it, print it, and complete it by hand or on your computer—whatever suits you best.
Birth Plan – [Your First and Last Name]
Estimated due date:
Place of birth:
Preferred person(s) present:
Primary healthcare providers:
1. Atmosphere and Environment
I would like a setting that is:
☐ Calm and dimly lit
☐ With soft music (playlist)
☐ Quiet or minimal conversation during contractions
☐ Other: _________________________
2. During Labor
Preferred positions:
☐ Freedom to move
☐ Upright positions (birthing ball, squatting, hands and knees...)
☐ Warm bath or shower if possible
☐ Other: _________________________
Pain management:
☐ Without epidural if possible
☐ With epidural
☐ Open to all options
☐ Natural techniques: breathing, hypnosis, massage...
3. Birth
Pushing:
☐ Freedom to choose position
☐ Verbal guidance preferred
☐ Prefer to follow my instincts
Interventions:
☐ I’d like to avoid an episiotomy if possible
☐ Consent to forceps or vacuum if necessary (to be discussed)
☐ My partner would like to cut the cord
4. Just After Birth
Skin-to-skin contact:
☐ Immediate, if possible
☐ With partner if I’m unable
Umbilical cord:
☐ Delayed clamping
☐ Immediate clamping
☐ No preference
Baby’s first care:
☐ Delayed until after skin-to-skin
☐ Performed in my presence
Feeding:
☐ Exclusive breastfeeding
☐ Bottle-feeding
☐ To be decided based on the situation
Additional Comments or Special Wishes:
(You may write here anything important to you: cultural preferences, medical history, fears, symbolic wishes, etc.)
In Summary
A birth plan is a valuable tool to help you feel more confident and supported on the big day. It allows you to express your vision of childbirth while remaining open to the reality of the moment.
Take time to write it with your partner, and don’t hesitate to discuss it with your midwife—it’s also a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with what truly matters to you.
If you found this article helpful, don’t hesitate to visit our website at medcline.co.uk, where you’ll find a wealth of articles on pregnancy, acid reflux, sleep science, shoulder pain, and much more. See you soon on MedCline: Sleep Better, Feel better, Live better!