Birth Plan Template: A Complete Guide for Expecting Parents

Quick take: A birth plan template is a simple, customizable tool that helps you communicate your labor and delivery preferences to your healthcare team—without needing to write everything from scratch. It’s not a rigid contract, but a clear, one-page guide covering pain management, delivery methods, newborn care, and more. Most hospitals don’t require one, but having one can help you feel more prepared and heard. Below, you’ll find free, downloadable templates for hospital births, home births, C-sections, water births, and more—plus step-by-step guidance on how to fill them out, discuss them with your provider, and stay flexible when plans change.

It’s 2 a.m., and you’re 36 weeks pregnant. The nursery is painted, the car seat is installed, and your hospital bag is packed—except for one thing: your birth plan. You’ve heard it’s important, but the idea of writing one feels overwhelming. What if you forget something? What if the hospital ignores it? What if your labor doesn’t go as planned?

Here’s the truth: a birth plan isn’t about controlling every detail of your delivery. It’s about clarifying your priorities, starting conversations with your care team, and feeling more confident as you approach labor. And the good news? You don’t have to start from scratch. A birth plan template gives you a simple, structured way to organize your preferences—whether you’re planning a natural birth, a C-section, or a water birth at home.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: what to include, how to customize it for your birth setting, where to find free templates, and how to talk about it with your doctor or midwife. We’ll also share real examples, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for staying flexible when labor takes an unexpected turn. By the end, you’ll have a clear, one-page plan that reflects your wishes—and the peace of mind that comes with being prepared.

What Is a Birth Plan Template (and Why Do You Need One)?

Let’s start with the basics: a birth plan is a written document that outlines your preferences for labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum care. It covers everything from pain management to who cuts the umbilical cord. A birth plan template, on the other hand, is a pre-made form that helps you organize those preferences without starting from a blank page. Think of it like a checklist for your ideal birth experience—one that’s easy to fill out, share, and update.

Many moms worry that a birth plan is too rigid or that hospitals won’t take it seriously. But here’s the reality: most healthcare providers appreciate a clear, concise birth plan. It helps them understand your priorities quickly, especially during shift changes or emergencies. As one labor and delivery nurse told us, “I’d rather have a one-page plan that’s easy to read than a five-page essay I don’t have time to review.”

So why use a template? Because it saves time, reduces stress, and ensures you don’t forget key details. Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, a home birth, or a C-section, a template gives you a starting point—and the flexibility to customize it to your needs.

What a Birth Plan Template Isn’t

• Not a contract. Labor is unpredictable, and your plan should be flexible. A template helps you think through your preferences, but it’s not legally binding.
• Not a test. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to fill one out. It’s about what matters to you.
• Not set in stone. You can change your mind at any time—even during labor.

Who Should Use a Birth Plan Template?

Anyone who wants to feel more prepared and in control of their birth experience. This includes:

• First-time moms who aren’t sure what to expect.
• Moms planning a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) or a high-risk pregnancy.
• Parents expecting twins or multiples.
• Couples planning a home birth or water birth.
• Anyone who wants to communicate their wishes clearly to their care team.

Even if you’re not sure what you want, a template can help you explore your options and start important conversations with your provider.

Birth Plan Template PDF Free Download (Printable and Fillable Options)

We recommend downloading a few different templates to see which one feels most intuitive to you. Some moms prefer a simple checklist, while others like a more detailed form with space for notes. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s one page or less—this makes it easier for your care team to review quickly.

Where to Find Free Birth Plan Templates

Here are some of the most trusted sources for free, downloadable birth plan templates:

How to Choose the Right Template for You

Not all birth plan templates are created equal. Here’s what to look for:

• One page or less. Shorter is better—your care team is more likely to read it.
• Clear sections. Look for templates that organize preferences into categories like labor, delivery, and postpartum care.
• Space for notes. Some templates include room for additional details or questions.
• Fillable or printable. Decide whether you want to type your answers or write them by hand.
• Specific to your birth setting. A hospital birth template won’t cover all the details of a home birth, and vice versa.

