How to Write a Birth Plan—Plus a Free Template to Use

Whether you’re pregnant with your first baby or your fourth, the days leading up to the birth of your child can feel chaotic. You might be so busy organizing the nursery, running back and forth to your final prenatal appointments, and preparing your other kids for the birth of a sibling, that you’ve hardly had time to think about what you actually want to happen at your labor and delivery. That’s where a birth plan might come in handy.

A recent review of research on birth plans shows that they can give parents a sense of autonomy and control during the childbirth process. They can also help parents prepare for the unexpected, making decision—making easier on the big day—no matter what happens.

Here's everything you've ever wondered about how to write a birth plan, plus a free birth plan template to help get you started.

What Is a Birth Plan?

A birth plan is a written outline of your preferences and expectations during labor and delivery, which you’ll share with your maternal care provider. Although writing one is not required, it can help parents feel more calm and in control during the process of welcoming their new babies, especially if they have strong preferences about how they want to deliver — and they’ve even been linked to more positive birth outcomes. One recent study suggests that having a birth plan can increase the rate of normal vaginal birth, improving maternal and neonatal outcomes and childbirth satisfaction.

It can be helpful to share and discuss your birth plan with your care provider in the weeks leading up to your due date, giving them the information they need to give you the childbirth experience that you hope for. For instance, if you strongly prefer to not use an epidural, your care provider should know that before labor begins. 

Writing a birth plan also gives you and your partner time to reflect on the process ahead and get aligned on some important questions, says Dr. Betsey Caldwell, a physical therapist specializing in labor and delivery, pregnancy, and postpartum health. “The process of writing a birth plan is an opportunity for expecting parents to educate themselves on all aspects of childbirth,” she says.

How to Write a Birth Plan

Give yourself plenty of time to craft your birth plan. Dr. Caldwell recommends keeping a note open on your phone and writing down snippets of your birth plan as you approach your due date. 

“Don’t wait until the third trimester,” she cautions. “Birth preparation and birth plans take time and may evolve from week to week. Read positive birth stories, educate yourselves on your options, and practice respectful and clear communication during prenatal appointments.”

Some topics that you may want to include in your birth plan:

• If you want to be able to move or walk during labor
• If you want pain management during labor
• If you are open to cervical checks during labor
• In what position you would prefer to push (for instance, if you’d rather kneel or be on your side instead of laying on your back)
• Preferences regarding interventions like the use of forceps
• If you are open to continuous fetal monitoring
• Preferences for the delivery room environment (you might specify if you want low lighting and quiet voices in the delivery room)
• If you are strongly opposed to any procedures during labor 
• What newborn procedures you are and are not open to 
• If you plan to breastfeed
• Contact information for your partner and birth team

“If you are birthing in a hospital, educate yourself on the routine procedures of that hospital and be sure to write in if you agree or disagree with those procedures,” Dr. Caldwell says.

Your birth plan will be unique to your own preferences, but most experts recommend keeping it succinct. 

“I think a finished product more than a page or two long is probably too much,” Brock says. “You want it to be straightforward and easy for your team to read, understand, and refer back to.” 

Remember to print out and bring extra copies to share with everyone, in case of shift changes during labor and delivery.

Downsides of a Birth Plan

There is plenty of evidence that that using a birth plan typically relates to higher satisfaction rates when it comes to childbirth. However one study showed that having a higher number of requests on the birth plan was associated with a marked decrease (80 percent) in satisfaction ratings. In other words, setting your expectations too high may increase your chances of disappointment. Also, it’s important to be respectful of your care team, keeping in mind that they are professionals. 

“Try to avoid an ‘us’ versus ‘them’ mentality,” Dr. Caldwell says. “Think of your birth plan as a guideline for open communication. Rather than stating ‘don’t do this,’ write ‘we prefer x,y, or z’ in certain scenarios.”

Birth Plan Template

Ready to create your birth plan? This basic template is a great starting point. Simply choose the points in each category that you wish to include, and feel free to add anything that’s important to you. 

Contact Information

Patient’s Name:

Patient’s Care Provider(s):

Baby’s Pediatrician: 

Emergency Contact: 

I would like the following people with me during labor and/or delivery:

_____________________________

_____________________________

_____________________________

Labor

• I prefer to control the temperature, lighting, and sounds in the delivery room.
• I prefer to be able to move around during labor.
• I want to be able to drink fluids during labor.
• I [am / am not] open to cervical checks during labor.
• It is [OK / not OK] for people in training to be present during my labor and delivery.
• I am interested in trying labor and delivery supports such as a birthing ball, a birthing stool, a birthing chair, a squat bar, a warm shower or bath.

Pain Management

• I [plan / do not plan] to receive an epidural during active labor delivery.
• I prefer to use a shower or jet tub for pain relief.
• I prefer to use massage or breathing techniques for pain relief. 

Delivery

• I hope to avoid the use of forceps or an episiotomy
• I prefer to use [directed pushing techniques / self-directed pushing].
• I would like to bank the umbilical cord blood.
• In the event of a vaginal birth, I would like for my partner to support me during pushing.
• In the event of a vaginal birth, I prefer a peaceful, quiet environment with the lights dimmed.
• I would like for someone to document the birth with photos and/or videos.
• My partner plans to cut the umbilical cord.

Cesarean Delivery

• I would like [name of person] to be with me in the event of a cesarean delivery.

After Birth

• I prefer for my baby to be placed directly onto my chest immediately following delivery.
• I prefer for my baby to be cleaned up before being placed on my chest. 
• I plan to breastfeed as soon as possible after delivery.
• I prefer to see my baby before they are given eye drops. 
• I would like [name of person] to hold the baby immediately following delivery if I am unable. 
• I would like [name of person] to accompany the baby to the nursery. 
• If the baby is a boy, I [would / would not] like him to be circumcised at the hospital/birthing center.

Newborn Care

• I plan to [breastfeed exclusively / formula-feed / combine breastfeeding and formula-feeding].
• Please do not give my baby [a pacifier / formula]
• I prefer that my baby stay in my room [with me at all times / except when I am asleep / only for feedings].