Free Birth Plan Templates & Examples: Download and Customize
Access our collection of professionally designed, medically reviewed birth plan templates. Each template is customizable, printable, and designed to help you communicate your preferences clearly with your healthcare team. Download the perfect template for your birth scenario.
Table of Contents
- Choosing the Right Template
- Hospital Birth Plan Template
- Home Birth Plan Template
- Birth Center Template
- C-Section Birth Plan Template
- VBAC Birth Plan Template
- Visual Birth Plan Template
- Minimalist One-Page Template
- Comprehensive Detailed Template
- How to Customize Your Template
- Real Birth Plan Examples
- Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the Right Birth Plan Template
Selecting the appropriate birth plan template depends on several factors including your birth setting, medical history, and personal preferences. Our templates are designed to cover various scenarios while remaining flexible enough to customize for your unique situation.
Consider These Factors:
- Birth Setting: Hospital, home, or birth center
- Delivery Type: Vaginal, planned C-section, or VBAC
- Risk Level: Low-risk or high-risk pregnancy
- Personal Style: Detailed vs. concise preferences
- Healthcare Provider: Their preferred format or requirements
Each template below includes instructions for customization, suggested modifications, and tips for discussing with your healthcare team. All templates are available in multiple formats for easy editing.
Hospital Birth Plan Template
Our most popular template, designed specifically for hospital births with consideration for common hospital policies and procedures.
Template Preview:
BIRTH PLAN FOR: [Your Name]
Due Date: [Date] | Provider: [Doctor/Midwife Name] | Hospital: [Hospital Name]
LABOR PREFERENCES
- ☐ Freedom to walk and move during labor
- ☐ Intermittent fetal monitoring if low-risk
- ☐ Access to birthing ball, squat bar, or shower
- ☐ Limit cervical exams to medical necessity
- ☐ Natural rupture of membranes if possible
PAIN MANAGEMENT
- ☐ Try natural methods first (breathing, position changes, hydrotherapy)
- ☐ Open to epidural - please don't offer, I will ask
- ☐ Prefer to avoid narcotics if possible
- ☐ Interested in nitrous oxide if available
DELIVERY PREFERENCES
- ☐ Choice of pushing positions
- ☐ Avoid episiotomy unless medically necessary
- ☐ Partner to announce baby's gender
- ☐ Immediate skin-to-skin contact
- ☐ Delayed cord clamping (1-3 minutes)
POSTPARTUM & NEWBORN CARE
- ☐ Breastfeeding immediately if possible
- ☐ All procedures done in room with parents present
- ☐ Delay bath for at least 6 hours
- ☐ Room-in 24/7
IN CASE OF C-SECTION
- ☐ Partner present in OR
- ☐ Lower drape for delivery or clear drape if available
- ☐ Immediate skin-to-skin in OR if baby is stable
- ☐ Partner stays with baby if separation needed
Download This Template:
Free to download and customize. No email required.
Customization Tips for Hospital Birth Plans:
- Research your specific hospital's policies in advance
- Include preferences for both vaginal and cesarean delivery
- Be specific about visitor preferences and quiet hours
- Note any allergies or medical conditions prominently
- Consider including preferences for induction if needed
Home Birth Plan Template
Designed for planned home births with midwife attendance, including emergency transfer plans and home preparation checklists.
Template Preview:
HOME BIRTH PLAN FOR: [Your Name]
Due Date: [Date] | Midwife: [Name] | Backup Hospital: [Name]
BIRTH ENVIRONMENT
- ☐ Birth location: [Master bedroom/living room/birth pool location]
- ☐ Lighting: [Dim lights/candles/natural light]
- ☐ Music: [Playlist prepared/silence preferred]
- ☐ Aromatherapy: [Essential oils if desired]
- ☐ Photography/video preferences
SUPPORT TEAM
- Primary support: [Partner name]
- Additional attendants: [Names and roles]
- Children present: [Yes/No, care arrangements]
- Doula: [Name if applicable]
LABOR MANAGEMENT
- ☐ Freedom of movement throughout labor
- ☐ Water birth if progressing well
- ☐ Natural pain management techniques only
- ☐ Minimal vaginal exams
- ☐ Eating and drinking as desired
EMERGENCY TRANSFER PLAN
- Hospital: [Name and address]
- Distance/time: [X miles/minutes]
- Transportation: [Personal vehicle/ambulance]
- Hospital bag location: [Prepared and ready]
- Childcare backup: [Contact information]
Download This Template:
Home Birth Specific Considerations:
- Include detailed emergency transfer protocols
- List all support team members and their roles
- Specify preferences for placenta handling
- Note any specific cultural or spiritual practices
- Include postpartum care arrangements
Birth Center Plan Template
Tailored for freestanding birth centers, balancing natural birth preferences with facility protocols.
