Guide & Template for First-Time Parents: How to Make a Birth Plan

What Is a Birth Plan (and Why You Need One)

A birth plan is a simple, written document that outlines your preferences for labor, delivery, and newborn care. It helps you communicate your wishes clearly with your healthcare team and ensures everyone is on the same page when the big day arrives.

For first-time moms, making a birth plan can bring a sense of control and calm to a process that often feels unpredictable. It’s your space to note what matters most — from pain management choices to who you want in the room.

Remember, flexibility is key. Birth rarely goes exactly as planned, and that’s okay. Your plan is a guide, not a guarantee. The goal is to feel informed, empowered, and supported — no matter how your baby enters the world.

Basic Information to Include

Start your plan by including the essentials:

Your full name and partner/support person’s name(s)
Due date or induction date
Doctor or midwife’s name
Birth location (hospital, birth center, or home)
Emergency contact information
Allergies or medical conditions your team should know about

Labor Preferences

Every birth experience is unique, but thinking through your preferences can help you feel more confident when it’s time.

Environment

Consider what atmosphere helps you feel most relaxed:

Dim lighting or bright lights
Calm music or quiet room
Photos or videos taken
Comfort with students or extra staff in the room

Movement & Comfort Options

Many hospitals and birth centers encourage mobility during early labor. You might prefer:

Walking freely during contractions
Using a birthing ball
Trying different positions like squatting or leaning forward
Access to warm showers or tubs
Music, aromatherapy, or massage

Think about what helps you stay relaxed and include those details.

Monitoring

Note if you’d prefer:

Intermittent fetal monitoring (so you can move freely)
Continuous monitoring (if medically required)

Fluids & Nutrition

Ask your provider what’s allowed during labor:

Clear fluids like water or electrolyte drinks
Small snacks during early labor
Ice chips only

Support People Present

Decide who you want by your side:

Your partner
Family member
Doula
Other support person

List their names and roles clearly so your medical team knows who to expect.

Pain Relief & Anesthesia Options

Pain relief during labor is a personal decision — and it’s okay if you’re not 100% sure yet. Your birth plan can outline preferences but still leave room to adjust.

Discuss Options with Your Provider

Before labor, talk with your OB or midwife about what’s available:

IV pain medications
Epidural anesthesia
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
Natural comfort methods like massage, breathing exercises, or water immersion

Include Your Preferences

You might write: “I’d like to labor naturally as long as possible but am open to an epidural if needed.” This helps your birth team understand your mindset and support your choices respectfully.

Other options to consider:

Request notification before any medication is administered
Ask for clear explanations of risks and benefits
Specify if you want to delay or avoid certain interventions

Delivery Preferences

Whether your birth is vaginal or cesarean, it’s helpful to think ahead about what’s important to you.

Vaginal Birth Options

Preferred pushing positions: Squatting, side-lying, hands and knees, or other positions
Coaching style: Follow your body’s natural cues vs. directed pushing
Episiotomy: Request to avoid unless medically necessary
Who cuts the umbilical cord: Partner, yourself, or provider
Delayed cord clamping: Request 1-3 minutes before cutting
Immediate skin-to-skin contact: Baby placed directly on your chest
Mirror use: If you want to watch your baby being born

Cesarean Birth Preferences

Even if you’re not planning a C-section, include your preferences just in case:

Partner present during surgery
Gentle or “family-centered” C-section with music or clear drape
Immediate skin-to-skin contact if baby is stable
Delayed cord clamping (if safe)
Who stays with baby if you need extended recovery
Breastfeeding support in recovery room

Newborn Care

Your baby’s first few hours are filled with important decisions. Planning ahead can make them smoother and more meaningful.

Cord Clamping & Cutting

Request delayed cord clamping (1-5 minutes)
Note if you want your partner to cut the cord

Skin-to-Skin Contact

Immediate skin-to-skin after birth
Delay weighing and measuring until after initial bonding (first hour or two)

Feeding Method

Decide how you’d like to feed your baby:

Exclusive breastfeeding
Formula feeding
Combination feeding
Request help from a lactation consultant
No pacifiers or artificial nipples (if breastfeeding)
No formula supplements unless medically necessary

Newborn Procedures

Specify your preferences for routine procedures:

Vitamin K injection: Yes or no
Eye ointment: Yes or no
Hepatitis B vaccine: Yes, no, or delayed
Circumcision: If applicable, specify timing preferences
First bath: Delay for 24 hours or hospital bath

Rooming-In

Baby stays in your room 24/7 for bonding
Nursery time for rest periods is okay
Alert you for all feedings (if baby is in nursery)

Postpartum Preferences

Your recovery matters too. Include your wishes for after birth:

Baby stays in your room or goes to nursery as needed
Visitor policy (who, when, and how many people)
Photography or video preferences
Breastfeeding support and education
If baby requires NICU care: partner accompanies baby, you’d like to provide pumped milk if possible

Special Requests

This is your space for unique notes or personal needs:

Religious or cultural practices you’d like honored
Any past trauma or sensitivities your care team should know about
Communication preferences (e.g., “Please explain all procedures before performing them”)
Language interpretation needs
Specific comfort items from home

Emergency or Unexpected Situations

While it’s not easy to plan for the unexpected, noting your wishes ahead of time helps everyone stay calm and informed:

Who should make medical decisions if you cannot
Consent preferences for interventions like forceps or vacuum (only if necessary)
Your wishes if you need an emergency C-section
If baby needs NICU care, who stays with baby and feeding preferences

Your Plan, Your Power

Creating a birth plan isn’t about control — it’s about clarity. It’s your way of communicating what matters most while staying open to what’s best for your health and your baby’s safety.

Here’s what to do next:

Print your birth plan template
Review it with your OB or midwife at an upcoming appointment
Bring 3-4 copies to the hospital so your care team has one too
Pack one copy in your hospital bag

You’ve got this — your preparation and confidence will guide you through one of the most important moments of your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When should I create my birth plan?

A: Most moms create their birth plan during the third trimester, around 28-36 weeks. This gives you time to research options and discuss preferences with your provider.

Q: Do hospitals actually follow birth plans?

A: Yes! Most hospitals and birth centers welcome birth plans. They help your care team understand your preferences, though flexibility is important for safety.

Q: How long should a birth plan be?

A: Keep it to 1-2 pages. Healthcare providers appreciate concise, clear documents they can quickly review.

Q: What if my birth doesn’t go according to plan?

A: That’s completely normal. Birth plans are guidelines, not contracts. Your safety and baby’s health always come first.

Q: Should I share my birth plan before labor?

A: Yes! Review it with your OB or midwife during a prenatal appointment and bring multiple copies to your birth location.