Your Questions Answered…
If you’re preparing for labor and working with a midwife, you may have heard about the value of creating a birth plan. But what exactly is it—and how can it help? This guide explores how mapping out your preferences for labor and postpartum care can support a more informed and empowered birth experience.
What Is a Birth Plan?
A birth plan is a simple document that outlines your hopes and preferences for how you’d like your labor, birth, and early postpartum care to unfold. It’s a way to share your priorities with your midwife and support team, so everyone is aligned in honoring your choices.
This guide isn’t about controlling every detail—it’s about helping you think through what matters most and communicating that clearly to the people supporting you.
Why Midwives Encourage Birth Planning
Midwives take a personalized, family-centered approach to care. Having your preferences written down helps:
- Start meaningful conversations about your options
- Ensure your voice is central in decision-making
- Build confidence as you prepare for labor
- Support your physical and emotional well-being
Even in unexpected situations, knowing your values helps your care team make choices that align with your vision whenever possible.
What to Include in Your Written Preferences
Your midwife can guide you in crafting a plan that reflects your wishes and respects your birthing environment. Consider these areas:
Labor Environment
- Lighting and sound preferences (soft music, dim lighting, aromatherapy)
- Use of birth tools (birthing ball, stool, tub)
- Freedom to move and change positions
Coping with Labor
- Breathing techniques, massage, water immersion
- Whether you’re open to pain relief medications or prefer natural methods
- Encouragement from your partner or doula
Support Team
- Who you’d like present at the birth
- Preferences around photography or video
- Cultural or spiritual traditions you want honored
Birth Preferences
- Positions for pushing (squatting, side-lying, hands-and-knees)
- Perineal support or natural tearing preferences
- Delayed cord clamping
- Who will cut the cord
Cesarean or Transfer (If Needed)
If you’re planning to birth outside of a hospital, include preferences in case of a transfer:
- Keeping your birth partner with you
- Options for skin-to-skin and breastfeeding
- Calm, respectful communication during changes in care
Newborn Care
- Immediate skin-to-skin contact
- Feeding preferences: breastfeeding, donor milk, formula
- Requests for standard newborn procedures (e.g., vitamin K and eye ointment)
Common Questions from Parents
Is a written plan necessary if I’m birthing with a midwife?
It’s not required—but highly encouraged. Even if your midwife knows you well, writing things down helps everyone on your care team understand your vision.
Can I change my mind during labor?
Absolutely. This guide is meant to support—not restrict—you. Labor is dynamic, and your needs may change. That’s okay.
What if I don’t know what to include?
That’s where your midwife comes in! Your prenatal visits are a perfect time to explore your options and create a plan that reflects your values and comfort.
How to Prepare Your Birth Preferences
Keep it simple and collaborative:
- Talk with your midwife—share your ideas and ask questions
- Explore your options—from pain relief to newborn bonding
- Keep it brief—one to two pages is plenty
- Bring extra copies—for your midwife, birth assistant, and partner
Sample Birth Plan
Name:
Due Date:
Planned Birth Location:
Labor:
- Preferred environment and movement
- Comfort techniques
- Monitoring preferences (if applicable)
Birth:
- Preferred positions
- Cord clamping and cutting
- Handling of placenta
Postpartum:
- Immediate skin-to-skin
- Feeding plan
- Newborn procedures
Working with a midwife means your voice and choices are already valued. A birth preferences guide is simply another way to ensure your care team can support you with intention, respect, and love—no matter how your birth unfolds.
Whether you’re planning a home birth, birth center delivery, or hospital birth with midwifery care, setting intentions ahead of time helps create a calmer, more connected experience for you and your baby.
This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. For questions about or help with a birth plan, we recommend you speak with one of our women’s health care specialists.