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How to Write a Birth Plan: Template + What to Include

How to Write a Birth Plan: Template + What to Include

by Mamawoo Team
birth-planlabor-and-deliverypregnancyhospital-bagbirth-preferences

You've heard you should write a birth plan. Maybe you've also heard that birth plans go out the window the moment labor starts. Both things can be true — and a birth plan is still worth writing.

TL;DR: A birth plan is a one-page document that tells your care team your preferences for labor, delivery, and the first hours after birth. You can't control everything, but you can make sure your team knows what matters most to you. One page, clear preferences, flexible mindset.

What Is a Birth Plan (and What It Isn't)

A birth plan is a communication tool, not a contract. It's how you tell a hospital team — who may have never met you before — how you'd like things to go in an ideal scenario.

It is not a guarantee. Labor is unpredictable. Your care team's job is to keep you and your baby safe, and medical situations can change your plan fast. The best birth plan is one you write thoughtfully and hold loosely.

Most doctors and midwives genuinely appreciate them. A clear, realistic birth plan shows you've thought this through and helps your nurses advocate for you during shift changes.

How Long Should It Be

One page. Max. If it's longer, your nurse won't have time to read it during active labor. Bullet points over paragraphs. Bold your absolute must-haves.

Some hospitals have their own birth preference forms — ask your OB or midwife if one exists. You can fill that in and attach your own addendum if needed.

The Birth Plan Template

Here's what to cover, section by section.

Labor Preferences

  • Pain management: What's your current plan? Epidural when available? Unmedicated as long as possible? Open to nitrous? Write it out, but note you understand plans can change.
  • Movement: Do you want to be able to move around during labor? Walk, use the tub, labor on a ball?
  • Monitoring: Continuous fetal monitoring vs. intermittent (if your risk profile allows)
  • IV access: Some prefer a hep-lock (saline lock) so they're not tethered to an IV pole while mobile
  • Support people: Who's in the room? Do you want a doula present?
  • Environment: Lights low? Music? Quiet? Limited visitors or check-ins?

Delivery Preferences

  • Pushing position: Do you want to try upright pushing, hands-and-knees, side-lying, or follow your instincts?
  • Coached vs. uncoached pushing: Some people prefer to push when they feel the urge; others want guidance from nurses
  • Episiotomy: Do you prefer to tear naturally over an episiotomy if possible?
  • Perineal support: Warm compresses, massage — preferences here
  • Mirror: Do you want to see the birth?
  • Immediate skin-to-skin: Yes, as long as baby is stable — write it down
  • Delayed cord clamping: Very common request, takes just 1-2 minutes, ask your provider in advance
  • Who cuts the cord: Your partner? You? No preference?

C-Section Preferences (If It Happens)

Even if you're planning a vaginal birth, having a c-section section shows your team you've thought ahead.

  • Clear drape option: Some hospitals allow you to see baby born even during a c-section
  • Skin-to-skin on the table: More hospitals offer this now; ask in advance
  • Music in the OR: Many anesthesiologists are fine with this
  • Partner stays with baby: If baby needs to go to the warmer, can your partner go too?

After Birth

  • Skin-to-skin: How long? Uninterrupted if possible?
  • Breastfeeding: Do you want to attempt nursing right after birth? Do you want lactation support?
  • Formula: If breastfeeding isn't working, are you open to supplementing? Or do you want to be asked first?
  • Newborn procedures: Standard eye ointment, Vitamin K shot, hepatitis B vaccine — do you want to know before they're given?
  • Visitors: Who can come in and when? Or do you want the first hour to be just your family?
  • Baby's sleeping location: Bassinet in room? Rooming in?

What to Leave Out

Don't list preferences for things you haven't researched — it can create confusion. And skip the "I do not want" language for standard procedures unless you've discussed them with your provider first.

Write It in Two Versions

Version 1: Your full notes for yourself. Everything you've thought about and discussed with your provider. Version 2: The one-pager you bring to the hospital. Clear, short, kind in tone. Lead with a sentence like: "We appreciate your support and are open to flexibility if medically necessary. These are our preferences in an uncomplicated scenario."

Print 3-4 copies. Give one to your nurse at admission, one goes in your chart, keep one with you.

Products That Help You Prepare

If you're in planning mode, a few things worth having on your radar:

FAQ

When should I write my birth plan?

Aim for 34–36 weeks. You want it done before your final prenatal appointments so your OB or midwife can review it with you, flag anything that may not be possible at your hospital, and answer questions.

Does my provider need to approve my birth plan?

They don't need to approve it, but going over it with them is smart. They can tell you which preferences are standard at your hospital (you don't need to ask for them), which need to be requested in advance, and which may not be available. It's also a good way to find out if you and your provider are aligned.

What if my birth plan doesn't go as planned?

Then your care team made the safest decision for you and your baby in that moment. A birth plan is a guide, not a mandate. What matters is that you felt heard going in — and that you and baby come out okay. The birth story you write in your heart doesn't require everything to have gone according to plan.

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