Birth Plans: Why They Matter and What To Include
With so many things to consider, knowing what to include in your birth plan can feel like a big task to accomplish.
We’re here to help answer all of your questions about why birth plans matter and what you should include in yours. The good news is, when you work with one of our Birth Doulas, we will help you build your prefect birth plan!
Welcome!
We’re so happy you are here today. The Family Foundations Agency is a Nationwide team of Birth & Postpartum Doulas and Newborn Care Specialist. We connect growing families like yours with trusted providers in your community.
Birth Plans: Why They Matter and What to Include for Your Hospital or Home Birth
A birth plan is more than just a checklist—it's a powerful communication tool between you, your birth partner, your doula, and your medical care team. Whether you're planning a hospital birth, birth center delivery, or home birth, creating a birth plan can help you clarify your preferences and feel more confident going into labor.
In this guide, we’ll break down why birth plans matter, what to include, and how to stay flexible as your birth unfolds.
Why Birth Plans Matter
When you’re in labor, it can be hard to process information quickly or communicate clearly. A birth plan gives your care team a clear snapshot of your preferences, so they can better support your values and goals—even if things change.
Here are the top reasons to create a birth plan:
1. Clear Communication — Birth plans help ensure everyone is on the same page, especially in hospital settings where shift changes are common.
2. Confidence & Empowerment — Knowing your options ahead of time helps you feel more in control and reduces fear or uncertainty during labor.
3. Better Support — Your doula and partner can use your plan as a guide for how to advocate for you and meet your emotional and physical needs.
4. Flexibility with Intention — No plan can predict exactly how birth will unfold. A great birth plan keeps space for change while still honoring your core wishes.
Even in at the hospital,
you have the right to have the birth you desire. Having a birth plan can help communicate your wishes, while you focus on bringing your baby into the world.
What to Include in a Birth Plan
Keep your birth plan to one page if possible, using bullet points and clear headings. Organize it by topic so your care team can quickly find the information they need.
Labor Preferences
Preferred environment: dim lights, music, essential oils
Movement: desire to walk, use birth ball or shower
Pain relief preferences: epidural, unmedicated, nitrous oxide
Labor support tools: birth ball, peanut ball, TENS unit
If you will have a birth photographer
Delivery Preferences
Positions for pushing (squatting, side-lying, hands-and-knees)
People present during birth
Delayed cord clamping
Immediate skin-to-skin contact
Who will cut the cord
Newborn Care
Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding preferences
Delaying newborn procedures (bath, eye ointment, vitamin K)
Pacifier use
Baby stays in room (rooming in)
Will baby have a bath at the hospital / birthing center
If a Cesarean Is Needed
Will you have partner or support person present in OR, if so, who
Skin-to-skin in the operating room
Clear surgical drape if possible
Baby stays with parents if stable
Postpartum
If you have visitors, and if so, at what point
Plans for having a photographer for newborn / Fresh 48 style photos
If you wish to have support from a hospital IBCLC
Remember: A birth plan isn’t about scripting your labor—it’s about making sure your voice is part of every decision. Whether you stick to the plan or adapt in real time, what matters most is that you feel seen, supported, and safe.
The Family Foundations Agency has Birth Doulas that support families at home, in birth centers, and in hospitals.
