What to Include in Your Birth Plan: New Mom’s Guide

The birth of a child is one of life’s most anticipated and cherished moments. After months of pregnancy, the big day finally arrives when you get to meet your little one for the very first time. While giving birth is often unpredictable, taking time to create a well-thought-out birth plan can help expectant mothers communicate their vision and preferences to their care team.

A birth plan outlines your desires and requests for the labor and delivery process. It serves as a way to convey what environment, procedures, and support you hope to have during your birthing experience. Sharing this in advance with your doctor, midwife or doula allows them to do their best to accommodate your wishes when the exciting day comes.

While no birth goes exactly according to plan, having clearly communicated preferences helps pregnant women feel a greater sense of comfort and control going into the uncertainties of childbirth. Knowing their desires are heard and a plan is in place allows expectant moms to focus more on bringing their baby into the world.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through all the key elements to consider and include in your customized birth plan.

Envisioning Your Ideal Birthing Experience

The first section of your birth plan should focus on your vision and desires for the actual birthing process. This includes details like your preferred location, support team, positions for labor and atmosphere. Communicating these requests sets the stage for the kind of birth experience you wish to have.

Choosing Your Birth Location

One of the biggest decisions expecting mothers will make is choosing where to give birth. Today there are more options than ever when it comes to birthing facilities and environments. Take time to explore all the locations available in your area to decide what setting aligns best with your vision.

Many women still choose to deliver at a hospital. Hospitals provide peace of mind to mothers in case complications occur, with doctors, specialists and equipment on hand in the event of an emergency. If you prefer the security of a hospital, be sure to choose one with experience in accommodating your birth preferences.

For low-risk pregnancies, delivering at a birthing center is an increasingly popular option. Birthing centers provide a comfortable, home-like environment for natural childbirth, while still having medical personnel present if needed. Midwives typically deliver babies at birthing centers. If considering this option, visit birthing centers in your region to find one fitting your preferences.

Some expecting mothers today make the choice to give birth from the comfort of home. Home births allow women to labor and deliver in a familiar, relaxing environment. If planning a home birth, be sure to have a skilled midwife overseeing the process and an emergency transport plan just in case. Make sure your insurance covers home births and any necessary transfers.

Regardless of where you choose to welcome your baby, visit the location during pregnancy to ensure it meets your needs and desires for your birthing experience. Communicate with staff about your wishes and have your birth preferences documented in your plan.

Who You Want Present for the Birth

As you envision your ideal birth, also consider who you want to have present and supporting you through the process. This may include your birthing partner, doula, children, family and friends.

For most women, their labor partner or spouse provides crucial physical and emotional support through childbirth. Make sure your partner understands all your preferences and is prepared to advocate for your wishes when the big day comes. If you plan to have your partner photograph or film the birth, be sure to secure permission from your provider in advance.

Many expecting mothers hire a doula to provide extra guidance, pain relief and reassurance during labor and delivery. A doula can help you stay as comfortable as possible while you work to welcome your baby into the world. If using a doula, meet with her beforehand to communicate your preferences so she is ready to meet your needs.

Some mothers desire to have other children, family or friends present for the birth experience as well. Support people like your mother, sister or a close friend can give an extra sense of comfort. However, be mindful of limiting numbers so the birthing room doesn’t become overcrowded. Communicate ahead of time who you would like present so there are no surprises or hurt feelings.

Ideal Labor Positions

As you prepare for the stages of labor, consider what positions you hope to be in throughout the process. Whether you desire walking, squatting, kneeling or side-lying, make your preferences for labor positions known. This includes positions both for working through contractions and for the pushing stage. Let your care provider know if you want the freedom to move around and change positions or prefer to stay in bed.

Having a birth ball present can allow expecting mothers to gently rock and bounce during contractions. Being upright and mobile can sometimes help labor progress and alleviate pain. Keep an open mind as some positions you envision for labor may not end up being most comfortable when those contractions start coming! Stay flexible and keep the communication open with your support team.

Discuss your preferences for birthing positions as well with your partner and doula. They can suggest positions to try and help support you in the moment. Make any requests for birthing tubs, stools, squatting bars or other position aids so they will be available. The more your care team knows about your desired labor positions, the better they can accommodate you.

Creating Your Ideal Birthing Atmosphere

As you visualize your perfect birth, consider what environment would bring you the greatest sense of calm, joy and comfort while birthing your baby. This includes factors like lighting, sounds, smells and temperature. Communicate any requests to create the atmosphere you envision to your birth team in advance.

If you find dim, ambient lighting relaxing, make that desire known. Many hospitals will adjust room lighting at a mother’s request. You may also want soft music playing in the background to set a soothing vibe. Share your playlist or ask if staff can play calming songs over a speaker.

Using essential oils and aromatherapy during labor is a popular way to promote calmness. Ask if you can diffuse relaxing oils like lavender or clary sage in the room. Scented oils can also be applied topically through massage. Just be sure no one present has scent sensitivities.

Temperature control is also important for comfort. Be vocal about any preferences for cool or warm environs and request extra pillows and blankets as needed. The more the environment suits your needs, the more you can relax and focus inward during your labor.