Key Features of Birth Center Template:
- Emphasis on natural pain management options
- Water birth preferences if available
- Minimal intervention approach
- Transfer protocols to partner hospital
- Postpartum discharge planning
Download Birth Center Template:
Planned C-Section Birth Plan Template
For scheduled cesarean deliveries, focusing on creating a calm, family-centered surgical experience.
Template Highlights:
BEFORE SURGERY
- ☐ Partner to be present for spinal/epidural placement
- ☐ Music playlist in OR if permitted
- ☐ Anti-nausea medication prophylactically
DURING DELIVERY
- ☐ Clear drape or lowered drape at moment of birth
- ☐ Immediate skin-to-skin if baby is stable
- ☐ Partner to announce gender
- ☐ Delayed cord clamping if possible
RECOVERY
- ☐ Baby stays with parents in recovery
- ☐ Initiate breastfeeding ASAP
- ☐ Limit visitors initially
- ☐ Pain management preferences
Download C-Section Template:
VBAC Birth Plan Template
For those attempting vaginal birth after cesarean, addressing both VBAC success and repeat cesarean scenarios.
VBAC Template Features:
- Continuous monitoring preferences
- Pain management options considering VBAC
- Preferences if repeat cesarean becomes necessary
- Special considerations for uterine rupture risk
- Success celebration preferences
Download VBAC Template:
Visual Birth Plan Template
Icon-based birth plan perfect for quick reference during labor. Uses pictures and symbols to communicate preferences clearly.
Visual Template Benefits:
- Easy to scan quickly during labor
- Overcomes language barriers
- Clear icons for common preferences
- Color-coded sections for organization
- Fits on one page for convenience
Example Icons:
- 💊 = Open to pain medication
- 🚫💊 = Prefer no medication
- 👶 = Immediate skin-to-skin
- ✂️ = Partner cuts cord
- 📸 = Photography welcome
Download Visual Template:
Minimalist One-Page Template
A concise, single-page format focusing only on your most important preferences. Perfect for those who want to keep it simple.
Minimalist Template Structure:
BIRTH PREFERENCES - [Your Name]
MY TOP 3 PRIORITIES:
- _________________________________
- _________________________________
- _________________________________
PAIN MANAGEMENT:
First choice: _____________ Open to epidural: Yes/No
DELIVERY:
Immediate skin-to-skin: Yes/No | Delayed cord clamping: Yes/No
IF C-SECTION NEEDED:
Partner present: Yes/No | See baby immediately: Yes/No
Download Minimalist Template:
Comprehensive Detailed Template
Our most thorough template covering every aspect of labor, delivery, and postpartum care. Ideal for first-time parents or those wanting to consider all options.
Comprehensive Template Sections:
- Pre-labor: Induction preferences, membrane sweeping
- Early Labor: When to come to hospital, admission procedures
- Active Labor: Detailed pain management, positioning, support
- Transition: Coaching preferences, comfort measures
- Pushing: Positions, directed vs. spontaneous
- Delivery: Episiotomy, instruments, cord management
- Third Stage: Placenta delivery, immediate postpartum
- Newborn: All procedures, feeding, circumcision
- Recovery: Room preferences, visitor policy
- Contingencies: C-section, NICU, complications
Download Comprehensive Template:
How to Customize Your Template
Step-by-Step Customization Guide:
1. Choose Your Base Template
Select the template that best matches your birth setting and general approach. You can always combine elements from multiple templates.
2. Review Each Section
Go through each section carefully, considering your preferences for each item. Delete items that don't apply to your situation.
3. Add Personal Information
- Your full name and partner's name
- Due date and healthcare provider information
- Important medical information or allergies
- Emergency contact information
4. Prioritize Your Preferences
Mark your most important preferences with stars or highlight them. Consider using a numbering system (1 = most important).
5. Personalize the Language
Adjust the wording to match your communication style. Some prefer formal language, others conversational.
