As an expectant parent, the journey towards childbirth is both exciting and full of unknowns. You may find yourself wondering how to best prepare for the transformative experience ahead. One invaluable tool to navigate this path is by crafting a birth plan. In this blog, we'll delve into the purpose and power behind a birth plan, step-by-step guidance on how to write one, and the significance of making informed choices for your birthing experience. In my years as a doula and birth photographer, writing a birth plan has been one of the most important keys to success for the families I support. And writing this plan is not about predicting the future or detailing a rigid list without understanding the unpredictable nature of birth. In contrast, my passion lies in empowering families to make evidence-based decisions and this starts with knowing their options and identifying what’s truly right for them.

Why the “going with the flow” plan doesn’t always work…

I’ve met many families who approach the birthing experience with the intention of "going with the flow" or “I’ll decide when I get to the hospital.” While this outlook is often well-intentioned and meant to allow for expectations and hopes to change, it can inadvertently expose them to potential birth trauma and a sense of losing control during this pivotal transformation. The unpredictability inherent in childbirth can lead to feelings of unpreparedness and fear, especially when unexpected situations arise. But just because birth is unpredictable doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to feel empowered and prepared.

As a doula and birth supporter of hundreds of births I have found that when families embark on this journey with a well-thought-out birth plan, they equip themselves with a powerful tool. This plan becomes a roadmap, a guiding light, and a source of empowerment. It provides a clear framework, allowing individuals to make informed decisions aligned with their vision for this monumental event. Additionally, a birth plan fosters a vital connection between families and their healthcare providers. It ensures that everyone involved shares a common understanding of desires and preferences, creating a collaborative environment based on trust and mutual respect. Armed with a birth plan, families are empowered to ask questions, seek clarification, and advocate for their choices, dispelling any lingering fears of the unknown. When families feel in alignment with a plan, their care provider, and feel supported then when changes arise they are more able to adjust and accept rather than feeling rail-roaded or misled.

What is a Birth Plan?

So, let’s start with the basics: What is a Birth Plan? A birth plan is essentially a written expression of one’s hopes and preferences for the transformative journey of childbirth. It involves thoughtful decision-making, autonomous choices, and personal comforts. In many ways, the process of crafting a birth plan is even more significant than having it on hand during the birth itself. I’ve attended numerous births where the plan wasn’t necessary due to the profound alignment between the birth team and the family, the swift arrival of the baby, and the trust the family felt in those providing support. However, it’s in the act of listing, imagining, and becoming educated with a birth plan that most of these aspects become possible. Through this process, families are better equipped to communicate with their care provider, advocate for their birth experience, and assume a leadership role in their birth.

Nevertheless, there are births that encounter unpredictable changes, and it’s crucial to reiterate that a birth plan is NOT a rigid script but a guide to empowerment and connection. It can also serve as a gentle reminder of your goals or a way for your partner to understand when and how to step in to best support you. It serves on so many levels throughout the birth, which is why I feel so passionate about it being a part of every pregnancy and birth preparation process.

How to Write a Birth Plan?

Crafting a birth plan is a deeply personal and empowering process. It involves thoughtful consideration, thorough research, and clear communication. But for many of us, it’s getting started that feels the most overwhelming. So I wanted to share the 4 key parts of the process I use to support families on this journey so that you can begin writing your birth plan for your upcoming birth experience.

1. Gathering Information:

Start by understanding the birth process. There are many books that can give a detailed and thoughtful look at birth, and your options, and help paint a picture of the experience to come so you can feel prepared and understand common decisions that may arise along the way.

Then be sure to learn all about your chosen birthing environment. Whether it’s a specific hospital, birthing center, or home, understanding their standard procedures is crucial. Not all hospitals have the same routine and not all home birth midwives follow the same plan. So it’s important to learn from them or your own research about what you can expect. If you have a doula, this is a great place to lean on their expertise. Their local knowledge can provide invaluable insights into birthing options. If you haven’t yet connected with a doula or don’t have it in your budget, consider booking a birth planning session. Many experienced doulas offer this as a way to guide you through the process so you feel equipped and ready to enter the birth space of your choice with some real insight.

2. Identifying Your Birth Preferences:

Delve into what truly matters to you during birth and what will help you feel empowered during the experience. Not all birthing people have to choose an unmedicated birth in order to feel empowered, birth planning is about understanding yourself and your goals as much as anything. Reflect on the information you’ve gathered about the birth process, other’s experiences at your chosen birth location, insights gathered from a local doula, and above all trust your instincts. If having your favorite quilt with you or The Beatles playing loudly would help then add that to the birth plan. There is nothing too big or too small for your plan.

Consider creating three distinct birth plans: your ideal birth plan, an induction plan, and a cesarean plan. While it might seem extensive, this approach helps alleviate fears surrounding the unknown. It ensures that you are well-prepared for any potential shifts in your birthing experience. it also allows you to consider contingencies without complicating your dream birth plan.

