Birth Plans: Adjusting Your Preferences as You Approach Labor

Creating a birth plan is one of the most empowering steps you can take during pregnancy. But what makes a birth plan truly powerful isn’t just the document itself—it’s the research, effort, and thought you put into making it. A birth plan helps you understand your options, communicate your preferences, and feel confident as you navigate childbirth. However, it’s important to remember that flexibility is key. As you learn more or circumstances change, revisiting and adjusting your birth plan can ensure it remains aligned with your goals.

Start Early, Revise Often

The best time to start your birth plan is early in your pregnancy. Beginning early allows you to take your time researching and learning about different aspects of childbirth, from pain management techniques to postpartum care preferences.

As you approach your due date, your preferences might shift based on new information or evolving feelings about birth. For example, you might initially prefer a home birth but later decide that a birthing center feels like a better fit. Revisiting your birth plan periodically ensures it reflects your current needs and goals.

Focus on What Matters

While it might be tempting to include every preference, keeping your birth plan concise is crucial. Focus on the key points that require communication with your care team. Things like your preference for intermittent fetal monitoring, your stance on medical interventions, and how you’d like your baby to be cared for immediately after birth should take priority.

Private choices—such as wearing your own clothes or eating during labor—don’t need to be on your birth plan. These are personal decisions that don’t typically require approval or coordination from your care team. By focusing on the essential aspects, you’ll make it easier for your team to understand and honor your wishes.

Keep It Simple

A one-page birth plan is ideal. Use clear, easy-to-read language and break the information into blocks or bullet points. This format makes it more likely that your care providers will review and remember your preferences. Consider dividing your plan into sections such as “Labor Preferences,” “Delivery Preferences,” and “Newborn Care” to organize the information effectively.

The Value of the Process

Remember, the true benefit of a birth plan lies in the process of creating it. As you research and think through your preferences, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your options. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions, even if your plan changes during labor. Flexibility doesn’t mean you’re giving up control—it means you’re prepared to navigate the unpredictability of birth with confidence.

Conclusion

Your birth plan is a tool, not a script. By starting early, revisiting your preferences, and keeping your plan simple and focused, you’ll create a document that supports your ideal birth experience while allowing for flexibility. Most importantly, the effort you put into crafting your plan will leave you feeling empowered, informed, and ready to welcome your baby.

If you need help putting the perfect plan together, I offer a birth plan builder session. In this 3-hour session, we review birth topics and your labor choices. I add all of this to a plan template and by the end, you have a birth plan ready to hand to your birth team. CLICK HERE to check out my Birth Plan Builder today and reserve your session!