How to Write a Good Birth Plan

Thinking about writing a birth plan might seem like an extra step, but it can be really helpful as you get ready to welcome your baby! It's not about controlling everything, because, let's face it, babies have their own plans. Instead, a birth plan is a way to learn more about your options and communicate your wishes to your care team.

Why Bother with a Birth Plan?

• Learn and Research: Writing a birth plan encourages you to explore the many choices available for labor and birth.

• Open Communication: It starts a conversation with your care provider, which can reveal if your visions for the birth align.

• Inform Your Team: It provides your birth team with important information about your preferences.

A Birth Plan Isn't a Script

Birth is a dynamic event, and flexibility is key. While some requests, like delaying the cord cutting or avoiding certain vaccines, should be respected, others might need to be adjusted based on the health of you and your baby.

Rixa Freeze, a well-known birth advocacy blogger, puts it this way: "Birth plans are primarily for navigating institutional routines and employee protocols that may or may not be what you want, and may or not be beneficial for you or your baby."

Involve Your Partner and Provider

This isn't a solo project! Talk to your care provider about your plan. Do your preferences align with their philosophy and hospital protocols? If your requests go against standard procedures, or if you want things like a tub or nitrous oxide, it's good to know in advance. This helps you explore alternative options or even consider a different provider or place of birth.

Keep it Concise

Your care providers are busy, especially on the big day. A long, detailed document might not get read. Aim for a short, easy-to-read plan (one side of a page is great!), with bullet points and only the essential details.

Get Started with These Questions:

• Opening Message: What do you want your care providers to know first? Here's an example: "Thank you for taking the time to read our birth preferences. We understand that unexpected situations arise and do not intend this as a 'script' for our birth. We hope you will keep us informed and aware of our options. Thank you!"

• Pain Relief: What kind of pain relief do you prefer (narcotic or non-narcotic)?

• Routine Interventions: What routine interventions do you want to avoid (IV, continuous fetal monitoring, etc.)?

• Pushing: How would you like to push? As you feel the urge? In a comfortable position?

• Gender Reveal: Who will announce the baby's gender?

• Cord: Would you like the cord to stop pulsing before being cut? Who will cut it?

• Skin-to-Skin: Unless there's an emergency, do you want immediate skin-to-skin contact?

• Newborn Procedures: Would you like to delay routine newborn procedures (weighing, washing) until after breastfeeding?

• Newborn Procedures to Avoid/Include: What routine newborn procedures do you want to avoid or include (eye ointment, Hep B vaccine, vitamin K shot, baby bath)?

• Feeding: How will you feed your baby? Do you want to avoid bottles or pacifiers?

• Cesarean Preferences: Even if you don't plan on a cesarean, include preferences just in case. Examples:

  • Allow partner/dad to be present at all times.

  • Allow doula to be present.

  • Allow dad to announce baby’s gender.

  • Allow baby’s cord to stop pulsing before cutting. Dad would like to cut cord.

  • Allow mom to have skin-to-skin contact with the baby in the OR.

Writing a birth plan is a great way to prepare and feel more in control during labor and birth. Talk to your provider, do your research, and create a plan that reflects your wishes.

Ready to start planning? Talk to your care provider today!