What to Do After Downloading Your Template

1. Fill it out. Take your time and think through each section. Talk to your partner, doula, or provider if you’re unsure about anything.
2. Print multiple copies. Bring one for your hospital bag, one for your provider, and one for your partner or support person.
3. Review it with your provider. Schedule a prenatal visit to go over your plan and make sure your preferences align with your hospital’s policies.
4. Keep it flexible. Remember, labor is unpredictable. Your plan is a guide, not a rulebook.

How to Write a Birth Plan Template for a Natural Birth

Planning a natural birth—one without medical interventions like epidurals, inductions, or episiotomies—means your birth plan will focus on comfort measures, movement, and minimal interventions. But even if you’re aiming for an unmedicated birth, it’s important to think through your preferences for pain management, labor positions, and what to do if things don’t go as planned.

Many moms who plan natural births choose to deliver in a hospital, birth center, or at home. Your birth plan template should reflect the setting you’ve chosen, as well as your personal priorities. Below, we’ll walk you through the key sections to include in a natural birth plan, along with tips for customizing it to your needs.

Key Sections to Include in a Natural Birth Plan

Every birth plan is unique, but here are the most important sections to cover if you’re planning a natural birth:

1. Labor Environment

Your labor environment can have a big impact on your comfort and progress. Think about:

• Lighting: Do you prefer dim lighting or natural light?
• Music: Do you want to bring a playlist? What kind of music helps you relax?
• Privacy: Do you want as few people in the room as possible?
• Temperature: Do you prefer a cooler or warmer room?

Example: “I prefer dim lighting and soft music during labor. Please keep the room as quiet and private as possible.”

2. Pain Management

Even if you’re planning an unmedicated birth, it’s helpful to outline your preferences for pain relief. This might include:

• Non-medical comfort measures: Massage, counterpressure, breathing techniques, hydrotherapy (shower or tub), or a birthing ball.
• Medical pain relief: If you change your mind, what are your preferences? (E.g., “I’d like to try nitrous oxide before considering an epidural.”)

Example: “I plan to use breathing techniques, massage, and hydrotherapy for pain relief. If I change my mind, I’d like to try nitrous oxide before considering other medications.”

3. Labor Positions

Movement and position changes can help labor progress and reduce discomfort. Think about:

• Preferred positions: Standing, squatting, hands-and-knees, side-lying, or using a birthing ball.
• Restrictions: Are there any positions you’d like to avoid? (E.g., flat on your back.)

Example: “I’d like to move freely during labor and try different positions. I prefer not to labor flat on my back.”

4. Delivery Preferences

This section covers your preferences for the actual birth. Consider:

• Who catches the baby: Do you want your partner, midwife, or doctor to catch the baby?
• Perineal care: Do you want warm compresses or perineal massage to reduce tearing?
• Immediate skin-to-skin: Do you want your baby placed on your chest right after birth?
• Delayed cord clamping: Do you want to wait before clamping the umbilical cord?
• Placenta delivery: Do you want to deliver the placenta naturally, or are you open to Pitocin to speed up the process?

Example: “I’d like immediate skin-to-skin contact with my baby after birth. Please delay cord clamping until it stops pulsating. I prefer to deliver the placenta naturally.”

5. Newborn Care

Your preferences for your baby’s first moments and hours are just as important as your labor preferences. Think about:

• Breastfeeding: Do you plan to breastfeed? If so, do you want help with the first latch?
• Vitamin K and eye ointment: Most hospitals administer these routinely, but you can opt out if you prefer.
• Bathing: Do you want your baby bathed right away, or would you prefer to delay it?
• Rooming-in: Do you want your baby to stay in your room at all times?

Example: “I plan to breastfeed and would like help with the first latch. Please delay the vitamin K shot and eye ointment until after the first feeding. I’d like my baby to room-in with me at all times.”

6. Contingency Plans

Even the best-laid plans can change. It’s important to think through what you’d like to happen if things don’t go as expected. Consider:

• Induction: If your labor stalls, are you open to Pitocin or other induction methods?
• C-section: If a C-section becomes necessary, do you have any preferences? (E.g., clear drape, immediate skin-to-skin in the OR.)
• NICU: If your baby needs to go to the NICU, do you want your partner to accompany them?

Example: “If induction becomes necessary, I’d like to try natural methods (like membrane sweep or nipple stimulation) before considering Pitocin. If a C-section is needed, I’d like a clear drape and immediate skin-to-skin in the OR if possible.”

