An Easy Birth Plan Checklist
Pregnancy is full of decisions, but your birth plan shouldn’t feel overwhelming; it should feel empowering. A birth plan checklist is simply a helpful tool to clarify your preferences for labor, delivery, and newborn care. With the right birth plan template or printable birth plan, you can feel more prepared and confident heading into the big day.
To make it easier, we've created three FREE printable birth plan templates; scroll to the bottom to get yours!
What Is a Birth Plan?
It is a written outline of how you’d like your labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum experience to go. That includes everything from how you would like the lighting in the delivery room to decisions about delayed cord clamping. This document outlines your preferences, enabling your medical team to support you accordingly.
However, it’s not a mandate; it’s a flexible document that helps guide the partnership. Even if things change (because birth can be unpredictable), it still allows everyone to stay on the same page. That’s why many moms-to-be ask: Why make a birth plan? The answer is simple: it puts your voice at the center of your birth experience.
What to Include in Your Birth Plan
Not sure what to include in a birth plan? Here’s a list of common birth plan checklist items to consider. Use the below as a jumping-off point for your own preferences. The list can be personalized and adapted to your unique situation.
Labor Preferences
Detail how you want to labor:
- Freedom to move
- Eating or drinking during labor
- Pain relief methods (epidural, nitrous oxide, breathing techniques)
- Continuous or intermittent fetal monitoring
- IV access or saline lock only
Delivery Preferences
This covers birth positions, interventions, and how you’ll bring your baby into the world:
- Birthing positions (side-lying, squatting, on all fours)
- Use of birthing tools, such as a mirror or birthing stool
- Delayed cord clamping
- Assisted birth (vacuum, forceps) protocols
Environment
Decisions around how you want the environment in your labor and delivery space to be:
- Lighting and music
- Use of aromatherapy or comfort items
- Photography or video preferences
- Who’s in the room (and who’s not)
- Voices and volume
Newborn Care
What will happen in the immediate hours after birth:
- Immediate skin-to-skin contact
- Cord blood banking
- Feeding preferences (breastfeeding, formula, donor milk)\
- Vitamin K shot and eye ointment
Emergency Preferences
In the event of an emergency, you should have a plan or guidelines in place:
- Backup plans for C-section
- Partner presence during surgery
- Preferences for unexpected interventions
Birth Plans For Different Types of Birth
Different birth settings and scenarios require different plans. Here’s how your birth plan checklist might shift depending on your delivery type.
Hospital Birth Plan Checklist
A hospital birth plan might include:
- IV access: Do you prefer a saline lock over continuous fluids
- Pain relief options: Will you opt for an epidural or try natural methods first?
- Monitoring preferences: Continuous vs intermittent fetal monitoring
- Visitor policy: Who do you want (or not want) in the room?
- Postpartum room preferences: Rooming-in, quiet hours, visitor limitations
These are key hospital birth preferences to clarify in advance.
C-Section Birth Plan Checklist
Yes, you can have a C-section birth plan template too; include things like:
- Clear surgical drape to see the baby being born (if desired)
- Immediate skin-to-skin (if medically safe)
- Partner or doula presence in the OR
- Delayed cord clamping (where possible)
- Preferences for post-op recovery and pain management
Birthing Center, Home, or Natural Birth Plan Checklist
Planning a medication-free birth? Your natural birth checklist might include:
- Declining IV fluids or an epidural
- Using a birthing tub or shower
- Laboring in multiple positions
- Delaying or declining interventions
- Using tools like a birthing ball, aromatherapy, or massage
This plan is designed to maintain your autonomy and comfort in a supportive environment.
How to Fill Out Your Birth Plan
Not sure how to write a birth plan or where to begin? Here’s a simple way to start: think about what’s most important to you and your experience. Discuss your primary concerns with your care team and use a template if needed.
Remember: you don't have to have all the answers right now, and it’s okay to change your mind.
Download Needed’s Printable Birth Plan Templates
Our free printable birth plan templates are here to help. We’ve created three templates that cover:
Each birth plan PDF includes easy-to-use checkboxes and clearly defined sections for labor, delivery, and newborn care. Fill them out ahead of time and discuss with your partner/support person and your medical care team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a birth plan checklist?
A birth plan checklist is a list of your preferences for labor, delivery, and postpartum care. It includes things like pain management, birthing positions, newborn care, and who you want in the room.
Should I bring a birth plan to the hospital?
Yes! A birth plan helps your care team understand your preferences quickly and easily. Print out a copy and pack it in your hospital bag.
Can my birth plan change during labor?
Definitely. Birth plans are flexible guides, not contracts. You can update your choices in real-time based on how things unfold, and your team will support you accordingly.
What should I include in a C-section vs a natural birth plan?
A C-section plan may include options like transparent drapes and skin-to-skin in the OR. A natural birth plan might focus on avoiding medication and using comfort tools. Both plans should include newborn care preferences and postpartum needs.
What if my provider doesn’t follow my birth plan?
That can feel frustrating, but remember: your birth plan is a tool for communication, not a contract. Discuss your plan ahead of time and ask plenty of questions so you understand what’s feasible and what might change in the event of an emergency.
How do I share my birth plan with my care team?
Discuss your birth plan with your OB-GYN or midwife around 32–36 weeks. Bring printed copies to your hospital or birth center so it’s available for nurses, support staff, and your partner.
What if I don’t want interventions like IV fluids?
That’s completely valid. You can note preferences like declining continuous IV fluids or choosing a saline lock in your birth plan. Just make sure to review those preferences with your provider beforehand.
When should I start writing my birth plan?
Most moms start around 28–32 weeks. That gives you time to explore your options, talk to your care team, and make sure your plan reflects your values and birth setting.
