When I was pregnant for the first time, I thought a birth plan was a cute little bonus – something for organized Pinterest moms, not anxious, googling-at-2am moms like me.
Spoiler alert: I made one anyway. And I’m so glad I did.
Even though I ended up with an emergency C-section and my plan kind of flew out the window, having it helped me feel prepared. More than that – it helped me communicate with my midwife and partner about what I wanted, what I was scared of, and what I needed help deciding on.
This time around, I’m definitely doing a birth plan again – but smarter, simpler, and way more flexible. So I made a free printable birth plan template you can fill out in 10 minutes flat – even if you’re 38 weeks and still haven’t packed your hospital bag (hi, it’s me 🙋♀️).
Why You Need a Birth Plan (Even If You’re Open to Anything)
Let’s be real – labor rarely goes 100% according to plan. But that’s not the point.
A good birth plan isn’t a rigid checklist. It’s a communication tool. It helps your birth team understand:
- Your pain relief preferences
- Who you want in the room
- How you feel about interventions (like epidurals or induction)
- What matters to you after baby arrives (like delayed cord clamping or skin-to-skin)
And most importantly? It helps you process what you want (or don’t).
My Birth Plan: Round 1 vs. Round 2
🍼 First time:
I wanted a natural birth. I had affirmations printed, music prepped, lavender oil ready, and a comb to squeeze through contractions (pro tip: it works!).
Then I went 14 days overdue, my baby’s heart rate started rising, my water had meconium, and I ended up with an emergency C-section under general anesthesia.
I didn’t get to see my baby right away. I didn’t hear her first cry. My partner did skin-to-skin with her before I even woke up.
It wasn’t what I imagined – but I was still grateful I had a plan. Because:
- My partner knew what mattered to me
- The midwives saw I wanted delayed cord clamping + breastfeeding ASAP
- And I had peace of mind knowing I tried to be ready
🤰 This time:
I’m going in with a plan for both vaginal and C-section birth. Because you never know.
This time I:
- Still want a calm, low-light environment
- Will bring my comb again (and a straw)
- Have preferences for both types of birth and made sure my birth plan includes them
- Will have printed copies in my hospital bag (check what to pack here), and one for my partner
👉 Want a birth plan like that? Download mine here!
What Should You Include in a Birth Plan?
Your birth plan should be simple, visual, and easy for your provider to read at a glance.
Here’s what I’ve included in the printable version:
🔶 Labor Preferences:
- Environment (music, lights, visitors)
- Pain relief (natural, epidural, both?)
- Monitoring & movement options
- Induction wishes (yes/no, method)
🔶 Delivery Preferences:
- Pushing positions
- Catching baby / mirror / crowning
- Cord clamping + skin-to-skin
- Feeding plan (breast/formula)
🔶 After Birth:
- Newborn procedures
- Rooming-in vs. nursery
- Lactation support
🔶 Support Person:
- Who’ll be present
- Boundaries with students/extra people
🔶 Emergency C-section Preferences:
- Partner in room
- Skin-to-skin in OR
- General anesthesia: only if absolutely necessary
✅ Plus: extra space for notes, cultural/religious considerations, and things you don’t want.
📥 Click here to get your editable + printable birth plan
How to Use the Birth Plan Freebie
Inside the freebie, you’ll find:
- Page 1: Pre-filled options with checkboxes (for the quick & visual version)
- Page 2: Blank lines + checkboxes for custom preferences
- Page 3: Just checkboxes – ideal for quick overviews
- Page 4: Just lines – extra space for open writing
Use just one page – or all five. Totally up to you. Print or fill it out digitally. Pack it in your hospital bag and give a copy to your partner and provider.
Want to see what else I’m packing?
🎒 Here’s my full Hospital Bag Checklist
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a 5-page manifesto. You just need something simple that says: “This is what matters to me.”
My birth didn’t go as planned. But knowing I had that sheet in my bag? It gave me a strange kind of calm.
That’s what I want for you too.
So go ahead – fill it out, print it, pack it… and then let go of the rest. You’ve got this, mama. 💛
📥 Download your birth plan here
💬 Have questions? DM me on Instagram @wannabe.diary or check out related posts: