Your Complete Birth Plan Checklist: All You Need to Prepare for Your Unique Birth Experience

Darbey Gaynor
Jun 6
9 min read

Preparing for the arrival of your little one involves a lot of planning and decision-making, and one key component of this process is creating a birth plan. A birth plan checklist and template can serve as a practical tool for organizing your preferences and facilitating communication with healthcare providers.

This blog post will guide you through what a birth plan is, a birth plan checklist of what it should include, and how to structure it to ensure it fully reflects your desires and expectations for your unique birth experience.

Understanding Birth Plans:

What is a Birth Plan and Why is it Important?

A birth plan is a personalized document that outlines your preferences for labor, delivery, and postpartum care. Think of it as a roadmap for your birthing journey, guiding your healthcare providers to ensure your wishes are respected.

Having a birth plan is crucial because it allows you to take control of your birth experience, clearly communicate your desires to your healthcare team, and feel more empowered and in control during this significant life event.

By detailing your birth preferences, you can help create a birthing environment that aligns with your values and expectations, making the experience as positive and fulfilling as possible.

Do You Really Need a Written Birth Plan?

While it’s not mandatory to have a written birth plan, it is a powerful tool in your childbirth preparation for you and those on your birth care team. A written birth plan, especially when using a birth plan template, not only clarifies your wishes and preferences for your birthing experience but also ensures your healthcare provider and birth team are aware of your desires.

It allows you to discuss your choices with your provider in advance, ensuring everyone is on the same page when the big day arrives.

But remember, birth can be unpredictable and staying flexible is key – the ultimate goal is a safe and healthy outcome for both you and your baby. Sometimes having a short birth plan checklist is all you need.

How Many Weeks Do You Make a Birth Plan?

Ideally, you should start thinking about your birth plan in the second trimester of your pregnancy, around 20 to 25 weeks. This gives you ample time to research, consider your options, and discuss them with your healthcare provider and birth team. When planning, it's important to consider different birth options, including giving birth at a birth center. It’s advisable to have your birth plan finalized by about 36 weeks, as labor could begin anytime from that point onwards.

Choosing a Hospital or Birthing Center

Choosing the right hospital or birthing center is a pivotal decision in your pregnancy journey. When selecting a hospital or birthing center, consider several factors to ensure it aligns with your birth plan and preferences. Look into the facility’s policies on labor and delivery, including their stance on interventions and pain management options. The birthing environment is also essential—check if they offer amenities like birthing tubs, birthing chairs, and birthing stools to support various labor positions and comfort measures.

Additionally, evaluate the quality of the newborn nursery and postpartum care options available. Reading reviews and seeking recommendations from other mothers can provide valuable insights into the hospital’s or birthing center’s reputation. Visiting potential facilities can help you get a feel for the environment and determine which one best meets your needs and preferences. Remember, the right choice will support your birth plan and help create a positive birthing experience.

What Questions are Asked in a Birth Plan?

The Essential Birth Plan Checklist

A birth plan is essentially an answer to a series of questions about your preferences for labor, delivery, and postpartum care. Here are some key questions that are typically addressed:

Where do you plan to give birth – hospital, birthing center, or home?
Who do you want to be present during your labor and birth?
What is your preference for labor induction if needed?
What are your desires regarding mobility and positions during labor?
How do you feel about pain management options?
What are your preferences for delivery, such as position and immediate post-birth practices (like skin-to-skin contact)?
If a C-section becomes necessary, what are your desires for this process?
What are your preferences for handling the umbilical cord, such as who will cut it and considerations for delayed cord clamping?
What are your preferences for newborn care, including feeding and medical procedures?

Remember, this is your birth experience, and your birth plan should reflect your desires and expectations. However, it’s essential to remain flexible, as circumstances during labor and delivery can change. A birth plan is a guide, not a rigid roadmap, and safety for you and your baby should always be the top priority. Give yourself grace when making your birth plan—you may decide to change things before or during labor, and that’s okay.

Here’s a comprehensive birth plan checklist of questions to answer:

Basic Information: Primary Support Person

Identify the people you want by your side during childbirth. It could be your partner, other family members, friends, or your doula.
Contemplate whether you would like pain medication during labor. If yes, which type?
Mull over the idea of having an epidural.
Select the position you would prefer to deliver in – there are multiple options, and then practice them to see if they are actually comfortable for you!
Consider using a birthing chair or birthing stool for comfort and support during labor. These labor props can enhance your comfort and mobility, providing supportive tools to facilitate the birthing process.
What are your feelings on banking cord blood?
What are your thoughts on circumcision?
Would you like a delay in cord clamping? If yes, for how long?
Would you like to initiate breastfeeding immediately post-birth? Are you open to supplementation?

Prior to Labor:

Investigate your options for pain relief during labor. This can guide you in formulating your birth plan.
Select a healthcare provider you feel at ease with, one who will support your birth plan.
Attend a childbirth class to deepen your understanding of labor and delivery.
Use a birth plan template to document your birth preferences and share it with your healthcare provider and support team.
Pack your hospital bag, including essentials for you and your baby.
Ask your doula questions!

During Labor: Birthing Environment

Keep hydrated by consuming adequate fluids and light meals.
Employ relaxation techniques or use pain relief measures as required.
Focus on your breathing and heed your body’s signals to guide you through each contraction.
Believe in yourself and your ability to give birth!
Request for complementary alternatives like meditation, massages, hot or cold therapy, and breathing techniques.
Consider using a birthing tub for comfort during labor, as it can enhance relaxation and support a more natural labor experience.

