1 About You
2 Your Team
3 Consent
4 Pain Relief
5 Baby Care
6 If Things Change
7 Finish
Step 1 of 7

Let's start with you.

This information will appear at the top of your birth plan so your care team knows who you are and what to call you.

We'll flag if an interpreter should be arranged.

Step 2 of 7

Who's in the room.

Tell your care team exactly who you want present during labor, delivery, and recovery — and their role.

I want photos / video taken during labor
I want photos / video during delivery
I am open to additional visitors during labor
I am open to medical students or residents observing
Step 3 of 7

Consent & interventions.

These are your preferences for common procedures and interventions. You have the right to consent to or decline any of these. Your care team will discuss before proceeding.

IV / hep-lock Intravenous line for fluids or medication access
Continuous fetal monitoring Straps / belt that tracks baby's heart rate continuously
Induction / Pitocin if labor stalls Synthetic oxytocin to speed up or start contractions
Amniotomy (AROM) Artificially breaking the water / amniotic sac
Internal fetal scalp electrode A small clip attached to baby's scalp for monitoring
Episiotomy Surgical cut to widen the vaginal opening
Forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery Assisted vaginal delivery tools
Cesarean section If recommended — do you want to discuss options first?
Coached pushing Staff directing when and how to push
Step 4 of 7

Pain relief.

There is no wrong answer here. Whatever helps you feel safe and in control is the right choice.

Unmedicated / natural
Epidural
IV pain medication
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
Open to options / decide in the moment
Birthing ball
Tub / shower
Freedom to walk & move
Massage
Heat / cold packs
Aromatherapy
Music / playlist
Dim lights
Quiet room
Hypnobirthing / meditation
Various labor positions
Semi-reclined
Side-lying
Hands and knees
Squatting
Birthing stool
Whatever feels right in the moment
Step 5 of 7

Baby's first moments.

These decisions apply right after birth — before any routine newborn procedures begin.

Immediate skin-to-skin contact Baby placed on my chest right after birth, before being weighed or measured
Delayed cord clamping Wait until cord stops pulsing (1–3 min) before clamping
Partner to cut the cord If applicable
I want to see / catch my baby during delivery Mirror, or hands-on catch guided by midwife/OB
Vitamin K injection Prevents rare but serious bleeding disorders in newborns
Erythromycin eye ointment Antibiotic eye treatment — standard in most hospitals
Hepatitis B vaccine First dose given in hospital after birth
Newborn bath at hospital Many parents now delay or decline the first bath
Pacifier use in hospital
Breastfeeding / chestfeeding
Pumping
Formula
Combination
Undecided / support welcome
No formula supplementation without my consent
Step 6 of 7

If things change.

This is one of the most important sections. In an emergency, someone else may need to make decisions for you. Let's make sure your wishes are documented and your people are ready.

If you are unable to speak for yourself, who has the authority to make medical decisions on your behalf?

I want my support person with me in the OR As long as it's medically safe
Gentle / family-centered C-section Slow delivery, skin-to-skin in OR if possible, clear drape option
I want music played in the OR
Please explain all procedures before performing them Even in urgent situations, a brief explanation matters
Please direct updates / decisions to me — not my support person Unless I am unable to respond
Step 7 of 7

Your birth plan.

Review everything below. Then download or print your plan to share with your hospital, OB, and support team.

Use "Print / Save as PDF" to share with your hospital, OB, or support team.