Your birth, your way: 7 things to include in your birth plan checklist

Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most meaningful experiences of your life. While you can’t predict exactly how labor and delivery will unfold, you can prepare for the experience by creating a birth plan.

A birth plan helps you communicate your preferences to your labor and delivery care team so they can best support you.

Whether you’re imagining a calm, low-intervention labor or you’re planning for flexibility with pain management and medical support, a clear birth plan checklist can give you confidence and peace of mind.

Here’s what you need to know to create a plan that’s personal, practical and clearly communicates your wishes.

What is a birth plan?

A birth plan is a written document that outlines your preferences for labor, delivery and postpartum care. Think of it as a roadmap to help guide your care team, partner and support system during one of life’s most important events.

Your birth plan can include everything from who you want in the room to how you’d like to manage pain, as well as your stance on interventions and your wishes for newborn care immediately after birth.

Keep in mind that a birth plan is not a guarantee that everything will happen exactly as you picture it. Birth is unpredictable, and sometimes medical needs or safety concerns require flexibility. But a thoughtful plan ensures your care team understands your priorities and values, even if adjustments are needed.

Why a birth plan matters

Writing down your preferences can help reduce stress and uncertainty on the big day. Here’s why many parents-to-be find creating a birth plan helpful:

• Clarity: A birth plan organizes your thoughts and ensures nothing important slips your mind when labor begins.
• Communication: Your birth plan gives your doctor or midwife, nurses and support people a clear understanding of what matters most to you.
• Confidence: Knowing your team is aware of your choices allows you to feel more in control.
• Flexibility: Even if circumstances change, a birth plan can highlight your priorities while leaving room for adjustments.

How to start your birth plan

Creating your birth plan doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Here are a few steps to help you begin:

• Talk to your provider. Every hospital or birth center has its own policies and capabilities. Ask what options are available and what’s standard practice where you plan to deliver.
• Do your research. Read about common procedures, pain management choices and newborn care. Knowing what’s possible will help you make informed decisions.
• Consider your values. Think about what matters most to you—whether that’s minimizing interventions, prioritizing skin-to-skin contact or ensuring your partner has a specific role.
• Use a birth plan checklist. A structured list can help you cover all the key areas without overlooking details.

Your birth plan checklist

When you’re writing your birth plan, it helps to think about the different stages of labor, delivery and postpartum care. Each area offers opportunities to make choices that reflect your values, comfort and goals. Here are seven key categories to consider:

1. Environment and support

The setting you give birth in can play a big role in how calm, safe and supported you feel. Think about who you want with you and what details would make the space more comfortable, including:

• Who do you want present during labor and delivery?
• Do you want music, dimmed lights or other calming options?
• Would you like photography or video during the birth?

2. Labor preferences

Labor can unfold in many ways, and having a few preferences can help guide your care team. Consider how you’d like to move and cope with contractions, so you can check with your provider on options at your delivery location:

• Do you want freedom to move around during labor?
• Are you open to continuous monitoring, or do you prefer intermittent checks if safe?
• Would you like to use a birthing ball, shower or tub for comfort?

3. Pain management

There are many options for pain management during labor, and everyone has different preferences. Write down how you’d like to approach pain management, while leaving room for flexibility:

• Do you plan to use natural pain relief techniques such as breathing techniques, massage or aromatherapy?
• Are you open to medical options like an epidural or IV medication?
• Do you want to delay or avoid certain interventions unless necessary?

4. Delivery preferences

How you give birth can look different depending on the circumstances. Outlining your delivery wishes helps your care team know what’s most important to you, especially if things move quickly:

• Do you want to push in a specific position?
• Are you interested in delayed cord clamping?
• Would you like to see or touch your baby as they are born?

5. Cesarean section preferences

Even if you’re hoping for a vaginal birth, it’s wise to note your preferences for a possible C-section. Having these notes ready can help the experience feel more personal and less overwhelming if surgery becomes necessary:

• Who should be in the operating room with you?
• Would you like a clear drape or immediate skin-to-skin if possible?

6. Newborn care

The first hours of your baby’s life are filled with important decisions. Your plan can outline how you’d like your newborn to be cared for and which bonding opportunities you want to prioritize:

• Do you want immediate skin-to-skin contact?
• Should the baby stay in your room (rooming-in) or spend some time in the nursery?
• What are your feeding preferences (breastfeeding, formula or combination)?
• Do you have specific wishes about the timing of newborn procedures such as vitamin K shots, eye ointment or circumcision?

7. Postpartum care

Once your baby has arrived, your own recovery and support needs matter, too. Including postpartum care preferences in your birth plan helps ensure you get the environment and help you need during those first moments and days:

• Who do you want to be present after delivery?
• Are there any cultural or religious traditions you’d like respected?
• What support do you need in the hours and days following birth?

Tips for writing your birth plan

Now that you know what to include in your birth plan, here are a few tips for writing and sharing it with your support people, provider, and labor and delivery team:

• Keep it short and clear. One page is ideal. Bullet points work well so it’s easy to read quickly.
• Use positive language. Frame your preferences as what you’d like rather than what you want to avoid. For example, say “I would prefer to move during labor” instead of “I don’t want to stay in bed.”
• Be flexible. State your preferences but acknowledge that safety comes first. For example: “I prefer to avoid interventions unless medically necessary.”
• Share it early. Give a copy to your provider ahead of time, and bring extra copies for the hospital or birth center staff.
• Review with your partner. Make sure everyone on your support team understands your wishes.

Your birth, your way

Creating a birth plan is about more than writing down preferences—it’s about feeling prepared, confident and supported during this exciting time. While you can’t control every aspect of labor and delivery, a thoughtful birth plan ensures your voice is heard and your values are respected.

By keeping your plan clear, realistic and flexible, you give yourself the best chance for a positive birth experience, whatever path your journey takes.

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