What is a Birth Plan and Why You Should Have One

A birth plan is written and printed with your preferences, wishes, and hopes for your labor and birth. This plan is a good way of communicating with your care team during labor. It includes things such as what positions you might want to birth in, what kind of pain relief you prefer (if you need it), and what your wishes are about the procedures with your baby after birth (for example, if you want the hepatitis B shot given write after birth) and who you would like to be with you at the birth.

A birth plan can be also a good way to communicate with your pregnancy care providers about what is important to you before the labor starts, prenatal. It gives them information about your preferences during labor and what you would like to avoid, if possible.

Labor and birth are unpredictable, and depending on how your labor evolves, not all your preferences might be possible. So, it is also important to be flexible in your planning. However, a birth plan can help your care team discuss alternatives with you based on your preferences.

Download our free template for your birth plan preferences. If you are working with a Doula, they can also help you understand your options and determine your wishes for you and your family!