Remember that while creating a birth plan is useful, it is not set in stone. You may need to adjust your plans based on the unfolding circumstances during labor, or according to your changing preferences. For instance, a C-section may become necessary in case of complications. Despite this, having a plan in place is beneficial for you and your partner to understand your wishes and advocate for yourselves when required.

Considering Medical Interventions:

While some birthing people may never consider medical intervention during childbirth, others may find it an essential part of the process. There are several medical interventions available, and it is crucial to understand all your options while creating your birth plan. It is also important to plan for a vaginal birth, outlining preferences for both unassisted deliveries and potential emergencies that may require a C-section.

During childbirth, there are several medical interventions that may be utilized, such as:

Induction - This is a process where medicine is employed to induce labor.
Epidural - This involves administering pain medication through a catheter placed in the spine.
Forceps or vacuum delivery (Although increasingly rare.) - These instruments can be used to aid in the delivery of the baby.
Cesarean section - This is a surgical method of delivery where the baby is born through an incision made in the mother’s abdomen.

Pain Relief:

There are numerous ways to manage pain during labor and delivery. Some birthing people opt for natural methods, while others prefer medication. Be sure to discuss your options with your healthcare provider well in advance, so you can make an informed decision that best suits you.

The environment of the delivery room, including aspects like lighting, music, and available resources, plays a crucial role in enhancing comfort and meeting individual needs during labor.

There are a variety of strategies and medications that can be used to alleviate pain during labor and delivery, such as:

Epidural: This is a kind of regional anesthesia that renders the lower half of your body numb. It’s the most frequently used method of pain management during labor and delivery.
Spinal block: This is another form of regional anesthesia that numbs the lower half of your body. It’s not as frequently used as an epidural, but it can be an alternative if you’re unable to receive an epidural.
IV Narcotics: These medications, delivered intravenously (through an IV), can help alleviate pain throughout your body. While not as effective as regional anesthesia, they can be a potential option if you’re unable to have an epidural or spinal block.
Acupuncture
Acupressure
Breathing exercises
Massage
Meditation
Reflexology

Each of these methods has its unique benefits, and it’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider to find out which ones would be most suitable for your particular situation.

Delivery:

Formulating a birth plan comes with a plethora of considerations. To simplify the process, we’ve devised a checklist of items to ponder when crafting your plan.

Choosing the right hospital or birth center is crucial to support your birth plan and preferences. Understanding the policies, feeding options, and support available during labor and delivery can help you make informed decisions.

Contingency for a C-Section:

It is crucial to understand the basics of cesarean sections, which is why we include this in our primary birth classes. It's important to consider your choices about your cesarean delivery including your route to the operating room, conversations during surgery, medications used, whether you prefer to be strapped down or have your arms free, skin-to-skin in the OR, delayed cord clamping, clear drapes, and more.

Newborn Care:

There are numerous considerations when it comes to your newborn. These may include:

Breastfeeding or bottle feeding? If breastfeeding, will you use a breast pump?
Circumcision (if applicable). Who will perform it?
Bathing: When will it be done, and who will do it?
Cord cutting
Preferences for handling the umbilical cord: Who will cut it? Considerations for delayed cord clamping to ensure the newborn receives enough blood from the placenta.
Vitamin K or not?
Hepatitis B vaccine or not?
Eye ointment or not?

These are just a handful of considerations for your birth plan. Engage in discussions with your partner and healthcare provider about what’s best for you and your baby.

Postpartum Care and Recovery

Postpartum care and recovery are vital components of the birthing process, ensuring that you and your baby receive the necessary support after giving birth. Typically, you will spend several hours or days in the hospital or birthing center, where you will receive comprehensive postpartum care. This care includes pain management and medication to help you recover physically, as well as assistance with breastfeeding and newborn care to support your transition into motherhood.

Emotional support and counseling are also crucial during this time, helping you navigate the emotional changes that often accompany childbirth. Your healthcare team will monitor your physical and emotional health, ensuring that any concerns are promptly addressed. Discussing your postpartum care preferences with your healthcare provider and including them in your birth plan can help ensure that your needs are met during this critical period.

Preparing for the Unexpected:

In the Event of Unexpected Changes or Cesarean Births

While having a birth plan is essential, it’s equally important to be prepared for unexpected changes or the possibility of a cesarean birth. Childbirth can be unpredictable, and flexibility is key. In the event of unexpected changes or a cesarean birth, staying calm and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider and birthing team is crucial. Ensure that your birth plan includes your preferences for cesarean births, such as the type of anesthesia, the presence of a support person, and immediate postpartum care.

Having a primary support person present can help advocate for your preferences and provide emotional support during this time. Discussing your preferences for postpartum care and recovery with your healthcare provider in advance can also help ensure a smoother transition if unexpected changes occur. By preparing for the unexpected, you can approach your birthing experience with confidence, knowing that you have considered various scenarios and are ready to adapt as needed.

In conclusion - Owning your Birth Plan Checklist

Crafting a birth plan or even a simplified birth plan checklist empowers you to actively shape your birthing experience, making it more aligned with your personal values and expectations. While a birth plan serves as a guiding document to communicate your preferences, it’s essential to approach the journey with flexibility, as childbirth can bring unexpected twists.

By thoughtfully preparing and considering various aspects—from pain management to newborn care—you can better advocate for yourself and feel more at ease knowing your desires are understood. Remember, the ultimate goal is a safe, positive experience for you and your baby. Embrace the process, stay informed, and trust that you are prepared for whatever path your birth story may take.

Schedule a meeting with a Womb Room doula online to collaborate and for more support through your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.