Birth Plan 101: How to Write a Birth Plan You’ll Feel Confident About + Free Downloadable Template
- Olivia Marie
- Jul 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 10
If you're expecting, congratulations! 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.
Now before we dive in: birth is unpredictable. A plan isn’t about scripting the perfect delivery—it’s about communicating your preferences, preparing for possibilities, and making informed choices with confidence.
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 at the end of this article and customize it to suit your unique needs and values.
When completing your birth plan I encourage you to use this article as your guide. It will help you understand how to complete it, and what your options are. I walk you through each section of the template, explain what options might look like, and in some cases link to articles wher eyou can find more information about a topic—so you can make choices that feel right for you.
Environment – During Labor
This section helps you shape the atmosphere in your birthing space.
Lighting: Do you prefer dim lights, natural lighting, or bright lights? Some people find low lighting calming.
Sounds/Music: You might want calming music, silence, nature sounds, or even a playlist that hypes you up.
Aromatherapy: Scents like lavender, peppermint, or citrus can ease tension (if allowed by your hospital/birth center).
Photography/Videos: Note whether you want photos or videos taken during labor or delivery—and by whom.
Clothing: Some prefer hospital gowns, while others bring their own labor dress or comfy robe.
Accessibility: Mention any accommodations (disability access, sensory sensitivities, etc.) important to you.
Hands-On Support: Specify whether you'd like massages, counterpressure, or light touch from your partner or doula.
Staff: You can list requests like limiting students, gender preferences for staff, or continuity of care.
Pain Management & Monitoring – During Labor
Pain Relief: You have several options—both natural and medicated. Common choices include breathing, movement, water, nitrous oxide, IV medications, and an epidural. Consider reading up on the different methods:
Approved Interventions: Indicate what you’re comfortable with. Even though I didn't want any medical intervention during my labor and delivery, I ended up having 2 membrane sweeps, an epidural, and pitocin. I was in labor for 5 days so I'm thankful for it all now. There are more intervention options available than jusr what I experienced. Here are some helpful reads:
Cervical Checks: Some request limited checks or prefer only when medically necessary.
Baby
Gender: Share whether you'd like it announced at birth or prefer to wait.
Fetal Monitoring: You may opt for intermittent monitoring (if low-risk) or continuous (often required in hospitals).
Name: Optional, but fun to include!
Pediatrician: Note if you have a chosen provider.
Vitamin K / Erythromycin / Hepatitis B: Note whether you want these standard newborn procedures.
Cord Cutting: Delayed cord clamping is supported by most major medical bodies. Learn more:
Skin-to-Skin: Immediate skin-to-skin contact has powerful benefits. Here’s why it matters:
Bathing: Many parents now delay the first bath to preserve the vernix caseosa. Learn why:
Feeding: Will you be breastfeeding, formula feeding, or combo feeding? Would you like lactation support?
Pushing & Delivery
Posture/Position: Upright or active positions can support labor progress. These articles explain why:
Assistance: Would you prefer coached pushing, spontaneous pushing, or guidance only if needed?
Special Requests: Add anything unique—affirmations, water birth, birth stool, etc.
Episiotomy & Tears: You can request to avoid episiotomies unless medically necessary.
Procedure Preference (C-Section): Note preferences like gentle C-section or clear drape.
After Delivery
In Room: Share whether you want baby to room-in with you or spend time in the nursery.
Skin-to-Skin: Reaffirm preference for immediate or extended skin-to-skin.
Cord Cutting: Restate your preferences if needed.
Bathing: Again, note any request for delayed bathing.
Feeding: Whether you're breastfeeding, combo feeding, or using donor milk, include any preferences for support.
Visitors: Clarify your comfort level and restrictions on visitation.
Comfort and Mobility: Would you like help walking or wish to move around freely ASAP?
Pain Medication & Perineal Relief: Include requests for witch hazel pads, spray, or specific meds.
In Case of C-Section
This section prepares for a surgical birth, just in case.
Drape: Some hospitals offer a clear drape so you can see your baby born.
Communication: Would you like your provider to talk you through the procedure?
Photos: If permitted, who will take them?
Support: Indicate who you want with you in the OR.
Special Notes: Add anything that might help you feel emotionally supported.
How to Complete Your Birth Plan
Download the Editable Template: [Click here to get your copy.]
Review Each Section: Sit down with your partner or support team and go through the categories.
Use Simple Language: You don’t need medical jargon—write what feels natural to you.
Be Honest About Your Priorities: It’s okay to not have a preference for every item.
Print Multiple Copies: Keep one in your hospital bag, give one to your provider, and keep one on your phone.
Stay Flexible: This isn’t a contract—it’s a guide to help your team support you.
Final Thoughts
You deserve to be heard and respected during your birth experience. This birth plan is not about control—it’s about collaboration and communication. Use it as a starting point to discuss your goals, boundaries, and needs with your provider ahead of time.
Whether your labor goes exactly how you envision it or takes a few unexpected turns, you’ll know that you took steps to prepare with intention.
Download your Editable Birth Preferences Plan now and start shaping your birth experience today. You've got this mama!
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