By now you’ve gotten some of the fun things done in preparation for you baby’s arrival – the registry, the searching of names, the nursery colors picked out…
Now it’s time to get down to the technical side of birth.
You’ve probably found this blog post because you downloaded my free template: Birth Bag Checklist and Birth Plan Freebie. (If not, go for that link and grab the good stuff!)
While the Birth Bag Checklist is pretty easy to understand, if you’re a first time mom (or a second time mom trying to do things differently), working through the birth plan may be a little overwhelming.
It’s ok. I’m here to help! Let me walk you step-by-step.

First, let’s start with the first line – Birth Plan for ______. This is where your name goes! You’re the star of the day, mama. 😉

The next block is pretty self-explainatory: who’s there supporting you, who’s your doctor or midwife, your EDD (estimated due date) and where you plan to give birth. Additionally any special notes that your provider/nurses/doulas may need to be reminded of.


Now let’s get into labor preferences. I’m including some general explanations of what each option are, however, please be sure to talk to your healthcare provider for more information and what their policies are.
Here we are talking about what your goal for labor is. First off what type of delivery you want:

Vaginal birth is usually safer and healthier than a C-section, but a C-section is sometimes necessary.
While there are a lot of factors that go into what type of delivery you plan on and what actually happens, it’s important to talk what both of these look like with your provider.
Induction methods and meaning:

- Walking: Walking late in your pregnancy is beneficial to keep any anxiety at bay, help you sleep and it may help induce labor.
- Acupuncture: Working with a professional, a few acupuncture treatments may help with the onset of labor.
- Balloon catheter: A balloon catheter, or a Foley Bulb Induction, is a method where care providers insert a catheter-like device in your cervix and into your uterus. The balloon is then filled with saline to enlarge and to encourage your cervix to dilate. Once your cervix dilates some, the catheter will fall out and the hope is for labor to start within the next 12-24 hours.
- Membrane stripping: Membrane stripping is when your provider uses a gloved finger to sweep the outside of your amniotic sake and your uterus to help your body release prostaglandins in your body to start contractions.
- Pitocin: Pitocin is a synthetic hormone that’s used to induce labor by stimulating uterine contractions. It’s given intravenously (IV) in increasing doses until labor progresses.
- Amniotomy: Amniotomy is a procedure that involves intentionally breaking the amniotic sac to induce labor. It’s also known as artificial rupture of membranes (AROM).
- Prostaglandin: Prostaglandins are medications that can induce labor by ripening the cervix and causing uterine contractions.
IV Options and meaning:

- IV: An IV is used to consistently give your body the flow of fluids.
- Saline lock: A saline lock is similar to and IV, but is capped off for non-continuous flow (typically allowing you to move around easier in labor).
- None: Having no IV is completely normal in low-risk pregnancies; the one item to remember is to stay hydrated orally during labor and postpartum.
Pain Management and meaning:

- Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is just a fancy word for “get in the tub” (or shower). Many women can find pain relief during labor by getting into a warm tub or having a hot shower run over their body.
- Massage: Massage by your partner, doula or other support person can absolutely help easy the pain of contractions.
- Counterpressure: Similar to massage, this is a pain management technique where a partner or healthcare provider applies steady pressure to a specific area of the laboring person’s body, usually on the lower back or hips, during contractions, to help alleviate pain and discomfort.
- Breathing techniques: Breathing during labor is a MUST. But how? There are many methods that teach techniques. There are so many birth prep classes that are helpful in knowing what method works for you. Here are a few of my favorite recommendations:
MomRN Birth Services, Tamara is a birth educator and doula with a bonus experience of being a registered nurse, so she knows both roles of helping moms through labor and delivery.
Simple Birth, Cacey and Miranda are both birth educators and doulas.
Miller Birth Services – Jennifer is a birth educator and doula, specializing in hypnobirthing.
- Epidural: An epidural is a type of anesthesia that involves injecting a numbing medicine into the lower back to relieve pain during labor. It’s the most common and effective pain medication used during labor and delivery.
- Opiods: Opioids are strong painkillers that can be used to relieve pain during labor. They can be injected into a muscle or given intravenously.
Laboring Tools and meaning:

All of the items below are great tools to have during labor and luckily, most hospital and birth centers provide all of them! If you are birthing at home, these items are available to purchase or your midwife may have access to options for you as well.
- Birthing ball: Sitting on a birthing ball can help open the pelvis, reduce back pain and encourage relaxation.
- Squat bar: A squat bar uses gravity to help baby descend more easily.
- Peanut ball: A peanut ball is a great tool for use for side-lying and reclining positions.
- Stool or chair: Using a stool or chair encourages your pelvis to stay open and aligned.
Delivery room atmosphere and meaning:

- Dim lights: If you’re a fan of a peaceful, low key environment, dim lights may be what you prefer during your labor.
- Music: Creating a playlist the you know you’ll enjoy during labor is a great way to prepare for baby.
- Aromatherapy: Diffusers are used with your favorite therapeutic scent is a great way to involve more of your senses and keep your anxiety down.
- Free movement: Being free to move – whether that is in your room, down the halls, outside – helps your body progress and helps your mental well being during labor.
- Bright lights: Maybe you’re a fan of a sunny day – bright lights are more your vibe!
- Quiet voices: While no one should be loud, if you have a sensitivity to noise, you may consider letting your birth team know that you prefer minimal talking and whispers during labor.
- Clear liquids to drink: It’s important to stay hydrated during labor, especially if you are not planning to have an IV.
Fetal monitoring types and meaning:

- Continuous: This method involves constant monitoring. Some benefits are that you can continually see what baby’s heart rate is going. However, it can limit your ability to move around during labor and can lead to higher rates of intervention.
- Intermittent: This method involves checking baby’s heart rate periodically, typically with a handheld Doppler. This allows more freedom to move around and generally less intervention.
Photography/Videography:

Having a photographer at your birth may be something you want; maybe not! Think about this day like your wedding day – you’re not going to want to forget these important memories.
And of course, here’s where I plug my services. 😉 If you’d like to know more about what it looks like for me to be on call and document your birth – let’s chat! I promise there’s no pressure to book.
Medical Students allowed:

Some hospitals and centers will have medical students/shadows that will want to observe as much as they can. It’s up to you if you feel comfortable with an additional person in the room.

Overwhelmed yet? I know it’s a lot! But these decisions make for a well educated labor and delivery experience.
And this is why I’ve broken this blog into two parts. 🙂 I’ll see you on the next blog post to explain the rest of the birth plan!
Looking to document your maternity, birth or newborn? Come get to know me and see how my services can ensure you get all you want from your birth.
Birth Plan Disclaimer
The birth plan template and details discussed in this blog post are intended for informational purposes only and are designed for individuals with low-risk pregnancies. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I am not a medical professional, and this document should not be used as a standalone guide for labor and delivery decisions.
It is important to discuss your birth plan, preferences, and any concerns with your healthcare provider or midwife. They are best equipped to provide personalized recommendations based on your unique medical history, pregnancy, and labor circumstances.
Please note that while this document and blog post can help facilitate communication and support your preferences, birth is unpredictable, and flexibility is key to ensuring the safest outcome for both you and your baby.
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