While it’s impossible to control every variable, communicating these atmospheric preferences to your providers lets them do what they can to help you feel at ease. A few simple adjustments can go a long way towards creating the vibe you hope for.

Additional Special Requests

As you think through your ideal birth environment, don’t be afraid to note any additional special requests you have. These can include preferences like having the placenta encapsulated, waiting to cut the umbilical cord, wanting baby placed skin-to-skin immediately, and more.

Discuss additional customs or traditions important to your family or culture you want incorporated. This shows your care team what factors matter most in bringing your vision for your baby’s birth to life. While not every wish is possible, sharing your perspective allows them to provide you and your newborn the care and experience you desire as much as they are able.

Communicating Your Pain Management Preferences

In addition to the birth environment, an important element to address in your birth plan is your preferences for managing labor pain. This includes both medicated and non-medicated options. Go over these choices with your OB or midwife to create a pain management plan you feel good about.

Medication Preferences

If you hope to have medicated pain relief during labor, you’ll have a few options to choose from. The most common choice is an epidural, which involves medication being given through a catheter placed in the spine to numb sensation in the lower body. If you want an epidural, talk with your provider about when and how it is administered at the location you’ll deliver.

Other medication choices you can discuss and consider include a walking epidural, intravenous pain medication and nitrous oxide. Share your wishes for pain medication openly so your care team is fully aware of your priorities and can accommodate them.

You may also choose to labor unmedicated and try natural pain management techniques instead. Let your providers know this preference upfront. They can provide guidance on coping, positioning and breathing to help you manage contractions without medicine. Having continuous labor support from a partner or doula also makes unmedicated birth more manageable for many women.

Whether you desire an epidural right away, prefer to wait and see how your labor progresses, or wish to avoid medication entirely, make sure your birth team knows your preferences. This allows them to best encourage and accommodate you.

Natural Pain Relief Options

In addition to medical pain relief, there are many drug-free options to consider managing labor discomfort. These natural techniques can be used alone for an unmedicated birth or complement an epidural to promote relaxation. They include choices like:

• Hydrotherapy – Immersing in a warm birthing tub or shower can relieve tension during labor. Let staff know if you want access to hydrotherapy options.
• Massage – Having a partner or doula massage your lower back, feet and shoulders during contractions can help alleviate pain.
• Birthing balls – Sitting on a large stability ball and gently rocking helps open the pelvis to aid progress.

• Acupressure – Applying targeted pressure to points on the body is said to reduce labor pain naturally.
• Breathing techniques – Focused, patterned breathing helps women work through contractions with less tension.
• Visualization – Envisioning pleasant scenes and sensations releases endorphins to naturally minimize discomfort.
• Aromatherapy – Scented oils like lavender and clary sage provide natural stress and pain relief.

If natural pain management appeals to you, be sure to specifically request access to any of these techniques, props or services you want available during your labor. The more prepared your providers are with your preferred pain relief options, the better they can accommodate your needs when those contractions begin!

Comfort Measures During Labor

In addition to the natural pain relief techniques above, various other non-medical comfort measures can promote relaxation and ease during childbirth. Consider what would bring you the greatest sense of well-being based on your needs and preferences.

Having supportive birth companions present, like your partner, doula, or close friend can make labor significantly more manageable. Their encouragement helps you endure those tough contractions leading up to meeting your baby. Let your birth team know specifically who you want present.

Using props like supportive pillows, cold packs, and soft lighting provides physical comfort during the birthing process. Communicate any specific items you want on hand so staff can provide them. Staying nourished with ice chips and lip balm also prevents thirst and dry mouth during labor.

If allowed, listening to inspiring, empowering playlists you create in advance provides distraction and motivation to keep going. Make requests for any audio tools you want available during your labor like speakers or headphones.

Simple measures like cool washcloths on your forehead, chest rubbing, and having your feet massaged can also minimize discomfort. Don’t hesitate to clearly detail exactly which comfort measures help you most in your written birth preferences.

Preparing for a Potential Cesarean Birth

While most expecting mothers hope to deliver va ginally without complications, unforeseen issues can sometimes necessitate a cesarean section. Having a clear plan in place for a potential C-section can provide comfort and ensure your preferences are honored as much as possible.

Cesarean Preferences to Communicate

Ideally, you will be able to have a gentle, ‘natural’ cesarean birth even if this procedure becomes medically necessary. Discuss options with your OB ahead of time to be prepared in case the need for a surgical delivery arises. Here are some preferences to consider:

• Lowering the surgical drape during surgery so you can watch your baby being born if permitted.
• Having your birth partner announce the gender versus waiting until after surgery.
• Requesting gentle, delayed cord clamping if baby is stable.
• Asking that the medical team speak in a calm, quiet manner during the surgery.
• Having immediate skin-to-skin bonding with your newborn in the OR if you are feeling well.
• Playing your favorite music softly in the operating room to create a soothing atmosphere.

While a C-section may not be part of your original birth vision, communicating these preferences helps the experience be as positive as possible if the need arises.

