How to write a birth plan (with a free outline)
Quick answer: a birth plan is a short document, ideally one page, that tells your care team your preferences for labor, the birth and the first hours with your baby. Write down only what matters to you, talk it through with your doctor or midwife before the birth, and bring several printed copies to the hospital. Keep it flexible: your team will follow it where they safely can.
What to include in a birth plan
You don't need an opinion on everything. Pick the topics you care about:
- Who you want with you during labor, the birth and a cesarean if one is needed.
- Moving and comfort during labor: walking, positions, eating and drinking, music, lighting and the atmosphere in the room.
- Pain relief: whether you'd like medication such as an epidural, other options you want to try first, or whether you'd like to be offered pain relief or ask for it yourself.
- The birth itself: pushing positions and your wishes around an episiotomy.
- Right after birth: skin-to-skin contact, delayed cord clamping, who cuts the cord, and the first feed.
- Feeding and baby care: breastfeeding, formula or both, and any newborn care preferences.
- If plans change: your preferences if you need a cesarean or other help, such as having your partner present or skin-to-skin in the operating room where possible.
- Anything your team should know: previous births, a planned vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), fears or past experiences, language or cultural needs.
How to write it, step by step
- Learn your options. Ask your provider and your hospital or birth center what they usually offer, since policies differ.
- List your preferences. Go through the topics above and note what matters to you and your partner.
- Cut it to one page. Use short bullet points under clear headings so a busy nurse or midwife can read it in a minute.
- Review it with your provider. They can tell you what's possible where you're giving birth and add suggestions.
- Print several copies. Pack them in your hospital bag and give one to your partner.
A simple birth plan outline
My name, due date and care provider
Support people: …
During labor: …
Pain relief: …
The birth: …
After the birth: …
Feeding: …
If I need a cesarean: …
Please also know: …
Want a ready-made template?
The Birth Plan & Hospital Bag Kit walks you through your preferences on a worksheet, then gives you a clean one-page birth plan to print, plus hospital bag checklists and a contraction log. $5.99, instant PDF download.
See the birth plan templateSources
- University Health (San Antonio): Answering Your FAQs About Creating a Birth Plan, which draws on guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- Saskatchewan Health Authority: What to Pack for You and Baby (bring your birth plan)
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Your care team will always put your and your baby's safety first.