Birth Plans: Labor Preferences for Delivering Your Baby

A birth plan doesn’t have to be long or complicated, but there are many things to consider, from choosing a hospital or birth center to deciding on a support person.  

Having a birth plan gives you a sense of control over the process. When you arrive at the hospital, the nurses or your doctor will receive this information. It helps them understand your needs and wants during your delivery. 

Dina Fainman, MD, an OB-GYN at Scripps Clinic Encinitas, encourages expectant parents to take time, do some research and write down ideas for their birth plan.  

List everything that matters to you for a smoother labor and delivery experience. Start with the basics, like where you plan to deliver. Consider your health needs and birth preferences when making this choice. If you are being seen by a Scripps OB-GYN for your prenatal care, your birth location is the hospital in which that physician has privileges.

You might also want to attend a hospital tour to become familiar with the labor and delivery process and how it matches your birth plan. Scripps offers hospital tours at each of its maternity care locations.

At Scripps, you will receive care from expert teams who will respect your birth plan. “Scripps is committed to providing our patients the best possible childbirth experience with respect to their wishes and preferences, while also maintaining a strong commitment to quality and safety,” says Dr. Fainman. 

Your birth plan may include detailed information about the following: 

• Who you want to be present during the delivery 
• If you want soft or natural lighting, and if you will bring a “focal point” 
• Whether you want a quiet room or will provide your own music 
• If you want to walk, move around, or use a birthing ball or pillows 
• Your preferences for relaxation and comfort, such as warm/cool packs, visualization or breathing patterns 
• Suggestions for helpful things you would like to hear during labor 
• If you would like pain relief such as an epidural or are planning to use natural pain relief such as massage and acupressure 
• If you plan to have the birth photographed or video recorded 
• Your preferences on episiotomies 
• Who will cut the umbilical cord 
• If you want to bank or donate your baby’s cord blood 
• If you want to breastfeed your baby or use formula 
• If you want “delayed” cord clamping 
• If you want your newborn to have newborn eye ointment or vitamin K at birth

Clear communication with your OB-GYN or midwife is crucial for a successful birth plan. Your health care provider can offer valuable insights and advice. They can help you understand what to expect and how to prepare.  

Ask questions and address any concerns about your birth plan. “Make sure your birth plan is safe and can be accommodated by the hospital where you will deliver your baby,” says Dr. Fainman. Early discussions allow you to express preferences and ensure they align with medical advice. Make these conversations a part of your regular prenatal visits.  

Labor can be unpredictable, so flexibility in your birth plan is essential. Despite careful planning, some situations may require deviations from your original preferences. Consider your plan as a guideline rather than a fixed set of rules. Be willing to adjust your plan based on expert recommendations. This level of cooperation leads to better outcomes for you and your baby. 

“Talk to your doctor about the options you would like and whether he or she has suggestions or recommendations. Discuss what will happen if your birth plan needs to be adjusted during delivery,” Dr. Fainman advises. 

In a birth plan, a support person is someone the expectant patient chooses for help during labor and delivery. This person can be a partner, family member, friend or doula.

Choosing the right support person can greatly affect your labor experience. These people provide emotional help and practical support during a critical time. Their presence can make labor easier and more comfortable. They can help you relax during labor. 

It’s important to pick someone who knows your birth preferences and can share your wishes with health care providers. Discuss their roles with them before labor starts and make sure they understand your birth plan well. They should feel ready to support you.

Looking at different birth plan templates can help you get started. They offer insights into various types of labor and delivery preferences and how to organize them effectively.

Each birth plan is unique, reflecting personal choices and priorities. You can draw ideas from these templates but adapt them to fit your needs. Don't be afraid to include personal touches or specific requests. A well-rounded plan makes for a more comfortable experience for everyone involved. 

Here is a template for a birth plan. You may also print out and complete a copy of a Scripps Birth Plan. 

My Labor Preferences Worksheet

Name: _______________________________Due Date: __________

Obstetrician/Midwife: ___________________________________________________

Primary Support Person: _________________________________________________

My preferences during labor (assuming baby’s heart tracing is reassuring):

• Soft lighting
• Natural lighting
• Quiet room
• Music (I will bring)
• Focal point (I will bring)

• Move around/change position
• Use pillows
• Use birthing ball
• Sit on toilet/pelvic rocking
• Walk in hallways
• Other _______________

• Take a shower
• Use visualization
• Continuous labor support
• Heat/cold application
• Breathing patterns
• Other_______________

Some helpful things to say to me: _________________________________________

Some helpful things to do for me: _________________________________________

• No medication
• Epidural
• Other_______________________

• Partner to cut cord
• Cord blood collection
• Other_________________

• I plan to breastfeed
• I plan to bottle-feed
• I do plan to have my son circumcised
• I do not plan to have my son circumcised

Pediatrician: _________________________________________________________________

Additional Request or Concerns: _________________________________________________

Patient Signature: _____________________________________________________________

Reviewed by: ________________________________________________________________

Thank you for sharing your birth preferences with us. We are looking forward to caring for you and your baby.