The Birth Plan Checklist

A birth plan is a one-page document that communicates your preferences for you and your baby during labor, birth, and directly after birth. In addition to serving as a reference for your provider and birth team, the most valuable aspect of your birth plan is the process of creating it. Understanding your options in advance helps you make informed decisions, even when unexpected things happen during labor and birth. You'll feel calmer and confident thanks to your preparation.

Your birth plan should include your name, your doctor or midwife’s name, and the names of your birth support team (usually your partner and doula). You’ll also want to include preferences for pain management, room atmosphere, fetal monitoring, delivery, and baby care immediately after birth. Some moms create separate plans for induction, spontaneous vaginal birth, and cesarean birth, while others choose to incorporate all of their preferences in a single birth plan.

It’s ideal to have your birth plan created by the start of your third trimester. Doing so will give you plenty of time to carefully consider each decision and review the plan with your partner and birth team. Even if you're further into your third trimester, it's not too late!

Even if you plan to have a cesarean, a birth plan can be a helpful tool. There are more options than you may realize to ensure your cesarean birth is a positive, gentle experience. Deciding in advance how you feel about small talk, music, drape options, and post-delivery procedures can make a big difference in how you feel about your birth.

If you are hoping to avoid medical interventions during childbirth, planning and preparation are crucial. Knowing how you will handle different situations during labor and birth can help you advocate for yourself and make safe, informed choices. Meanwhile, communicating your preferences to your care team will help them support you in your goals and ideally match you with nurses who are enthusiastic about natural birth.

There is a lot to consider when it comes to birth! If you discover that you need help understanding the pros and cons of each option, I'm just a call away. I offer 30-minute and 60-minute virtual birth plan consultations. Contact me to learn more.