The Ultimate Guide to Writing Your Birth Plan in 2026

Creating a birth plan is one of the most empowering steps you can take during your pregnancy journey. It's your opportunity to think through your preferences, communicate with your care team, and feel more prepared for the big day.

What Is a Birth Plan?

A birth plan is a written document that outlines your preferences for labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum care. It serves as a communication tool between you and your healthcare providers, ensuring everyone understands your wishes.

Think of it less as a rigid script and more as a guide that expresses your values and preferences while acknowledging that birth can be unpredictable.

When Should You Write Your Birth Plan?

The sweet spot for creating your birth plan is between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Here's why:

• You've had time to research your options and attend childbirth classes
• You know your care team and have built a relationship with them
• You're far enough along to think practically about preferences
• You still have time to discuss and refine your plan

Key Sections to Include

1. Personal Information

Start with the basics:

• Your name and preferred title
• Due date
• Healthcare provider's name
• Hospital or birth center
• Support people who will be present

2. Labor Environment Preferences

Consider what environment helps you feel calm and focused:

• Lighting preferences (dim, natural)
• Music or sounds
• Who you want in the room
• Use of personal items (pillow, photos)

3. Pain Management

This is often the section that requires the most thought:

• Natural comfort measures you'd like to try first
• Your feelings about epidurals and other medications
• What you want your support people to know about helping you

4. Delivery Preferences

Think through:

• Pushing positions you'd like to try
• Use of mirrors
• Who cuts the cord
• Skin-to-skin immediately after birth

5. Newborn Care

Your baby's first moments matter:

• Delayed cord clamping preferences
• Immediate skin-to-skin
• Breastfeeding initiation
• Timing of newborn procedures

Tips for an Effective Birth Plan

Keep It Concise

Healthcare providers appreciate plans that are easy to read quickly. Aim for one to two pages maximum.

Use Flexible Language

Instead of "I will not" or "I refuse," try phrases like:

• "I prefer..."
• "If possible, I would like..."
• "Unless medically necessary..."

Discuss It With Your Provider

Schedule time to review your plan with your OB or midwife. They can:

• Explain what's realistic at your facility
• Flag any preferences that might need discussion
• Help you understand backup options

Plan for Different Scenarios

Consider creating brief notes for:

• If labor progresses quickly
• If a cesarean becomes necessary
• If baby needs extra support after birth

Common Birth Plan Mistakes to Avoid

1. Making it too long - Nurses may not read a five-page document during a busy shift
2. Being inflexible - Use language that shows you're open to changes if needed
3. Not discussing it beforehand - Surprise preferences during labor can create tension
4. Forgetting about postpartum - Include your preferences for after delivery too

The Bottom Line

Your birth plan is a powerful tool for self-advocacy and communication. It's not about controlling every aspect of birth—it's about entering labor feeling informed, heard, and prepared for the journey ahead.

Remember: the best birth plan is one that honors your preferences while acknowledging that the ultimate goal is a healthy mom and baby, however that happens.

Ready to create yours? Our birth plan builder walks you through each section with helpful explanations and suggestions.