How to create the best birth plan for you

As you prepare for your new baby’s arrival, you’re likely making lists of everything from frozen meals to what you need in the nursery and what to include in your hospital bag. Considering what may be important to you during and after your labor and delivery is just as important. You may want to consider making a list of questions and desires so you can talk about those preferences with your pregnancy provider and birth team, like your partner or doula. Then, you will be able to create the best birth plan for you. 

What is a birth plan?

A birth plan outlines your preferences for before, during and after labor and delivery. What do you hope your birth experience looks like if everything goes as planned?  Although you’re not required to have a birth plan, it can help you feel more prepared, stay engaged in the birth process and keep your expectations clear. It’s also important to understand that you may have to change your birth plan to support the safety of both you and your baby during the delivery. Knowing what you’d like to happen during your labor and delivery and what you may need to be flexible on can help you feel less anxious as you prepare for the big day.

 Talk to your provider about your options

Like with every patient and every pregnancy — a birth plan is unique to you. There’s no “right” way to create a birth plan. It can be as detailed or simple as you want.

A helpful starting point is talking to your provider and learning more about where you plan to give birth. There also are birth plan templates, including from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American College of Nurse-Midwives. You can use the templates as-is or modify them.

Ultimately, a birth plan is thinking about the issues that concern you most and talking through them with your OB/GYN or midwife. 

Answer labor and delivery questions

Here are a few questions to consider as you start the birth plan process. 

The basics

• When is your due date? 
• Where do you plan to deliver your baby? 
• Do you prefer to have a vaginal or cesarean delivery? 
• Who is your main support person? Will you have a doula?

Labor environment

• What do you want to happen while you’re in labor? 
• Who do you want in the room?
• Would you like to be able to move around during labor or eat and drink?
• What features will be most helpful for you? Music? Lighting? A tub or pool? 
• Do you have preferred labor positions? 

Medical interventions and pain management

• Do you have a preference for how your provider intervenes or the type of medicine you receive while in labor? Common examples include:
• Artificial rupture of membrane (amniotomy): When your provider breaks your water or amniotic sac
• Epidural: An injection in your back to relieve pain in the lower part of your body
• Episiotomy: A cut in the tissue between the vagina and anus
• Fetal monitoring: A way to continuously measure your baby’s heartbeat and your contractions
• IV: A catheter inserted into the vein for fast delivery of fluid, pain medication or other substances
• Pitocin (oxytocin): A medicine that helps start labor and contractions (also called induction or augmentation)
• Vacuum extraction: A process that uses a vacuum to help a baby get through the birth canal
• When do you want your provider to use specific interventions? Should they offer less invasive methods first, including massage or meditation?

Delivery and after birth

• What would you like to happen during and after you deliver your baby?
• Do you want visitors and when?
• Do you want photos and videos?
• Are you planning to breastfeed right away, use formula or both?
• Do you have preferences for what to do with the placenta or cord blood?

Stay flexible 

With any birth plan, flexibility is extremely important. A realistic birth plan not only includes your preferences but also what’s available at your delivery location. Remember that childbirth is unpredictable and may not go as planned. 

The birth plan is a great starting point, but it’s not a contract. Your OB/GYN or other provider may recommend a different approach, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy or pregnancy complications.

Choose a provider and location that meet your needs

Birth plan or no birth plan, finding the right provider and facility for your labor and delivery makes all the difference. At HCA Florida Healthcare, we’re your partner in care, from family-centered labor and delivery services to maternity tours and classes. 

As one of the largest healthcare providers in the state, our extensive network is home to everyone from OB/GYNs and midwives to high-risk pregnancy doctors and neonatologists. Find an OB/GYN here.