Free Birth Plan Template

A birth plan is a written summary of what you would like during labor and birth. It can include where you want to give birth, who you want in the room, how you want pain managed, and preferences for newborn care.

A good birth plan is flexible. If medical needs change, your care team may recommend a different approach.

Many people write a birth plan in the third trimester, then review it with their provider before delivery. That gives you time to ask questions and adjust anything that does not match your hospital’s policies or available options.

If you are not sure where to start, ACOG’s sample birth plan shows common decisions people include and discuss with their ob-gyn or midwife.

Your birth plan should be easy to scan and focused on the choices that matter most to you.

Basic Details and Support People

• Your details: Name, due date, provider name, and hospital or birth center.
• Support people: Who you want present, and any limits you prefer.
• Communication needs: Interpreter needs, accessibility needs, or cultural or religious preferences.

Labor Environment and Comfort Measures

• Movement and positions: Whether you want to move around, use a birthing ball, or try certain positions.
• Comfort tools: Music, lighting, massage, breathing support, hot or cold packs, or water immersion if available.
• Monitoring preferences: Any preferences you want to discuss, if options exist.

Pain Relief Preferences

• Non-medication options: Breathing techniques, hydrotherapy, or other comfort measures.
• Medication options: Whether you want to request medication early, later, or only if needed.

Delivery and “If Things Change” Preferences

• Assisted delivery: Preferences you want to discuss if vacuum or forceps become medically recommended.
• C-section plan: Preferences for support people, immediate skin-to-skin, and newborn care if a C-section is needed.
• Decision-making: How you want information explained before you consent to procedures.

Newborn Care and the First Hours After Birth

• Skin-to-skin: Whether you want immediate skin-to-skin when possible.
• Feeding plan: Breastfeeding, pumping, formula, combination feeding, or support you want.
• Routine newborn care: Preferences for timing of weighing, bathing, and newborn checks (based on hospital practice).

Tip: If you test positive for group B strep, your provider may recommend antibiotics during labor. The CDC explains prevention and screening basics.

A birth plan works best when it’s short, clear, and easy to share. Use these steps to build one that your care team can actually use.

1. Start With Your Top Priorities

Pick your 3–5 biggest preferences first, such as pain relief approach, who you want in the room, and immediate skin-to-skin. This helps your plan stay realistic and scannable.

2. Use Simple, Specific Language

Write preferences as clear statements. For example, “I would like to try non-medication pain relief first,” or “Please explain risks and benefits before any procedure, when possible.”

3. Add “If Possible” Where It Makes Sense

Labor can be unpredictable. Phrases like “if possible” and “when medically appropriate” show flexibility while still sharing your goals.

4. Review It With Your Provider

Bring your plan to a prenatal appointment so your provider can flag anything that may not be available at your hospital, or anything that should be adjusted for safety.

5. Keep Copies Ready

Print a copy for your hospital bag, and keep a digital copy on your phone. You can also share it with your support person so they can help advocate for your preferences.

A birth plan is most useful when your care team sees it early. If you can, share it during check-in, and ask that it be added to your chart.

Also plan for a quick verbal summary. A one-minute overview of your priorities can be easier for staff to absorb during a busy shift.