Recovering After a Cesarean Birth

You’ll also need to discuss your preferences for care and recovery following a cesarean delivery. Here are some important considerations:

• Request that your support person be allowed to accompany you in recovery for reassurance.
• Ask about options for keeping your newborn with you rather than going to the nursery.
• See if breastfeeding soon after birth is possible as it can be beneficial for recovery.
• Have any preferences for pain medication, antibiotics or blood transfusions documented to review with the anesthesiologist.

Make sure your healthcare team is fully aware of your priorities for healing comfortably after a cesarean birth. Planning ahead helps minimize stress if this becomes your birth story. With proper communication, you can still have an overall positive birthing experience even when surprises occur.

Your Newborn Care and Postpartum Wishes

The final section of your birth plan should focus on your desires for those precious first newborn hours and postpartum period immediately following your baby’s arrival. Communicate ahead of time your priorities for newborn procedures, contact and feeding preferences.

Newborn Care Preferences

As wonderful as those first moments bonding with your newborn feel, medical procedures do need to be completed after birth. However, some procedures are time sensitive while others can wait if desired. Share your preferences so your healthcare providers know what matters most to you.

If you want to prioritize uninterrupted skin-to-skin cuddling right after birth, make this clear. Nonemergency measurements and exams can often wait. You may also prefer to delay procedures like infant bathing, vaccines, eye ointment and the newborn hearing test if permitted.

Discuss your preferences for when, where and how these newborn procedures are completed with your OB or midwife. Some families also choose to forgo certain procedures like infant circumcision. Communicating ahead of time allows providers to best accommodate your priorities in caring for your precious new baby.

Feeding Your Newborn

If you plan to breastfeed, have this noted in your birth plan. You can request delaying any supplements, pacifiers or formula unless medically necessary. Be sure lactation support will be available. If using formula, discuss procedures for having it properly handled and prepared by hospital staff.

Ideally, the first hour after birth is a precious time for uninterrupted bonding and initiating breastfeeding if desired. Communicate your preferences for this golden hour clearly so staff will honor this important window.

Your Postpartum Experience

The postpartum period after delivery is a time of huge transition, joy and healing. As you think ahead, note any requests that will make you most comfortable during your recovery.

Consider who you want to stay with you for extra support, like your spouse, doula or family member. Ask if this chosen support person can remain with you rather than being sent home at certain times. If you have other children, detail your preferences for them visiting and meeting their new sibling.

Make any desired requests for your postpartum rooming setup. This includes preferences like rooming in with baby rather than using the nursery, having a space for your support person if allowed, and getting a private rather than shared room if possible.

Discuss upfront your wishes for discharge timing. Some mothers choose to leave the hospital early while others prefer extended stays up to 4 days or more. Communicate your wishes and follow your doctor’s recommendation for your specific situation.

Above all, remember you just gave birth so get the rest you need! Make any requests that will help you heal comfortably, bond with baby and appreciate those first days as a new mother.

Welcoming Visitors to Meet Baby

Those first few days meeting your newborn are precious, so it’s important to communicate your preferences for when you’re ready for visitors. This includes family, friends and even other children.

Timing for Visitors

Some mothers can’t wait to introduce their new baby to loved ones right away. However, others prefer privacy in the hospital before having visitors. Decide what feels right for you. If you want time alone first, consider waiting 12, 24 or even 48 hours before allowing visitors.

Give a timeframe to family on when you want to start accepting visitors. The hospital can also hold visitors in a waiting area until you’re ready. Share your preferences so staff and loved ones can respect your wishes.

Number of Visitors

Having a steady stream of eager family and friends can quickly become exhausting for a new mom. To prevent chaos, give guidelines for how many visitors can come at a time.

For your comfort and baby’s safety, keep numbers minimal – perhaps 2-3 per visit. Ask staff to help limit visitors accordingly. You may choose to have both parents’ families take turns stopping in rather than converge all at once.

Whatever restrictions you decide, communicate them clearly in your birth plan. This helps avoid hurt feelings or overwhelm during an already tiring time.

Visitor Restrictions

For your newborn’s health, some restrictions on visitors are essential. Be sure your birth plan addresses any limitations that matter to you.

It’s wise to ask that no children or anyone sick come to the hospital to meet baby. Requiring hand washing and masks for visitors provides protection as well.

To allow mother-baby bonding, kindly request no passing baby around and minimal overstimulation during visits. If breastfeeding, you may want privacy so ask that those present give you space when needed.

With clear visitor guidelines communicated, family and friends can share in your joy while still respecting your needs as you rest and recover.

Capturing Your Baby’s Debut

One of the most common requests in birth plans is for photography and videography during delivery. As long as staff and doctors consent, capturing your baby’s debut is a beautiful way to remember the experience. Be very clear about your preferences to make this possible.

Photography During Labor and Delivery

Some mothers want photographs taken throughout the entire labor and delivery process. Provide detailed permission in your birth plan for when, where and who you want capturing photos. If desiring pictures of the actual birth moment, confirm that your doctor and hospital or birth center allow this.