Crafting a birth plan is a pivotal step towards achieving the birth experience you desire. As a birth doula and educator, I understand the importance of comprehensive preparation to empower women on their journey to motherhood. So I’m sharing my tips to create the ultimate birth plan for first time moms.

When I was a first time mom, I had no idea what to expect. But by educating myself and working with a supportive team, I was able to create a birth plan that helped me have important conversations throughout pregnancy and labor.

What is a Birth Plan?

A birth plan is a written list or summary of all your birth preferences. It describes what interventions, if any, you’re comfortable with, which comfort measures you want, the labor positions you’d like to use, and what you’d like to happen immediately after birth.

I LOVE that so many moms-to-be are using birth plans. BUT, the one thing I really don’t love about modern birth plans is that it’s often just a checklist that doesn’t get to the core of how a mom wants to feel supported during labor and doesn’t properly prepare a couple for flexibility, if necessary, during labor.

That’s why I created this birth plan just for you! It goes beyond the checklist and includes a guide on how to communicate your plan with your care provider and which questions you should ask. Get my Free Birth Plan & Workbook below.

No matter which birth plan template you use, there are a lot of ways to help you create the ultimate birth plan for your first baby.

Here are my essential tips to create the ultimate birth plan for first time moms:

#1 Start Your Birth Plan Early

Begin drafting your birth plan well in advance of your due date. You don’t need to wait until your third trimester. This allows ample time for research, consultations with care providers, and revisions.

#2 Do Your Research as a First Time Mom

Educate yourself about different birthing options, interventions, and potential complications. Understanding your choices enables informed decision-making during labor. One of my favorite resources for research is Evidence Based Birth.

#3 Share Your Birth Plan with Your Care Team

Collaborate with your healthcare and support team, including your obstetrician/midwife and doula, to ensure your birth plan aligns with your medical needs AND so you can be sure your team aligns with your birthing goals.

This one is MAJOR. Communicating with your team about what you expect from them is crucial to having a more positive birthing experience. As a first time mom, you may not be sure what to expect. Talking with your team will help clear up any confusion or anxieties.

Distribute copies to every single care provider you have an appointment with (as many practices include several OBGYNs or midwives who could attend your birth) and ASK QUESTIONS.

Here are some of the most important questions I think you should ask:

“Do you support my birth values?”

“Does the hospital have any policies that would prevent me from doing X?”

“How do you support birthing moms who want (fill in desire here)?”

“How will you help me accomplish the birth I desire?”

“If a complication occurs, how will you communicate that to me and what will my options be?”

“Do you have any questions about my birth plan?”

“Do I have any health conditions or worries that prevent me from doing x, y, and z?”

#4 Consider Contingencies

Learn about and speak with your care provider about potential complications. Discuss your options and outline which alternative interventions you are comfortable with should any unexpected twists occur during labor. This way, should your labor veer from the plan, you won’t be blindsided. You’ll feel confident in what to do next.

For example, what can you do to help labor progress if things slow down? You’ll already know the answer!

#5 Review and Revise Your Birth Plan

Regularly review and update your birth plan as your pregnancy progresses. Stay informed about any changes in your health status and adjust your plan accordingly. As a first time mom, you may end up revising your birth plan several times.

SUMMARY

Here you have it! My tips for creating the ultimate birth plan for first time moms. Remember, the birth plan does not guarantee that labor will go according to plan. It takes a lot more time and investment to preparing for labor.

Birth isn’t a test. There are many ways to bring your baby into this world. What’s most important to me is that you feel safe, supported, and in control.  So no matter how you choose to give birth, just know that that’s the right way for you.