Your little adventurer will arrive in a few months, and with it, the question of childbirth becomes more concrete. To prepare as well as possible, you can create a birth plan. This document allows you to put on paper your questions about D-Day and note your wishes regarding the birth and welcoming your baby.

While it isn’t mandatory, a birth plan offers many advantages and can help you approach this very special moment with more confidence. In this article, you’ll learn more about why it can be helpful and how to write one. We’ve also prepared a sample birth plan in case you’d like some guidance.

What is a birth plan and why create one?

A birth plan (also called a birth plan) is a document that brings together all your preferences regarding labor, delivery, your baby’s care, and breastfeeding. You can express what you would like and what you’d prefer to avoid. Even the smallest details can be included: the position in which you want to give birth, an epidural, an episiotomy, background music, the presence or absence of your partner, skin-to-skin contact…

This birth preparation document has several benefits for the expectant mother:

Preparing for childbirth by being better informed

Before drafting a birth plan, it’s important to gather detailed information about childbirth. This research phase helps pregnant women better understand the options available to them, as well as possible medical procedures and their consequences. Being better informed makes it easier to anticipate the big day and take an active role in childbirth by expressing preferences—while keeping in mind that labor and delivery can always bring unexpected changes that may alter the original plan.

Projecting yourself with your partner

A birth plan is, above all, a reflection on how labor and the postpartum period might unfold. It’s a great opportunity to open a dialogue as a couple and share your concerns and wishes together. Working on it with your partner helps you both feel involved in preparing for the birth and gives you space to talk about this life-changing moment. Once you arrive at the maternity ward, your partner will be better able to step in and support you, so you can stay in your bubble.

A platform for communication between expectant parents and the medical team

The birth of your little adventurer surely brings a multitude of questions, especially if it’s your first child! A birth plan allows you to gather them in one place so you can discuss them later with a midwife, your gynecologist, or another healthcare professional. It also helps you compare your wishes with what is truly achievable . The goal is to find the best possible balance between the two, for a birth that feels true to you.

When should you start it?

There are no strict rules; you can start whenever you feel ready and have gathered enough information. For example, you can begin talking about it as early as your early prenatal care appointment with your midwife. This visit gives you the chance to discuss any questions you have about pregnancy monitoring, childbirth, and postpartum. It’s also a good opportunity to collect the initial information you need to draft your birth plan—or to build on it.

This isn’t a mandatory document. You can also share the most important information verbally when you arrive at the maternity ward. If you’ve received personalized care, as is often the case in a birth center or on a technical platform, your midwife will already be familiar with your choices. If you prefer, you can also rely on her on D-Day without preparing a written plan.

How to write a birth plan?

To prepare it, don’t hesitate to seek advice from your midwife, your doula, or the mothers in your circle. Also, learn about the maternity ward where you plan to give birth. Depending on its policies and facilities, you’ll quickly know what you can request—and what may not be possible.

In terms of format, it is recommended to submit a

An example of a birth plan

There are many templates available online that you can use for inspiration. However, avoid copying them exactly: your childbirth is unique and deeply personal, so it’s important that it reflects your personality.

Here is a suggested framework, with examples of topics to consider. You can choose the ones that matter most to you and add to the list as needed:

The work

• Would you like someone from your circle of friends or family to be with you during labor and in the delivery room? (Partner, parent, friend)

• Do you have any preferences regarding the atmosphere? Music, dim lighting, etc.

• Do you prefer continuous or intermittent monitoring so you can move around?

• Do you agree to have labor accelerated if necessary (rupture of the membranes, oxytocin injection, etc.)?

• Which methods do you prefer to better manage pain (massages, acupuncture, use of a ball, the ability to walk, take a shower or bath, etc.)?

• Do you accept an epidural ? Some maternity wards offer the option of an outpatient epidural, which is lower-dose and allows the mother to remain mobile.

• Do you have any preferences regarding vaginal examinations and how often they are performed?

Childbirth

• In which position would you like to give birth?

• Do you agree to have an episiotomy performed if necessary, or would you prefer to avoid it despite the possibility of a perineal tear?

• Do you accept the presence of students if the hospital hosts them?

• Do you have any specific requests regarding the delivery of the placenta? Would you like to see it?

Welcoming the newborn

• When would you prefer the umbilical cord to be clamped (after 1 minute, when the heartbeat stops)?

• Does your partner want to cut the cord?

• Do you want skin-to-skin contact with your baby immediately after birth? For how long?

• Would you like to share any information regarding your baby's care?

• What are your preferences for the first bath?

• Do you want to breastfeed your baby , choose mixed feeding, or feed them with a bottle?

Can a birth plan be made for a cesarean section?

A birth plan isn’t only for mothers hoping for an unmedicated birth. It can be helpful for all pregnant women, regardless of the type of delivery planned—including a scheduled cesarean section.

Mothers who plan to give birth vaginally can also include a section on cesarean birth in their plan, in case it becomes necessary during labor.

Here are some examples and clarifications you can add to a birth plan for a cesarean section:

• Do you want your partner or someone from your circle to be present in the operating room if the hospital allows it?

• Would you like the operating drape to be lowered when your baby is born so you can see them?

• Do you want your baby to be placed skin-to-skin immediately after birth?

• If this isn’t possible for you, would you like your baby to be placed skin-to-skin with your partner?

• Would you like your baby to breastfeed immediately after birth if circumstances allow?

In our article "", we tell you everything about giving birth by cesarean. By being better informed, you’ll be prepared for this possibility.

When should the birth plan be given?

While there’s no deadline, it’s recommended to submit it closer to the end of pregnancy. This gives you time to think through your choices carefully. Be sure to leave enough time after submitting the plan to discuss it again with the medical team before delivery. Once it’s ready, you can send it to your midwife or doctor so it can be added to your medical record.

Print multiple copies so you can hand one to the medical team on-site. Also give a copy to your birth partner.

Whatever happens, don’t worry. This document can be modified at any time , including during labor if you feel the need.

Will your wishes regarding childbirth be respected?

A birth plan has no legal value ; it’s more of a trust-based agreement between you and the medical team. Once your plan is submitted, some of your requests may be questioned for the following reasons:

• If the hospital or facility where you plan to give birth doesn’t have the necessary equipment.

• If your requests pose risks to your health or your baby’s health.

• Depending on emergencies and unforeseen events that may occur on the day of delivery.

A birth plan isn’t a guarantee of a perfect delivery, but it can be a valuable tool to help you prepare as well as possible. We hope these tips have helped you approach this magical moment with more confidence. Wishing you a wonderful welcome for your little adventurer!