Birth Plan: How to Write Flexible Birth Preferences

What a birth plan is

Think of it as a communication tool rather than a script. ACOG and NHS resources both describe birth plans as a way to share preferences with the people caring for you. Discuss the plan before your due date so you can learn what is available at your hospital or birth center and what may depend on the clinical situation.

Keep it short

A one- or two-page document is usually easier to use than a long manifesto. Put the most important preferences first. Use checkboxes or short sentences. If something is essential because of a medical, accessibility, trauma or communication need, make that especially clear and discuss it directly with your clinician.

Labor environment

You may want to note preferences about lighting, noise, music, photography, privacy and who is present. Remember that hospital policies and clinical needs can affect what is possible.

Movement and positions

Write whether you would like to stay mobile where possible, use a birth ball, shower or bath, change positions, labor upright, kneel, use side-lying positions or try other comfort measures. Ask how monitoring or an epidural may change your options.

Pain relief

Your plan can include both a preferred starting approach and backup options. For example: “I would like to begin with breathing, movement, water and massage. Please offer information about medication if I ask or if the clinical situation changes.” This is more flexible than treating one pain-relief choice as a test of success.

Support people

List who you want present and what role they should have. If you want your partner or doula included in explanations and decisions, say so while making clear that you remain the person giving consent whenever you are able.

Procedures and interventions

You can note that you would like explanations before non-urgent procedures, including the reason, benefits and alternatives when there is time. You can also discuss induction, assisted delivery and cesarean preferences in advance. A birth plan should never delay urgent medical care.

Birth and newborn preferences

Depending on your situation and local practice, preferences may include immediate skin-to-skin contact, cord management, who announces the sex, feeding plans, rooming-in and newborn procedures. Ask your maternity team which options are routine and which require advance discussion.

Use three levels of preference

Must-have

Needs related to safety, accessibility, communication, allergies, trauma-informed care or other issues that your team must know.

Strong preference

Choices that matter to you but can change if the clinical situation changes.

Nice to have

Environment or comfort preferences that are welcome but not central.

Discuss it with your clinician

Bring the plan to a prenatal appointment before labor. Ask what is realistic at your chosen facility and whether anything should be added to your medical record. Update the plan if your pregnancy or birth setting changes.

Build your plan

The Danish Method Birth Plan Builder turns these sections into a concise document you can save, email and discuss with your maternity team. Build it now, then review it again closer to your due date.