Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most profound experiences you'll ever have. As your due date approaches, it's natural to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. One of the best ways to feel more prepared and in control is by creating a birth plan. A birth plan is a document that outlines your preferences for labor, delivery, and postpartum care. It helps communicate your wishes to your medical team and ensures that your voice is heard during one of life’s most transformative moments.

Why You Need a Birth Plan

A birth plan gives you the opportunity to think through important decisions in advance. While you can’t control every aspect of labor and delivery, having a plan allows you to:

• Understand your options

• Communicate clearly with healthcare providers

• Reduce stress and surprises

• Advocate for your comfort and safety

• Involve your partner or support person meaningfully

When to Create a Birth Plan

Start thinking about your birth plan in the second trimester and aim to finalize it by week 32-36. This gives you time to research, ask your doctor questions, and make changes as needed.

What to Include in Your Birth Plan

Here are key elements you may want to include in your birth plan:

1. Basic Information

• Your name, partner’s name, and due date

• Your healthcare provider’s name

• Hospital or birth center name

2. Labor Preferences

• Who you want present during labor (partner, doula, family)

• Preferred environment (dim lights, music, essential oils)

• Positions you’d like to use (birthing ball, squatting, walking)

• Pain relief methods (natural techniques, epidural, IV medications)

• Use of water during labor (shower, birthing tub)

3. Delivery Preferences

• Preferences for pushing positions

• Episiotomy: only if necessary or avoid if possible

• Use of vacuum or forceps: only if medically required

• Mirror to watch the birth, if desired

• Touching the baby’s head as it crowns

4. C-Section (If Necessary)

• Who you want with you during surgery

• If you want the screen lowered during birth

• Skin-to-skin contact in the OR

• Breastfeeding in recovery room

5. After Birth

• Immediate skin to skin contact

• Delay cord clamping

• Who cuts the cord

• Initial baby care preferences (bathing, eye drops, vitamin K shot)

6. Feeding Preferences

• Breastfeeding, formula feeding, or combination

• Use of pacifiers or bottles in hospital

7. Special Notes

• Cultural or religious considerations

• Medical concerns or conditions

• Allergy alerts

Tips for Writing a Birth Plan

• Keep it short: Aim for one page. Use bullet points for easy reading.

• Be flexible: Labor is unpredictable. Be open to changes if needed for safety.

• Share it: Give copies to your doctor, hospital, and birth partner. Pack one in your hospital bag.

Sample Birth Plan Snippet

Name: Priya Sharma
Due Date: July 12, 2025
Hospital: City Women’s Hospital
Doctor: Dr. Meera Patel

During Labor:

• I prefer to labor naturally with minimal intervention.

• Please allow me to move around freely.

• I would like soft music and low lighting.

Pain Relief:

• Please offer massage and breathing techniques first.

• I’m open to an epidural if labor becomes too intense.

Delivery:

• I would like to try side-lying or squatting positions.

• My partner will cut the cord.

Post-Birth:

• Immediate skin-to-skin contact.

• Exclusive breastfeeding, no pacifiers or bottles.

Other Notes:

• Please explain procedures before performing them.