Creating a Birth Plan That Supports You, Your Baby, and Your Vision

One of the most empowering things you can do during pregnancy is create a birth plan. Not because birth follows a script, but because taking time to understand your options helps you walk into your experience feeling informed, connected, and supported.

A birth plan is really about clarity. It is a gentle way to share what matters most to you so your care team, your partner, and your doula can show up in a way that honors your needs. It is your chance to set the tone, create intention, and trust your inner wisdom.

Here is how to create a birth plan that feels aligned, intuitive, and true to you.

Start With Your Vision

Before thinking about logistics, take a moment to tune in.

How do I want to feel during my birth?
What brings me comfort and safety?
What kind of energy helps me open and soften?

Your answers guide everything else. When you start with the feeling you want to cultivate, your preferences naturally fall into place.

Explore Your Options

Birth is full of choices, and the more you understand them ahead of time, the more confident you will feel in the moment. Here are a few areas to consider:

Environment

Soft or natural lighting
Music or quiet
Aromatherapy
Freedom to move
Birth tub or shower available

Comfort Measures

Breathwork
Hip squeezes
Massage
Rebozo support
Birth ball
Counterpressure
Heat or cold packs

Medical Care

Pain relief options you feel comfortable with
Intermittent vs. continuous monitoring
Saline lock or IV
How often you prefer cervical checks
Any procedures you would like to avoid unless needed

Labor and Birth

Positions that feel supportive to you
Instinctive vs. coached pushing
Who you want in the room
Using a mirror or catching your baby if you desire

Baby Care

Delayed cord clamping
Immediate skin-to-skin
Timing of newborn exams
Feeding preferences

As your doula, these are things I love going through with you so your plan reflects what truly feels right for your body and your baby.

Keep It Simple

A birth plan does not have to be long or complicated. Often one clear, organized page is perfect. Think simple bullet points under sections like:

Labor
Pain Management
Birth
Postpartum and Baby Care

This helps your care team quickly understand your priorities.

Stay Flexible and Trust Yourself

Birth has its own flow, and sometimes the most empowered choices are the ones you make in real time. A birth plan is not about control. It is about preparation, clarity, and showing up with confidence while staying open to your baby’s journey.

Share It With Your Team

Once you feel good about your plan:

Review it with your provider
Give a copy to your doula
Add it to your hospital bag
Bring extras for your nurses

This keeps everyone on the same page from the moment you arrive.

You Deserve a Supported, Sacred Birth Experience

Creating a birth plan is an act of love. It is you choosing to honor your body, your intuition, and your baby’s unique path into the world. You deserve to feel seen, heard, and supported every step of the way.

If you want help creating a customized birth plan or navigating your options, I am here and would love to walk through it with you.