Sample Natural Birth Plan Template

Here’s a simple, one-page template you can use as a starting point. Customize it to fit your preferences and birth setting.

Natural Birth Plan

Name: ________________________
Due Date: ________________________
Provider: ________________________
Birth Setting: Hospital / Birth Center / Home

Labor Environment:
- Lighting: Dim / Bright / Natural
- Music: Yes / No (Playlist: ________________________)
- Privacy: Minimal interruptions / As few people as possible

Pain Management:
- Non-medical: Breathing techniques / Massage / Hydrotherapy / Birthing ball
- Medical: Nitrous oxide / Epidural (only if I request it)

Labor Positions:
- Preferred: Standing / Squatting / Hands-and-knees / Side-lying / Birthing ball
- Avoid: Flat on back

Delivery Preferences:
- Who catches baby: Partner / Midwife / Doctor
- Perineal care: Warm compresses / Perineal massage
- Immediate skin-to-skin: Yes / No
- Delayed cord clamping: Yes (until pulsating stops) / No
- Placenta delivery: Natural / Pitocin

Newborn Care:
- Breastfeeding: Yes / No (Help with first latch: Yes / No)
- Vitamin K: Yes / No
- Eye ointment: Yes / No
- Bathing: Delay until _____ hours after birth
- Rooming-in: Yes / No

Contingency Plans:
- Induction: Natural methods first / Open to Pitocin
- C-section: Clear drape / Immediate skin-to-skin in OR
- NICU: Partner accompanies baby

Tips for Writing a Natural Birth Plan

• Keep it simple. One page is ideal. Use bullet points or short sentences to make it easy to read.
• Be specific but flexible. Outline your preferences, but leave room for changes. Labor is unpredictable!
• Share it early. Give a copy to your provider at a prenatal visit so they can address any concerns.
• Pack it in your hospital bag. Bring multiple copies—one for you, one for your partner, and one for your care team.
• Talk it through with your partner. Make sure they know your preferences and can advocate for you if needed.

What Should Be Included in a Hospital Birth Plan Template?

If you’re planning a hospital birth, your birth plan template should reflect the policies and procedures of your hospital, as well as your personal preferences. Hospitals vary in their rules about interventions, monitoring, and newborn care, so it’s important to research your hospital’s policies ahead of time. (Your provider can help with this!)

A hospital birth plan typically includes more details about medical interventions, monitoring, and postpartum care than a home birth plan. Below, we’ll walk you through the key sections to include, along with tips for customizing your plan to fit your hospital’s guidelines.

Key Sections to Include in a Hospital Birth Plan

Here’s what to cover in a hospital birth plan template:

1. Labor Preferences

This section outlines your wishes for the early stages of labor. Consider:

• Monitoring: Do you prefer continuous or intermittent fetal monitoring? (Some hospitals require continuous monitoring if you have an epidural.)
• IV fluids: Do you want a hep-lock (a small IV port in case you need fluids or medication) or a full IV?
• Food and drink: Some hospitals restrict food and drink during labor. Do you want to eat or drink if allowed?
• Movement: Do you want to walk around, use a birthing ball, or labor in a tub or shower?

Example: “I prefer intermittent fetal monitoring if possible. I’d like a hep-lock instead of a full IV. I’d like to eat and drink as allowed and move freely during labor.”

2. Pain Management

Hospitals offer a range of pain relief options. Think about:

• Non-medical: Breathing techniques, massage, hydrotherapy, or a birthing ball.
• Medical: Nitrous oxide, IV pain medication, or an epidural.
• Timing: Do you want to try non-medical methods first, or are you open to an epidural early on?

Example: “I’d like to try breathing techniques, massage, and hydrotherapy first. If I change my mind, I’d like to try nitrous oxide before considering an epidural.”

3. Delivery Preferences

This section covers your wishes for the actual birth. Consider:

• Who delivers the baby: Your OB, a midwife, or a resident?
• Episiotomy: Do you want to avoid one unless medically necessary?
• Pushing: Do you want to push spontaneously (when you feel the urge) or coached (when your provider tells you to)?
• Immediate skin-to-skin: Do you want your baby placed on your chest right after birth?
• Delayed cord clamping: Do you want to wait before clamping the umbilical cord?

