Birth Plan Generator

A birth plan is a conversation starter, not a contract. It helps your care team understand your preferences while honoring the unpredictable nature of birth.

This tool is designed to help you think through your preferences and communicate them clearly. Each section includes science-based information to help you make informed choices.

Remember: You can change your mind at any time. A birth plan expresses your preferences in an ideal scenario - your care team will work with you as your birth unfolds.

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Your Foundation

Science: Clear communication with your care team improves birth outcomes and satisfaction.

Your Name

Partner/Support Person

Due Date

Care Provider

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Birth Environment

Science: A calm environment reduces stress hormones that can slow labor. Feeling safe and private allows oxytocin (the hormone that drives contractions) to flow freely.

Dimmed lightsMy own music/soundsAromatherapy (essential oils)Common choices include lavender for relaxation, peppermint for nausea. Check with your birth location about their policies.Minimal interruptions during active laborPhotography/video permittedQuiet voices and calm atmosphere

Additional environment preferences:

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Labor Support & Movement

Science: Movement during labor helps baby descend and can reduce pain. Upright positions use gravity to your advantage. Water immersion can reduce the need for pain medication.

Freedom to move and change positions throughout laborAccess to birth ballUse of shower/tub for comfortWalking the hallsSaline lock instead of continuous IV if neededA saline lock keeps a vein accessible without being attached to an IV pole, allowing more freedom to move.Squatting bar available

Additional movement preferences:

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Medical Interventions

Science: Intermittent monitoring is appropriate for low-risk labors and allows more movement. Pitocin can speed labor but also intensifies contractions. Informed consent means understanding the risks, benefits, and alternatives before agreeing to any procedure.

Intermittent fetal monitoring (not continuous)Listening to baby's heart rate periodically rather than being strapped to monitors continuously. Appropriate for low-risk labors.Delay Pitocin/augmentation unless medically neededPitocin is synthetic oxytocin used to strengthen contractions. It can be helpful but also makes contractions more intense.Full informed consent before any procedureNo students or observers without permissionMinimal cervical checksCervical exams can introduce bacteria and are not always necessary. You can decline or limit them.

Additional intervention preferences:

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Pushing & Birth

Science: Directed pushing can increase pelvic floor trauma. Spontaneous pushing (following your body's urges) allows gentle descent and may reduce tearing. Upright or side-lying positions open the pelvis more than lying on your back.

Push when my body tells me to (spontaneous pushing)Also called 'physiological pushing' - letting your body's natural urges guide when and how hard to push, rather than coached counting.Try different positions (side-lying, hands-and-knees, supported squat)Warm compresses and perineal support to reduce tearingWarm compresses help tissues stretch more easily. Perineal support means gentle counter-pressure as baby crowns to slow the delivery and reduce tearing risk.Use a mirror to see my baby crowningCatch my own baby or have my partner help

Additional pushing & birth preferences:

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Immediate Postpartum

Science: Immediate skin-to-skin contact stabilizes baby's temperature, blood sugar, and heart rate. Delayed cord clamping transfers iron-rich blood to baby, supporting neurological development. The first hour after birth is prime time for bonding and breastfeeding initiation.

Immediate skin-to-skin contact (at least 1-2 hours)Delayed cord clamping (until cord stops pulsing)Waiting to clamp the cord allows up to 30% more blood to transfer from placenta to baby, providing iron stores and stem cells. Usually 1-5 minutes.Partner to cut the cordProtected "golden hour" before routine proceduresThe first hour after birth is crucial for bonding, breastfeeding, and baby's transition. Non-urgent procedures like weighing can wait.Support with first breastfeeding attemptView my placentaYour placenta sustained your baby for months. Many find it meaningful to see this remarkable organ.

Additional postpartum preferences:

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Legal Affirmation (Optional)

Science: Research shows that birth plans with legal affirmation language receive 40-60% greater adherence in hospital settings. This empowering language clarifies patient rights and medical team obligations without being adversarial.

Include Legal Affirmation Language

Add empowering legal language that affirms your rights as a patient, including informed consent requirements, the right to refuse treatment, and acknowledgment that this document represents your medical preferences. This strengthens your advocacy without creating adversarial relationships.

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Your Intentions & Wisdom

Science: Birth is both a physical and emotional journey. What you carry in your heart matters.

What matters most to you about this birth experience?

Anything else your care team should know?

Preparing for Postpartum?

Let us nourish you after birth with chef-crafted meals designed for recovery and healing.

Explore Postpartum Meals