How To Create Your Birth Preference Sheet

Maximize your childbirth outcome with these suggestions for an effective birth plan.

A simple birth plan is important for several reasons. First, it serves as a clear communication tool between expectant parents and healthcare providers, outlining preferences for labor and delivery. This helps ensure that the parents' needs and desires are taken into account during the birthing process.

Second, having a birth plan can reduce anxiety for parents. It encourages them to consider various options, from pain management to post-delivery care, fostering an informed decision-making process. A birth plan aims to enhance health results by focusing on you during labor and delivery.

To work effectively, your care providers need to read your birth plan, so keep it short and sweet. Use the following tips to tailor your preferences when creating your birth plan:

  • Keep it brief. List only what’s most important to you. You can refuse any intervention when it is offered - just ask for the Against Medical Advice Waiver.

  • Make it easy to read. Avoid small fonts. Use bullet points and leave some white space.

  • Present it with food/gifts. Nurses work long hours and appreciate snacks. Consider building a small basket or gift bag of reasonably healthy snacks, such as cookies, fruit, crackers, cheese, nuts, etc. Chocolate is always a nice addition. Bring an additional basket for the postpartum nurses, too.

  • Make it relevant. The nurses don’t need to know that you plan to labor at home for as long as possible, or that you’ll delay newborn procedures until you’ve left the hospital - simply note whether you accept or decline medications and procedures.

  • Solicit help. Most doctors and nurses are in the health profession because they want to help; however, because they are in the medical profession, many haven’t witnessed an unmedicated birth. They may truly believe that routine interventions such as an epidural, episiotomy, I.V., catheter, etc. are all helpful to a birthing person. Asking for their help in avoiding such interventions may provide a different perspective.

  • Keep it positive and simple. Try to avoid the words and phrases that include no or don’t.


Finally, a straightforward birth plan can facilitate smoother interactions among the care team. Laying out key preferences clearly helps avoid misunderstandings and allows for better alignment with the medical staff's protocols. While flexibility is essential, a simple birth plan can be a valuable tool for supporting a positive childbirth experience.

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