Example: “I’d like my OB to deliver the baby. Please avoid an episiotomy unless medically necessary. I’d like to push spontaneously and have immediate skin-to-skin contact with my baby. Please delay cord clamping until it stops pulsating.”

4. Newborn Care

Hospitals have standard procedures for newborn care, but you can often customize them. Think about:

• Breastfeeding: Do you plan to breastfeed? If so, do you want help with the first latch?
• Vitamin K and eye ointment: These are typically given shortly after birth. Do you want them?
• Bathing: Do you want your baby bathed right away, or would you prefer to delay it?
• Rooming-in: Do you want your baby to stay in your room at all times?
• Pacifier use: Some hospitals discourage pacifiers if you’re breastfeeding. Do you want your baby to have one?

Example: “I plan to breastfeed and would like help with the first latch. Please administer the vitamin K shot and eye ointment. I’d like to delay the first bath until 24 hours after birth. I’d like my baby to room-in with me at all times.”

5. Postpartum Care

Your preferences for recovery and hospital stay are just as important as your labor preferences. Consider:

• Pain relief: Do you want medication for postpartum pain?
• Visitors: Do you want to limit visitors in the first few hours or days?
• Circumcision: If you have a boy, do you want him circumcised before discharge?
• Discharge: Do you want to leave as soon as possible, or stay the full recommended time?

Example: “I’d like medication for postpartum pain as needed. Please limit visitors in the first 24 hours. If we have a boy, we do not want him circumcised. We’d like to stay the full recommended time before discharge.”

6. Contingency Plans

Even with the best planning, labor can take unexpected turns. Think through your preferences for:

• Induction: If your labor stalls, are you open to Pitocin or other induction methods?
• Assisted delivery: If your baby needs help getting out, are you open to forceps or vacuum extraction?
• C-section: If a C-section becomes necessary, do you have any preferences? (E.g., clear drape, immediate skin-to-skin in the OR, partner present.)
• NICU: If your baby needs to go to the NICU, do you want your partner to accompany them?

Example: “If induction becomes necessary, I’d like to try natural methods first. If assisted delivery is needed, I’m open to vacuum extraction. If a C-section is necessary, I’d like a clear drape and immediate skin-to-skin in the OR if possible. If my baby needs to go to the NICU, I’d like my partner to accompany them.”

Sample Hospital Birth Plan Template

Here’s a one-page template you can customize for your hospital birth:

Hospital Birth Plan

Name: ________________________
Due Date: ________________________
Provider: ________________________
Hospital: ________________________

Labor Preferences:
- Monitoring: Intermittent / Continuous
- IV: Hep-lock / Full IV
- Food/Drink: Eat and drink as allowed / Only ice chips
- Movement: Walk around / Use birthing ball / Labor in tub/shower

Pain Management:
- Non-medical: Breathing techniques / Massage / Hydrotherapy
- Medical: Nitrous oxide / IV pain medication / Epidural (only if I request it)

Delivery Preferences:
- Who delivers: OB / Midwife / Resident
- Episiotomy: Avoid unless medically necessary
- Pushing: Spontaneous / Coached
- Immediate skin-to-skin: Yes / No
- Delayed cord clamping: Yes / No

Newborn Care:
- Breastfeeding: Yes / No (Help with first latch: Yes / No)
- Vitamin K: Yes / No
- Eye ointment: Yes / No
- Bathing: Delay until _____ hours after birth
- Rooming-in: Yes / No
- Pacifier: Yes / No

Postpartum Care:
- Pain relief: Medication as needed
- Visitors: Limit in first 24 hours / No restrictions
- Circumcision: Yes / No
- Discharge: As soon as possible / Full recommended stay

Contingency Plans:
- Induction: Natural methods first / Open to Pitocin
- Assisted delivery: Forceps / Vacuum extraction
- C-section: Clear drape / Immediate skin-to-skin in OR / Partner present
- NICU: Partner accompanies baby

Tips for Writing a Hospital Birth Plan

• Research your hospital’s policies. Some hospitals have strict rules about monitoring, interventions, and newborn care. Talk to your provider about what’s allowed.
• Keep it concise. One page is ideal. Use bullet points or short sentences to make it easy to read.
• Be specific but flexible. Outline your preferences, but leave room for changes. Labor is unpredictable!
• Share it early. Give a copy to your provider at a prenatal visit so they can address any concerns.
• Pack it in your hospital bag. Bring multiple copies—one for you, one for your partner, and one for your care team.

