As your due date approaches, it’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty. One way to ease anxiety and feel more in control of your birth experience is by creating a Birth Preferences Plan—also commonly called a birth plan. I've created a free, editable Birth Plan Template to help make the process smoother for you. You can download it from one of the links below and customize it to suit your unique needs and values.

I started building my hospital bag checklist around month two. I researched birthing methods, meditations, and medicines, trying to prepare for every possibility. In the end, I didn’t use half the things I packed, and a few items I was sure would be game-changers turned out to be totally impractical. So in the checklist I’ve created for you here, I’ve narrowed it down to what you actually need—plus a few thoughtful extras that, in my opinion, are genuinely worth the space.