Write Your Comprehensive Birth Plan & Hospital Notes: A Template for Expectant Parents

Bringing a new life into the world is a profound and exciting journey, and creating a comprehensive birth plan can help you navigate this transformative experience. A birth plan is a written document that outlines your preferences and wishes for labor, delivery, and postpartum care. 

While it's important to remain flexible, having a well-thought-out plan can empower you to make informed decisions during this special time. 

Chances are you may be feeling overwhelmed and a little baby brained already, that’s completely normal. To make this even easier for you we’ve put together a comprehensive birth plan template to give you examples and help you get started.

Step 1: Personal Information

Begin your birth plan with essential personal information. Include your full name, contact information, and the names of your birthing partner(s). Providing your due date and any additional relevant medical information, such as allergies or pre-existing conditions, ensures that your healthcare providers are well-informed.

Step 2: Labor Preferences

Labor is a unique experience for every expectant parent, and outlining your preferences can help shape a positive environment.

1. Location of Birth: Specify where you plan to give birth, whether it's a hospital, birthing center, or home. If applicable, include your preferred hospital or birthing center.
2. Labor Environment: Express your desires for the atmosphere in the birthing room. Consider factors such as lighting, music, and aromatherapy that can contribute to a comfortable environment.
3. Labor Positions: Indicate your preferred labor positions, whether you find comfort in walking, squatting, or using a birthing ball. This helps your birthing team support you effectively.
4. Pain Management: Outline your preferences for pain relief options. Whether you're considering an epidural, nitrous oxide, or natural methods like massage and hydrotherapy, clearly communicate your choices to your healthcare providers.

Step 3: Delivery Preferences

The delivery stage involves crucial decisions, and expressing your preferences ensures that your birthing team is aligned with your wishes.

1. Who Will Be Present: Specify who you want in the delivery room – your birthing partner, family members, or a doula. Discuss this with your partner to ensure you both feel supported and comfortable.
2. Interventions: State your preferences regarding medical interventions, such as episiotomy, forceps, or vacuum extraction. Open communication with your healthcare team is vital for a shared understanding.
3. Cord Clamping: Indicate whether you prefer delayed cord clamping to allow more time for blood transfer to your baby. This small but significant detail can be discussed with your healthcare provider.
4. Delivery Positions: Share your preferred positions for delivery, whether it's squatting, kneeling, or lying down. Your birthing team can better assist you when they know your preferences.
5. Cesarean Section: If applicable, outline your preferences for a cesarean birth, such as who you want present and any specific requests. Discuss this with your healthcare provider well in advance.

Step 4: Support Systems

A crucial aspect of a positive birthing experience is having a strong support system. Consider including a section in your birth plan that acknowledges the individuals who will be by your side.

1. Birthing Partner: Discuss the role of your birthing partner, whether it's your spouse, partner, or a close friend. Specify how they can provide emotional support, communicate your wishes, and assist you during labor.
2. Doula: If you choose to have a doula, outline their role in your birth plan. Doulas offer continuous emotional and physical support, and including them in your plan ensures everyone is on the same page.
3. Additional Support: Consider any other support individuals you may want present during labor and delivery. This could include family members, close friends, or a trusted healthcare advocate.

Step 5: Postpartum Preferences

The postpartum period is a time of adjustment, and outlining your preferences can help facilitate a smooth transition.

1. Immediate Postpartum: Specify your preferences for skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, and any special requests during the first moments after birth. Communicate these desires with your healthcare team.
2. Feeding Preferences: Outline your plans for breastfeeding or formula feeding. If you have specific requests regarding lactation support, include them in your birth plan.
3. Rooming-In: Indicate whether you prefer your baby to stay with you in the room or if you'd like some time for rest. Open communication with the hospital staff can help accommodate your preferences.
4. Circumcision: If applicable, express your preferences regarding circumcision and any specific instructions. Discuss this with your healthcare provider during prenatal appointments.

Step 6: Additional Considerations

1. Emergency Procedures: Clearly state your preferences in case of an emergency. Designate who should make decisions on your behalf and under what circumstances. Discuss this with your healthcare provider and birthing team.
2. Photography and Filming: Specify your preferences regarding capturing moments during labor, delivery, and postpartum. Communicate these wishes with your support team and the hospital staff.
3. Special Requests: Include any other specific requests or considerations that are important to you. This could range from cultural traditions to specific comfort measures.

Step  7: Aftercare Preferences

As you transition into the postpartum phase, detailing your aftercare preferences in your birth plan can help ensure a smoother recovery and a supportive environment for you and your newborn.

1. Postpartum Recovery: Outline your preferences for postpartum care, including your desired level of privacy, any specific recovery needs, and whether you have a preference for a shared or private recovery room.
2. Support for Emotional Well-being: Express your wishes for emotional support during the postpartum period. Specify if you would like information on postpartum support groups, counseling services, or other resources that can aid in the emotional aspects of recovery.
3. Visitation Policies: Clearly communicate your preferences regarding visitors during the postpartum period. Whether you want ample time for bonding with your newborn before welcoming guests or have specific visitation hours, make your preferences known to your support system and healthcare providers.
4. Lactation Support: If breastfeeding, indicate your interest in receiving lactation support and guidance. This may include meeting with a lactation consultant, attending breastfeeding classes, or having access to resources that promote successful breastfeeding.
5. Postpartum Check-ups: Discuss your preferences for postpartum check-ups with your healthcare provider. Specify how soon you would like to schedule follow-up appointments and what aspects of postpartum care are most important to you.
6. Newborn Care Education: If you're a first-time parent, consider including preferences for newborn care education. This can involve guidance on diapering, bathing, and other essential care tasks. Communicate your interest in receiving information from healthcare professionals or educational materials.
7. Meal Support: Discuss any preferences regarding meals during the postpartum period. Whether you prefer home-cooked meals, delivery services, or meal preparation tips, ensuring you have the nourishment you need is crucial for postpartum recovery.
8. Sleeping Arrangements: Outline your preferences for sleeping arrangements, both for you and your newborn. Whether you plan to room-in with your baby or have assistance with nighttime feedings, clear communication can help align expectations.

As you conclude your birth plan, the inclusion of aftercare preferences is a vital component that contributes to a positive postpartum experience. 

By communicating your needs and desires for this period of recovery, you set the stage for a supportive environment that fosters healing and bonding. Remember that flexibility is key, and the postpartum period is a time of adjustment. 

Discuss these preferences with your healthcare provider and support team to ensure everyone is aware of and can work towards providing the best possible aftercare for both you and your precious newborn.

Want further support from Doctors?  Visit us at SheFoundHealth and download the Free Birth Plan Mini-Course..