You’re having a baby! Congratulations! Whether you’re counting down the weeks with excitement or feeling a little (maybe very) overwhelmed, one thing that can really help you feel prepared is a birth plan. Now, before you start picturing a massive, complicated document, let’s break it down into something simple, easy, and actually useful.
What Is a Birth Plan?
A birth plan is basically a short, clear plan outlining your preferences for labour and birth. It helps your midwives and medical team understand what matters most to you. While birth can be unpredictable, having a plan in place gives you a sense of control and helps everyone involved work towards the birth experience you hope for.
Why Should You Have One?
While you can’t predict exactly how things will go, a birth plan helps you think ahead about pain relief, who you want in the room, and even smaller details like music. It also makes sure your birth partner and healthcare team are all on the same page.
How to Write Your Birth Plan (Without Overthinking It)
- Start with the Basics
At the top, include your name, due date, your chosen hospital, and the names of your birth partner(s). If you have any medical conditions, allergies, or special requests (like a specific birth pool), note them here.
- Think About Your Ideal Birth Experience
Here’s where you outline your preferences. Ask yourself:
- Do you want a natural birth, or are you open to pain relief such as an epidural?
- Would you like your baby to be monitored intermittently or continuously?
- Are you happy to have interventions like induction or assisted delivery if needed, or do you want to avoid them unless absolutely necessary?
- Consider the Atmosphere
The little details can make a big difference in how you feel. Think about:
- Do you want dim lighting and calming music?
- Would you like to move around freely or labour in a birthing pool?
- Who do you want to be in the room with you? (Your partner, parent, a friend?)
- Be Clear About Pain Relief Preferences
Even if you’re aiming for a natural birth, it’s good to be prepared for different scenarios. You might include:
- Your preferred pain management techniques (breathing exercises, massage, etc.).
- Whether you want to be offered pain relief or prefer to ask for it.
- Your thoughts on options like an epidural, etc.
- Post-Birth Preferences
Once your baby is here, there are a few things to think about:
- Would you like immediate skin-to-skin contact?
- Are you planning to breastfeed, bottle-feed, or a combination?
- Do you want delayed cord clamping?
- If you need stitches, would you like pain relief for this?
Keep It Simple & Flexible
A great birth plan is short, clear, and easy to read—aim for 1-2 pages maximum so midwives and doctors can quickly understand your preferences. And remember, birth doesn’t always go exactly to plan, so staying open to changes can help you feel calmer and more in control if things need to be adjusted.
Download Your Free Birth Plan Template!
To make things even easier, I’ve put together a free birth plan template that you can download and fill in. Just click the link below to get yours and start feeling more prepared for your beautiful birth experience.
