Hey sweet mama,
You’ve probably heard about creating a birth plan—or maybe you’ve downloaded a checklist and stared at all the boxes, feeling a little overwhelmed.
I want to let you in on a little secret:
A birth plan isn’t about controlling your experience. It’s about getting clear on what matters most to you, so you can walk into your birth feeling confident, informed, and supported.
Because birth was never meant to be a medical event—it’s a sacred, miraculous, powerful rite of passage. And you deserve to be deeply seen, fully heard, respected, and empowered every step of the way.
Let’s walk through how to create a birth plan that isn’t just a document—but a conversation starter, a clarity tool, and a confidence builder.
Why Birth Plans Matter (Even If Birth Doesn’t Go According to Plan)
Some people will say birth is unpredictable—so why plan at all?
But here’s the truth:
- Birth plans help you understand your options
- They help your care team understand your preferences
- And they help you make informed decisions in the moment, even if things shift
A good birth plan isn’t rigid—it’s flexible and intentional. It helps you advocate for yourself, even when labor gets intense.
What to Include in Your Birth Plan
Here’s a breakdown of common areas to consider:
✧ Your Birth Setting
- Home, birth center, or hospital?
- Who do you want present? (Partner, doula, photographer, family?)
- Lighting, music, essential oils, affirmations—what helps you feel safe?
✧ Your Birth Preferences
- Do you want a quiet environment or encouragement?
- Freedom to move around or labor in water?
- Specific tools like a birth ball or peanut ball?
✧ Pain Management
- Are you planning to labor naturally?
- Open to an epidural or other medications?
- Want to try alternative pain relief like massage, hydrotherapy, or TENS unit?
✧ Monitoring & Interventions
- How do you feel about continuous monitoring vs. intermittent?
- Do you want to be informed before any interventions?
- Preferences around cervical checks, IVs, or breaking your water?
✧ Pushing & Delivery
- Would you like to push in a specific position?
- Do you want coached pushing or to follow your body?
- Do you want to touch your baby’s head or have a mirror?
✧ After Birth
- Immediate skin-to-skin?
- Delayed cord clamping?
- Who will cut the cord? If you even want that? (look up lotus birth)
- Plans for newborn procedures (eye ointment, vitamin K, Hep B)?
✧ Postpartum
- Feeding preferences (breastfeeding, formula, combination)?
- Do you want baby to stay with you or go to nursery?
- Visitors or quiet bonding time?
Tips for Writing a Helpful Birth Plan
- Keep it short. One page is ideal. Use bullet points for easy reading.
- Be kind. Use positive language. Your care team wants the best for you.
- Make two versions. One full version and one quick-glance version for the birth team.
- Bring copies. Pack a few extras in your birth bag.
- Discuss it. Don’t just hand it over—talk it through with your provider and doula.
My Favorite Birth Plan Prompts
If you’re not sure what you want, try journaling with these:
- What would help me feel safe and supported during labor?
- What fears or concerns do I have about birth?
- What kind of energy do I want in my birth space?
- What does an ideal birth look and feel like to me?
Your birth plan starts with knowing yourself.
What I Do as Your Doula
When we work together, I help you create a birth plan that aligns with your:
- Values (what really matters to you)
- Vision (what kind of birth you hope to have)
- Voice (how you want to be heard and supported)
And I help you practice how to:
- Speak up during appointments
- Ask informed questions
- Stay calm and centered during changes
I also bring sample birth plan templates and go over your preferences in our prenatal sessions so you’re not doing it all alone.
Ready to Create Your Plan?
You can:
- Download my free Find Your Perfect Doula giveaway with questions to ask your potential doulas, and a basic birth plan preferences worksheet
- Book a Free Doula Consult to explore how I can support your birth journey
No matter what your birth looks like—medicated, unmedicated, cesarean, water birth—you deserve to feel informed and empowered.
Let your birth plan be an act of clarity, love, and intention.
You’ve got this. And I’ve got you.
With love,
Jamie
Labor of Love for Birth & Beyond
