How to Write a Birth Plan (Free Template)
Everything you want — and don't want — during labor and delivery, on one printable page. Plus how to talk about your birth plan with your provider without friction.
A birth plan is less a script and more a starting conversation. Births rarely follow a plan exactly — that's not the point. The point is to communicate your preferences clearly so your care team can advocate for you when you're focused on labor.
Keep it short
One page, ideally. Use bullet points. Bring three printed copies — for you, your partner, and the nurse on duty. Long, demanding birth plans can put a labor and delivery team on edge before you even arrive. Short and clear works better.
What to include
- Your name, due date, provider, support people
- Preferences for environment — dim lights, music, who is present
- Pain management preferences — unmedicated, epidural welcome, want to be asked, want it offered
- Movement during labor — wireless monitor preferred, want to walk, want birth ball
- Pushing position preferences — squatting, side-lying, hands and knees, in bed
- Interventions — informed consent for any non-emergency procedure (Pitocin, episiotomy, vacuum, forceps)
- After delivery — delayed cord clamping, immediate skin-to-skin, breastfeeding within first hour
- Baby procedures — vitamin K, erythromycin, hepatitis B vaccine — accept, decline, or want to discuss
- For C-section (if applicable) — clear drape preference, music, who comes back with you
How to share it
Bring it to a prenatal appointment around weeks 34–36 and go through it with your provider. Listen to their feedback — they know things you don't and may flag a preference that conflicts with hospital policy. Adjust and reprint. When you arrive in labor, hand a copy to the nurse during the admission interview.
A short sample
Hi! I am Asha. I am hoping for an unmedicated vaginal birth but I am open to an epidural if I ask for it. I would love to move freely, dim lights, and have my husband cut the cord. Please delay cord clamping by at least 60 seconds. We want immediate skin-to-skin and to breastfeed in the first hour. We accept all standard newborn procedures but would prefer they happen on my chest. Thank you for being part of our day.