A Guide to Writing Your Birth Plan (With No Stress)

Jitka Wenham

First off, HUGE congratulations! You’re having a baby! Whether you’re counting down the days with excitement or feeling a little (or a lot) overwhelmed, there’s one thing that can help you feel more prepared: a birth plan. And don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! At the end of this blog, you’ll find a free birth plan template to download and make things even easier for you.

Now, before you start imagining a huge, complicated document, let’s break it down into something simple, stress-free, and actually useful.

birth plan on a bedside table

What Is a Birth Plan?

Think of a birth plan as your wish list for labour and birth. It’s a short, clear guide that tells your healthcare team what’s important to you—whether that’s pain relief preferences, who you want in the room, or how you’d like to meet your baby for the first time.

Of course, birth doesn’t always go exactly to plan, but having one means you’ve thought things through in advance, and everyone is on the same page.

Why Bother with a Birth Plan?

As I said, you can’t predict everything about how things will unfold, but a birth plan will:

  • Help you understand your options.

  • Give your birth partner a clear guide to support you.

  • Ensure your medical team knows your preferences.

  • Reduce decision-making pressure in the moment.

Basically, it’s a win-win for everyone.

How to Write Your Birth Plan (Without Overthinking It)

1.Start with the Basics

Right at the top, include your essential details:

  • Your name and due date

  • Your chosen hospital or birthing centre

  • Names of your birth partner(s)

  • Any important medical info (allergies, condition, previous birth complications, etc.)

2. Think About Your Ideal Birth Experience

Ask yourself:

  • Do you want a natural birth, or are you open to things like an epidural?

  • Would you prefer intermittent or continuous baby monitoring?

  • How do you feel about interventions like induction or assisted delivery? Only if necessary, or are you happy to go with your doctor’s recommendations?

3. Consider the Atmosphere

Creating a calming environment can make a huge difference. Think about:

  • Do you want dim lighting or calming music?

  • Would you like to move around freely, use a birthing ball, or labour in a water pool?

  • Who do you want in the room with you? Your partner, a friend, your mum?


4. Be Clear About Pain Relief

Even if you’re hoping for a natural birth, it’s good to be prepared for different scenarios. Consider:

  • Your preferred pain management techniques (breathing exercises, massage, a TENS machine, hypnobirthing, etc).

  • Whether you’d like to be offered pain relief or if you prefer to ask for it.

  • Your thoughts on gas & air, epidurals, and other options.

heavily pregnant women in a beautiful maternity gown having maternity portraits in milton keynes

5. Post-Birth Preferences

Once your little one arrives, you’ll have a few decisions to make. You might want to note details like:

  • Immediate skin-to-skin contact.

  • Your feeding plans (breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or combination).

  • Delayed cord clamping.

  • If stitches are needed, would you like pain relief for this?

Keep It Simple and Flexible

The best birth plans are short, clear, and easy to read. Aim for 1-2 pages max so midwives can quickly scan your preferences. And most importantly, stay open to changes! Birth can be unpredictable, but being informed and flexible will help you feel calmer and more in control.

Grab Your Free Birth Plan Template!

To make things super easy, I’ve created a FREE birth plan template for you to download: GET IT HERE. Download, fill it in, and start feeling more prepared for this amazing journey.

Happy birthing! And again, congratulations!