Free Birth Plan Builder | Mothership Toolkit

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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

Do you know baby's sex?

YesNoWaiting until birth

Health complications (if any)

Allergies

Other notes about your body

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Before Labor Begins

Science: The early hours of labor are mostly waiting, and where you do that waiting matters. Mothers who labor in calm, familiar settings for as long as is safe tend to need fewer interventions later. Setting expectations now — about exams, membrane sweeps, and timing — gives your team a clear starting line.

Home birth preferredAs long as the baby and I are healthy, I would like to have no time restrictions on the length of my pregnancyI would like to discuss laboring at home as long as possibleI trust that my practitioner will seek out my opinion concerning all of the issues directly affecting my birth before deviating from my planPlease obtain my permission before stripping my membranes during a vaginal examDuring a vaginal exam, I prefer not to have my membranes broken unless there is an emergency situationI prefer minimal internal vaginal examsIf I am less than 4cm dilated, I would like to discuss with my healthcare provider the option of going home

Additional preferences for early labor:

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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)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 neededSquatting bar available

Additional movement preferences:

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Pain Management Philosophy

Science: There's no 'right' way to manage labor pain. Non-pharmacological methods can be highly effective for many people. Epidurals are safe and effective when desired. What matters is that you feel supported in your choices.

My overall approach to pain management:

I want to avoid an epidural if possibleI am open to an epiduralI would like an epidural as early as possible

Comfort measures I would like to try:

Breathing techniquesMassage and counter-pressureHot/cold compressesHydrotherapy (tub/shower)TENS unitHypnobirthing/meditationNitrous oxide (laughing gas)

Additional pain management 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)Delay Pitocin/augmentation unless medically neededFull informed consent before any procedureNo students or observers without permissionMinimal cervical checks

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)Try different positions (side-lying, hands-and-knees, supported squat)Warm compresses and perineal support to reduce tearingUse a mirror to see my baby crowningCatch my own baby or have my partner help

Episiotomy

Not allowed (except life-threatening emergency)Discuss with me first if consideredAllowed at provider discretion

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)Partner to cut the cordProtected "golden hour" before routine proceduresSupport with first breastfeeding attemptView my placenta

Additional postpartum preferences:

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Newborn Interventions

Science: In the first hours, your baby's nervous system, blood sugar, and microbiome are being set up by what they touch, taste, and feel. Routine procedures are not all urgent — most can wait until after the first feed and the first hour of skin contact. Each decision below is yours to make.

Care preferences:

If the baby has any problems, I would like my partner to be present with the baby at all times, if possibleI would like routine procedures delayed until bonding and breastfeeding have occurredI would like all newborn routine procedures to be performed in my presencePlease leave vernix caseosa intact (as much as possible); we will allow it to flake off naturallyPlease do not bathe my baby at all; my partner and I will give our baby their first bathIf supplemental milk is needed, we will provide our own formulaI do not consent to sugar water being given to babyNo antibiotics unless absolutely necessaryPlease delay the heel prick until after skin-to-skin and breastfeeding

Additional newborn preferences:

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Postpartum Intentions

Science: The first weeks after birth are physically the most demanding of the entire perinatal year. Mothers who rest, eat warming foods, and accept help have lower rates of postpartum depression and better breastfeeding outcomes. Writing this down now, while you can think clearly, makes it easier to ask for what you need later.

Kinds of help I am open to receiving:

My intentions for this postpartum:

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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?

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