6. Add Specific Details
- Names of specific support people
- Particular music playlists or aromatherapy preferences
- Cultural or religious practices
- Specific brand preferences for formula if needed
7. Include Contingency Plans
Even if planning a natural birth, include preferences for epidural or C-section scenarios.
8. Format for Readability
- Use clear headers and sections
- Keep to 1-2 pages if possible
- Use bullet points for easy scanning
- Consider larger font for easier reading during labor
Common Customization Mistakes to Avoid:
- Being too rigid: Always include flexibility language
- Forgetting partner preferences: Include their role and needs
- Using medical terms incorrectly: When in doubt, use plain language
- Not updating: Review and revise as your due date approaches
- Ignoring facility limitations: Ensure preferences align with available options
Real Birth Plan Examples
Here are excerpts from actual birth plans (shared with permission) showing different approaches and styles:
Example 1: First-Time Mom, Hospital Birth
"Dear Labor & Delivery Team,
Thank you for helping us welcome our first baby! We're excited and a bit nervous. Our main goals are a healthy baby and mom, and we trust your expertise while hoping to have input in our care.
Our top priorities:
- Immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth
- My husband to cut the cord after it stops pulsing
- Try natural pain management first, open to epidural if needed
We understand plans may change and appreciate your support!"
Example 2: Experienced Mom, VBAC Attempt
"Birth Preferences for Sarah Johnson - VBAC Attempt
Previous cesarean in 2021 due to failure to progress. Hoping for vaginal delivery this time but prepared for repeat cesarean if needed.
During VBAC attempt:
- Continuous monitoring is understood and accepted
- Would like to remain mobile with wireless monitors if available
- Prefer to avoid Pitocin unless absolutely necessary
- Epidural on standby but want to try without first
If repeat cesarean needed:
"
- Please explain what's happening
- Husband present throughout
- Baby to chest ASAP
Example 3: Planned Home Birth
"Home Birth Plan - Maria & David Rodriguez
Midwife: Jane Smith, CNM | Backup: Regional Medical Center (10 minutes)
Environment: Birthing pool set up in master bedroom, essential oils (lavender), dim lighting, birth playlist ready
Support team: David (husband), Mom (Teresa), Midwife Jane, Birth photographer (arrival at transition)
Transfer plan: Hospital bag packed, car ready, David drives unless ambulance needed. Mom stays with 3-year-old if we transfer.
Immediate postpartum: Natural third stage, save placenta for encapsulation, immediate breastfeeding, delay newborn exam for bonding time."
Frequently Asked Questions About Birth Plan Templates
Q: Which template format is best - Word, PDF, or Google Docs?
A: Word documents and Google Docs are best for customization as they're easily editable. PDFs are ideal for final versions to print and share. We recommend editing in Word/Google Docs, then saving as PDF for distribution.
Q: How many pages should my birth plan be?
A: Ideally 1-2 pages maximum. Healthcare providers are busy during labor, and concise plans are more likely to be read and followed. Use our minimalist template if you're concerned about length.
Q: Should I create multiple versions of my birth plan?
A: It's helpful to have one comprehensive version and one simplified version. Some parents also create a visual/icon version for quick reference during active labor.
Q: Can I combine elements from different templates?
A: Absolutely! Our templates are meant to be starting points. Feel free to mix and match sections that work best for your situation.
Q: When should I finalize my birth plan?
A: Aim to have a final version by 36 weeks, but remember you can always make changes. Print several copies for your hospital bag by week 37.
Q: Do I need different plans for twins or multiples?
A: Yes, multiple births often require additional considerations. Start with our hospital template and add sections for each baby's delivery preferences and potential NICU scenarios.
Creating Your Perfect Birth Plan
Remember, these templates are starting points for your unique birth plan. The best birth plan is one that reflects your personal values, medical situation, and birth setting while remaining flexible for the unexpected.
Take time to customize your chosen template thoughtfully. Discuss it with your partner, healthcare provider, and support team. The process of creating your birth plan is just as valuable as the final document – it helps you prepare mentally and emotionally for the amazing journey of bringing your baby into the world.
Whether you prefer a detailed comprehensive plan or a simple one-page summary, what matters most is that your preferences are clearly communicated and that you feel prepared and empowered for your birth experience.
Ready to Create Your Personalized Birth Plan?
Use our interactive Birth Plan Generator to create a custom birth plan tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
Create My Birth Plan