3. Writing the Plan:

Choose a format that resonates with you. It could be a simplified visual guide or a detailed written document. What matters most is clarity, conciseness, and readability. Your plan should be a straightforward yet comprehensive reflection of your desires from early labor through to postpartum.

4. Sharing Your Plan:

Open and clear communication is paramount. Ensure that every member of your birth team is well-acquainted with your plan. Schedule a dedicated session with your care provider to review your preferences. Confirm that they are aligned with your wishes and address any questions or concerns that may arise. Empower your partner and doula with a thorough understanding of the plan, so they can advocate for you effectively if the need arises. Finally, make copies and bring them with you to your birthing location. Having one for yourself, one for your partner or support team, and one for the hospital or birthing center staff ensures that everyone involved is well-informed and prepared to support you in achieving your ideal birth experience.

For My Birth Doula Families…

Being a doula and birth support is my first goal when I am hired as a birth doula. My commitment to my doula family goes beyond just being present at the birth. I offer a comprehensive and personalized approach to the birth planning process, ensuring that every step is taken with careful consideration and empowerment. All the steps of understanding the value of a birth plan and writing one we handle together in a personalized and intentional way.

Starting with a Complimentary Access to Motherboard Birth

To streamline and enrich the birth planning experience, my doula families receive complimentary access to Motherboard Birth, an interactive software program that allows you to research, select, and share birth preferences with your care team in real-time, on any device. This evidence-based resource is thoughtfully designed to simplify the process and provide valuable insights tailored to your unique journey. It is a wealth of knowledge for the birth process and what to expect birthing in any circumstance. I encourage families to really dig deep and bring their questions as they arise. To aid you in the information-gathering phase, I also send curated podcasts and book recommendations that I think could inspire and support you in your birth goals.

First Prenatal Session (Anytime between booking and 34 weeks):

During our initial prenatal session, scheduled at a convenient time for you within the first 34 weeks of your pregnancy, we delve into crucial topics. Birth education, family bonding and boundary setting, how to set yourself up for success in the postpartum period, and so much more. One of the key discussions revolves around the concept of Informed Consent. This vital aspect empowers you to make decisions that resonate with your unique needs and desires. Together, we explore what Informed Consent means to you and how it manifests in the birth space. Remember, in every aspect of your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period, you hold the authority to make choices that align with your family's vision. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and I am here to support you in navigating this individualized path. Your comfort and confidence in your birth team's support of your choices is of paramount importance which is why communication and going over these topics over a cup of tea and in person is so valuable.

Second Prenatal Session (Sometime between 34 weeks and 36 weeks):

As you approach the final stages of your pregnancy, typically between 34 and 36 weeks, we meet again for our second prenatal session. This is a pivotal moment in our journey together. We'll create the foundation of your birth plan, ensuring that it encapsulates your desires and priorities for this transformative experience. This is so close to your due date so that our connection and alignment can feel fresh for whenever the baby decides to arrive. We are also in communication as much as needed/desired the entire time between and after.

With me by your side,

You can expect dedicated support, informed guidance, and a steadfast advocate for your choices throughout your birth planning process and throughout your birthing experience. Together, we will pave the way for an empowered and transformative birth experience that aligns with your unique vision for this momentous occasion. I will support you and your partner along the way so you both feel ready and prepared.

““I just wanted to make sure you knew how much your support through everything meant to me. You were such an amazing soundboard for everything and helped to keep me grounded. I felt so supported and cared for. It also just made my heart so happy to watch how you supported my partner. You made sure that they were just as cared for as I was and that just made me so unbelievably happy. There will never be an adequate way to thank you for the space you held and the support that you showed us. I know it’s technically your ‘job’, but never once did it feel like we were a requirement or a burden. It truly felt like you were 100% invested in us as humans and that just makes all the difference.”

— Recent client love, Natalie B. (2023)

As you embark on the profound journey of birth, it's crucial to recognize the immense power you hold in shaping your own experience. Crafting a birth plan is more than a document; it's a declaration of your hopes, preferences, and deepest desires for this transformative event. It provides a guiding light, ensuring that your voice resounds throughout the birthing process, and that you are the guide for others to follow.

Embracing the creation of a birth plan is a significant stride towards an empowered and well-informed birth. It signifies your dedication to being an active participant in your birth transformation. Through this process, you not only gain clarity in your wishes but also foster open communication with your birth team, fortifying the foundation of trust and understanding.

For expecting parents seeking further guidance and support on this transformative journey, I invite you to join my vibrant community on social media. There, you'll find a wealth of educational posts on lots of the topics you should consider in your birth plan, heartfelt insights from my years in the birth space, and a network of individuals who have walked this path before you and have learned from their choices.