Free birth plan builderPlan your birth with confidence
Learn about your options and what the evidence shows. Create a clear one-page plan your care team can read at a glance.
Make my planMaya's Birth Plan
Maya Chen (she/her)
Due January 12, 2027 · Seattle General, Family Birth Center · Dr. Sarah Ellison
Support: Daniel (partner) · Rosa (doula)
What matters most
I want to feel like I'm the one making decisions, even if the plan changes.
Please note
- No students or observers
Labor & pushing
After birth & baby
If plans change
Birth plan basics
What is a birth plan?
A birth plan is a short document that tells your care team what matters to you during labor, birth, and the first hours with your baby. It isn't a contract. It's a way to talk through your preferences with your provider ahead of time, so your team knows them when labor starts.
What should a birth plan include?
There's no required list. Most plans touch on labor, the first hours with your baby, and what you'd want if things change, like needing a cesarean. Often the most useful part is one sentence about what matters most to you.
How long should a birth plan be?
One page is best. Nurses and doctors often have only a moment to read it, so short lines they can scan work better than paragraphs. Focus on the choices you feel strongly about. A focused plan is easier for your team to honor.
When should I share my birth plan?
Many people bring it to a prenatal visit in the third trimester to talk it through with their provider. Then print two copies: one for your bag and one for your nurse when you arrive. Your preferences can change, and you can update your plan anytime.
Created by Lumina Pelvic Health, a pelvic floor physical therapy practice in Seattle. Meet Dr. Meilin Yang
Read the guide to your options