Birth Plans

Should I create a birth plan?

The Pros, Cons, and does a birth plan matter?

If you’re expecting a baby, you’ve probably heard about birth plans. Maybe you’ve seen templates online or heard mixed opinions from friends and healthcare providers. So, are birth plans worth it? Let’s break down the pros and cons—and why, ultimately, having a birth plan is a positive step for most parents.

What Is a Birth Plan?

A birth plan is simply a document outlining your preferences for labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum care. It can include things like pain relief options, who you want in the room, preferences for interventions, and how you’d like your baby cared for after birth.

The Pros of Having a Birth Plan

First and foremost, creating a birth plan helps you get informed. It encourages you to research your options, ask questions, and think about what matters most to you. Studies have shown that developing a birth plan increases parents’ knowledge about childbirth, available interventions, and their preferences, making them more active participants in their care (Lothian, 2006).

A birth plan can help you communicate your wishes clearly, especially in the intensity of labor when it might be hard to remember details. It can also help your care providers understand what’s important to you, so they can support you better—even if things don’t go exactly as planned.

The Cons (and the Myths)

Some critics worry that birth plans can make parents inflexible or disappointed if things change. There’s also a perception among some healthcare professionals that birth plans challenge their expertise or create unrealistic expectations. However, research suggests that when birth plans are used as communication tools rather than rigid scripts, they can improve the relationship between women and their care providers.

But the truth is, a good birth plan is about flexibility. It’s not a script—it’s a guide. Birth is unpredictable, and most parents understand that. The real value is in the process: thinking through your options, voicing your preferences, and feeling empowered to advocate for yourself.

Make Informed Choices—Don’t Just Tick Boxes

One of the most important things to remember is that a birth plan should be created from a place of knowledge, not just by haphazardly picking options from a checklist. Take the time to learn about each choice—whether it’s pain relief methods, monitoring preferences, or newborn procedures. Talk to your care team, read reliable resources, and ask questions. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel about your decisions, and the more meaningful your birth plan will be. In fact, research shows that the act of creating a birth plan encourages parents to seek out information, reflect on their values, and discuss their options with healthcare providers, leading to greater knowledge and confidence (DeBaets, 2023).

A Birth Plan Is a Birth “Wish List”

In my opinion, one of the most important aspects of a birth plan is understanding that, even though we call it a “plan,” it’s more of a wish list. Labor and birth are unpredictable, and things don’t always go according to plan. The more realistic and flexible we are about this, the less disappointment we’re likely to feel if things change. Maybe we should even rename it—a “birth wish list,” “birth vision,” or “birth preferences” might better capture the spirit of what we’re trying to achieve: expressing our hopes and priorities, while staying open to the realities of birth.

Why Having a Birth Plan Is a Positive Idea

Despite the debates, the benefits of having a birth plan far outweigh the drawbacks. It’s not about controlling every moment, but about making sure your voice is heard and your choices are respected. Even if your birth takes an unexpected turn, having a plan means you’ve thought about your options and can make informed decisions in the moment. Recent research demonstrates that birth plans can improve the childbirth experience and outcomes by increasing knowledge and preparedness (Mirghafourvand et al., 2022).

Ultimately, a birth plan is a tool for connection and communication. It helps you feel seen and supported during one of life’s most vulnerable and transformative experiences. And that’s something every parent deserves.

To ensure everyone is on the same page, it’s important to set aside time around your 36th week of pregnancy to bring your birth plan to your care provider and go over it together. This allows you both to discuss your wishes, address any concerns, and establish shared expectations for your birth experience.

Bottom line: A birth plan isn’t about perfection—it’s about preparation, empowerment, and compassionate care. Take the time to understand your options, make informed choices, and remember it’s okay to think of your plan as a wish list or vision. Your preferences matter, and so does your flexibility.

A Free Birth Planning Tool for Your Audience

Please check out my birth planner—a simple, icon-based tool I’ve created for building personalized birth plans, complete with detailed explanations for each icon. Here’s a snapshot of the birth planner, with easy to use icons. Click the image below to give it a try!

References

DeBaets, A. M. (2023). From birth plan to birth partnership: Enhancing communication in childbirth. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 228(1), S872-S873. https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(22)02272-4/fulltext

Lothian, J. A. (2006). The evolution of the birth plan. Journal of Perinatal Education, 15(1), 4-7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1948092/

Mirghafourvand, M., Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi, S., Malakouti, J., & Ghanbari-Homaie, S. (2022). The effect of birth plan on childbirth experience and selected outcomes among primiparous women: A randomized controlled trial. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 22, 637. https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-022-05199-5