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.

Learn More


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.


home birth doulas in arizona, South Carolina, Colorado, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Washington

The Family Foundations Agency has Birth Doulas that support families at home, in birth centers, and in hospitals.

Previous
Previous

Signs of Postpartum Depletion (and What to Do About It)

Next
Next

The Benefits of Using a Doula Agency