Birth Plan Template for Water Birth with Partner

Planning a water birth—whether at home, in a birth center, or at a hospital—can be a deeply relaxing and empowering experience. Water births are known for reducing pain, promoting relaxation, and even speeding up labor. But because they’re less common than traditional births, it’s especially important to have a clear, detailed birth plan that outlines your preferences for labor, delivery, and newborn care.

If you’re planning a water birth with your partner, your birth plan should also include their role. Will they be in the tub with you? Will they catch the baby? Will they help with pain management techniques? Below, we’ll walk you through the key sections to include in a water birth plan, along with tips for customizing it to your needs.

Key Sections to Include in a Water Birth Plan

Here’s what to cover in a water birth plan template:

1. Labor Environment

Water births are all about creating a calm, relaxing environment. Think about:

• Location: Will you labor and deliver in the same tub, or move to a different space for delivery?
• Water temperature: Do you prefer warm or slightly cooler water? (Most providers recommend keeping the water between 95–100°F.)
• Lighting: Do you prefer dim lighting or natural light?
• Music: Do you want to bring a playlist? What kind of music helps you relax?
• Privacy: Do you want as few people in the room as possible?

Example: “I’d like to labor and deliver in the same tub. Please keep the water temperature between 95–100°F. I prefer dim lighting and soft music. Please keep the room as quiet and private as possible.”

2. Partner’s Role

Your partner can play a big role in supporting you during a water birth. Think about:

• In the tub: Will your partner be in the tub with you? If so, what will they do? (E.g., hold you, provide counterpressure, or help you change positions.)
• Outside the tub: Will your partner help with pain management techniques, like massage or breathing exercises?
• Catching the baby: Do you want your partner to catch the baby?
• Advocacy: Do you want your partner to communicate with the care team on your behalf?

Example: “My partner will be in the tub with me, providing counterpressure and helping me change positions. They will also catch the baby. Please direct all questions to my partner if I’m unable to respond.”

3. Pain Management

Water births are known for their natural pain-relieving effects, but you may still want to include other comfort measures. Consider:

• Non-medical: Breathing techniques, massage, hydrotherapy, or a birthing ball.
• Medical: If you’re delivering in a hospital, are you open to nitrous oxide or other pain relief options if needed?

Example: “I plan to use the water for pain relief, along with breathing techniques and massage. If I need additional pain relief, I’m open to nitrous oxide.”

4. Labor Positions

Water births allow for a lot of freedom of movement. Think about:

• Preferred positions: Squatting, hands-and-knees, side-lying, or floating on your back.
• Restrictions: Are there any positions you’d like to avoid?

Example: “I’d like to try squatting and hands-and-knees positions in the water. I prefer not to labor flat on my back.”

5. Delivery Preferences

This section covers your preferences for the actual birth. Consider:

• Who catches the baby: Your partner, midwife, or doctor?
• Immediate skin-to-skin: Do you want your baby placed on your chest right after birth?
• Delayed cord clamping: Do you want to wait before clamping the umbilical cord?
• Placenta delivery: Do you want to deliver the placenta in the water, or move to a different space?

Example: “My partner will catch the baby. I’d like immediate skin-to-skin contact in the water. Please delay cord clamping until it stops pulsating. I’d like to deliver the placenta in the water.”

6. Newborn Care

Your preferences for your baby’s first moments are just as important as your labor preferences. Think about:

• Breastfeeding: Do you plan to breastfeed? If so, do you want help with the first latch?
• Vitamin K and eye ointment: Do you want these administered?
• Bathing: Do you want your baby bathed right away, or would you prefer to delay it?
• Rooming-in: Do you want your baby to stay with you at all times?

Example: “I plan to breastfeed and would like help with the first latch. Please administer the vitamin K shot and eye ointment. I