How to Create a Birth Plan That Fits Your Needs

30 September 2025

Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most life-changing experiences you'll ever go through. And while childbirth can be unpredictable, having a well-thought-out birth plan can give you a sense of control and clarity.

But let's be real—this isn't about scripting every second of labor down to the minute. Instead, it's about making sure your voice is heard, your preferences are respected, and you're prepared for whatever comes your way.

So, how do you create a birth plan that truly fits your needs? Let's break it down.

What Is a Birth Plan and Why Do You Need One?

A birth plan is basically your personalized game plan for labor and delivery. It outlines your preferences for pain management, medical interventions, delivery positions, and even small details like lighting and music in the delivery room.

Now, some people might tell you that birth plans are pointless because "things rarely go as planned." And while that’s true to some extent, a birth plan isn't about guaranteeing a perfect birth—it’s about making informed choices and ensuring medical staff understand your wishes.

In short, it helps you advocate for yourself when things get intense and emotional (because trust me, they will).

Step 1: Know Your Options

Before you start drafting your birth plan, you need to know what’s available to you. This means doing some research and having honest conversations with your healthcare provider.

Here are a few key decisions to think about:

1. Where Do You Want to Give Birth?

- Hospital – Most common choice, with full medical support in case of emergencies.
- Birth Center – A more home-like setting with midwives, often allowing for a more natural birth.
- Home Birth – If you want an intimate, non-clinical setting (but make sure you have a qualified midwife or doctor on hand).

2. Who Do You Want in the Room?

Labor isn't a spectator sport. Some people prefer only their partner, while others invite a doula, family, or close friends. Decide who will be your support system during labor.

3. What Kind of Pain Management Do You Prefer?

Pain relief options range from epidurals to natural coping techniques like hypnobirthing, breathing exercises, and water immersion. Think about what aligns with your comfort level.

Step 2: Outline Your Preferences

Once you know your options, it's time to put them in writing. Here are some key areas to cover in your birth plan:

1. Labor & Delivery Preferences

- Do you want to move around freely during labor?
- Would you prefer intermittent or continuous fetal monitoring?
- What birthing positions do you want to try (e.g., squatting, hands-and-knees, using a birthing ball)?
- Do you want a water birth?

2. Pain Relief & Medications

- Are you open to an epidural, or do you want to rely on natural pain relief?
- Would you prefer IV pain meds or laughing gas before considering stronger interventions?
- Do you want access to massage, acupressure, or essential oils for relaxation?

3. Medical Interventions

- How do you feel about labor-inducing methods like Pitocin?
- Would you prefer minimal vaginal exams?
- Are you open to assisted delivery using forceps or vacuum extraction if needed?

4. C-Section Preferences (Just in Case!)

Even if you’re planning for a vaginal birth, it's smart to have a backup plan. If a cesarean becomes necessary:
- Do you want your partner in the room with you?
- Would you like a gentle C-section (where the baby is placed on your chest immediately)?
- Do you want to avoid unnecessary medication that could make you drowsy?

5. After Birth Preferences

- Do you want immediate skin-to-skin contact with your baby?
- Are you planning on delayed cord clamping?
- Are you breastfeeding or formula feeding?
- Would you like your baby to stay in your room (rooming-in) or go to the nursery?

Step 3: Keep It Short and Clear

Your birth plan should be easy to read and concise. Doctors and nurses won’t have time to sift through five pages of details, so try to keep it to one page with bullet points.

Tips for Writing a Clear Birth Plan:

✅ Use simple, direct language.
✅ Keep it structured with headings.
✅ Prioritize your top wishes (don’t overload with unnecessary details).

Here's an example format:

Labor Preferences:  
- Freedom to move around  
- Dim lighting & quiet environment  
- Hydration allowed (clear fluids)  
Pain Management:  
- Prefer to try natural pain relief first  
- Open to an epidural if needed  
Delivery:  
- Preferred birthing position: Squatting or hands-and-knees  
- Delayed cord clamping requested  
Newborn Care:  
- Immediate skin-to-skin contact  
- Breastfeeding preferred  

Step 4: Share and Discuss with Your Healthcare Team

Once your birth plan is ready, hand it over to your doctor or midwife well before your due date. This allows time for discussion in case there are any hospital policies or medical reasons that might affect your choices.

Also, make sure your birth team (partner, doula, or family members) fully understand your wishes. That way, if you're too focused on labor (which you will be), they can advocate for you.

Step 5: Stay Flexible

This might be the most important step—stay open to changes. Birth is unpredictable. Even with the perfect plan, things might not go as expected.

Maybe you wanted a drug-free birth, but contractions hit like a freight train, and you change your mind. Maybe you were planning for a vaginal delivery, but a C-section becomes the safest option. That’s okay!

A birth plan isn’t a rigid contract—it’s a set of preferences to guide your experience. The ultimate goal? A healthy baby and a healthy you.

Final Thoughts

Creating a birth plan isn’t about micromanaging every detail; it’s about taking control of your experience and ensuring your wishes are understood.

So, take the time to think about what truly matters to you, discuss it with your care team, and go into labor feeling empowered and prepared.

Because when the big day arrives, you deserve to focus on what really matters—bringing your little one into the world, your way.