Tips From Moms

Making a birth plan is a good way to help people know what you want and need during labor and delivery. Keep in mind that it has to be a realistic plan. For some women a birth plan can be as short as 2 things, for other women it can be as long as they need it to be. The point of a birth plan is to let people know what you want and need because when in labor you might have difficulty expressing the things you want and need and there might be things that you know will bug you so be sure to include even the small things. Here is an example of a birth plan


Mothers name : 
Fathers name : 
Baby's name : 
Due date : 


*During labor & delivery :

Who do I want present during labor & delivery
-___________________ (Coach, Partner, Doula etc )

Who do I want present during labor
-____________________ ( Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister, Friend etc )

Who I would not like present during labor & delivery
- _____________________ ( Babies siblings, trouble makers etc )
  
How would you like to deal with pain? 
-________________________ ( Naturally, Epidural, Nitrous Oxide etc )

I would like to remain mobile during labor

I would like to be offered certain objects to help me with natural labor
( Birthing ball, birthing stool, music, shower etc. )

I would like the lights to remain dim

Please do not offer me an epidural, when I feel I need one I will ask

Please do not call me mom, sweetie, hun, dear etc. 

During delivery I would like my partner to stay by my head and hold my hand 


I would like a nurse and -__________to help support my legs 


I would like to see my baby's head crown 


I would like my baby placed on my chest as soon as she/he is born

I would like -_________________to cut the cord


I would like to breastfeed as soon as possible


I would like -______________to record and take pictures of my baby during her/his birth 


*If I need to have a cesarean section 


I would like my partner by my side at all times until the baby is born

I would like to have direct skin to skin contact with my baby as soon as possible

I would like to see the baby as soon as possible

I would like my partner to take pictures of my baby being pulled from my stomach 

I would like somebody in the Operating room to take pictures of my partner cutting the cord

I would like -__________ to be with the baby and take pictures when she/he is being cleaned and dressed


*After the cesarean 


As soon as I regain feeling in my legs I would like the catheter to be removed

I would like to breastfeed as soon as possible 


*After the baby is born  


I would like a private room if possible

I or my partner would like to accompany my baby during tests and at any time the baby leaves our room

I would like my baby to stay in my room at all times unless she/he needs tests etc.

Please do not bottle feed my baby as I will be breastfeeding exclusively 

Please do not give my baby a pacifier 


I would like to return home as soon as possible


I understand that it may not be possible for all of my requests to  be followed 

Signed ____________________  Date ____________

Signed ____________________  Date ____________



You should make several copies of your birth plan and go over it with your doctor. Make sure you give a copy to your partner, your doctor, the nurses, and anybody else who will be in the room with you.