✨ How to Create a Birth Plan That Actually Works

Okay, so you already know I finished my first doula training while I was pregnant, right?

Because what’s a better match for new mom brain than cramming SO much info in and then trying to remember it all during labor… 🫣 Spoiler alert, having a plan actually written down would have been way more useful in the moment.

Since I don’t want you to learn that lesson the hard way, I’m going to walk you through how to make a birth plan! One that actually communicates your preferences and doesn’t get ignored when things get going. To make your planning process even easier, here’s my fully customizable Birth Plan Template with a bunch of examples you can copy + paste to craft your dream birth plan yourself.

Now let’s get into it!

✅ Keep it short and simple
Your care team is way less likely to remember your key requests if it’s all jammed into long paragraphs and multiple pages. One page should be plenty of room if you keep your plan to 10–15 points max. Focus on the things that really matter to you, not every tiny detail.

🧠 Focus on what really matters to you
The birth satisfaction rates actually drop when moms have more than 15 preferences outlined, so it’s best to find what matters most, add them to your birth plan, and keep it limited to 15 or fewer points.

📋 Break it into three sections
Think of your plan like a mini roadmap:

• Labor – labor positions, comfort measures, pain options

• Pushing – who’s helping, when you want to push, do you want to see baby crowning?

• Postpartum – skin-to-skin, feeding plan, visitors

Breaking it up this way makes it so much easier for your team to glance at and know what’s important at each stage.

🤝 Share it with your support people
A plan is only helpful if the people helping you know it exists. Make sure your partner, doula, and midwife or OB all have a copy. When everyone’s on the same page, things just flow smoother.

🖨️ Bring extra copies
Print a few copies and toss them in your hospital or birth center bag. That way your preferences are instantly visible to anyone joining in to help bring your babe earthside.

💌 Grab your free Birth Plan Template
Make planning simple and stress-free with my fully customizable Birth Plan Template, packed with examples to help you craft your dream birth plan.

📲 Follow me on Instagram for more tips
For more advice, tips, and inspiration for planning your birth and postpartum experience, follow me on Instagram @maddieleestephens and join the conversation with other new moms!