TL;DR: A birth plan is a written guide that communicates your preferences for labor, delivery, and the immediate postpartum period. It covers things like pain management, who’s in the room, skin-to-skin contact, and infant feeding. While birth rarely goes exactly to plan, having one helps your care team understand your priorities — and helps you feel prepared and in control.
Ready to talk through your birth preferences? Schedule a prenatal visit at Lona Sasser OB/GYN.
The Complete Birth Plan Checklist Every Expectant Mom Should Know About
Pregnancy is full of decisions — and one of the most meaningful you can make is putting together a birth plan. Not because everything will go according to it (spoiler: birth has a way of surprising you), but because the process of creating one helps you think through your priorities, ask the right questions, and walk into your delivery feeling like an informed, empowered participant in your own care.
A birth plan doesn’t need to be long or complicated. A single page is usually ideal — clear, easy to read, and simple for your care team to reference in the middle of a busy labor and delivery floor. Think of it as a conversation starter, not a contract.
At Lona Sasser Obstetrics and Gynecology, your health is our top priority. We offer an array of obstetrics services in Coral Springs, FL. To make an appointment, you can easily book online or give us a call at (954) 340-1050.
What Is a Birth Plan?
A birth plan is a written document that outlines your preferences for your labor and delivery experience. It gives your OB/GYN, nurses, and hospital staff a quick reference for what matters most to you — from how you want to manage pain to what you’d like to happen immediately after your baby is born.
Most OB/GYNs recommend discussing your birth plan during a prenatal appointment in the third trimester so your care team is familiar with your wishes before you arrive at the hospital. According to ACOG, open communication with your provider is one of the most important factors in a positive birth experience.
Birth Plan Checklist: What to Include
Use the sections below to think through each stage of your birth experience. You don’t have to have a strong preference about everything — it’s perfectly okay to write “I trust my care team’s judgment” for items you’re flexible on.
Labor Preferences
- Who do you want to be present during labor? (partner, doula, family members)
- Do you want to be able to move around freely, or do you prefer to stay in bed?
- Are you open to continuous fetal monitoring, or would you prefer intermittent monitoring if your risk level allows?
- Do you want IV access routinely, or only if medically necessary?
- Would you like the option of laboring in a tub or shower?
- Do you have preferences around music, lighting, or the number of people in the room?
Pain Management
This is often the section expectant parents spend the most time thinking about. There’s no right or wrong answer — only what’s right for you.
- Are you planning to request an epidural, or would you like to try unmedicated labor?
- If you’re planning an unmedicated birth, what comfort measures would you like available? (breathing techniques, massage, birth ball, hydrotherapy)
- Are you open to IV pain medication as a middle option?
- If your labor becomes complicated and pain medication is recommended, how do you feel about that?
Delivery Preferences
- Would you like to try different pushing positions?
- Do you have preferences about episiotomy? (Many providers now prefer to let tearing occur naturally if possible)
- Would you like a mirror to see the birth?
- Who do you want to announce the sex or cut the cord?
- If a cesarean becomes necessary, are there preferences you’d like to communicate in advance — such as a gentle C-section or clear drape?
Immediately After Birth
- Do you want immediate skin-to-skin contact?
- Would you like delayed cord clamping?
- Are there preferences about cord blood banking?
- Do you want the baby to receive routine newborn treatments (vitamin K, eye ointment) immediately, or after an initial bonding period?
- Who should be present for the first hour after birth?
Infant Feeding
- Are you planning to breastfeed, formula feed, or a combination?
- Do you want lactation support in the hospital?
- Would you like a pacifier offered to your baby, or would you prefer to wait?
Postpartum Preferences
- Do you want your baby to room in with you, or would you like the option of nursery care overnight?
- Postpartum care — are there things you’d like to discuss in advance, such as mental health support or follow-up appointments?
- If you have a son, do you have preferences about circumcision?
Tips for Writing a Good Birth Plan
- Keep it to one page — busy labor and delivery teams appreciate brevity
- Use bullet points and simple language rather than long paragraphs
- Bring several printed copies to the hospital — one for your chart, one for your nurse, one for your support person
- Review it with your OB/GYN at a prenatal visit so they can flag anything that may be difficult to accommodate at your delivery location
- Stay flexible — things change, and the best birth plan is one held with an open hand
Let’s Talk Through Your Birth Plan Together
At Lona Sasser Obstetrics & Gynecology, your health is our top priority. We offer comprehensive obstetrics services for patients of all ages in Coral Springs, FL, and we love helping expectant moms feel prepared and confident going into delivery. Our team — Dr. Lona Sasser, Dr. Mary Squire-De Leon, and Dr. Cherelle Leslie — is here to answer your questions and support you every step of the way.
We serve women in Coral Springs, Tamarac, Parkland, Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach, North Lauderdale, and Boca Raton.
Book your prenatal appointment online through Zocdoc or call us at 954-340-1050. We can’t wait to meet you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Birth Plans
When should I write my birth plan?
Most providers recommend completing your birth plan by 35–36 weeks so there’s time to review it with your OB/GYN before your due date. That said, it’s never too early to start thinking through your preferences.
Does having a birth plan mean my doctor has to follow it?
A birth plan is a communication tool, not a legal document. Your care team will make every effort to honor your preferences, but medical situations can change quickly. The goal is for everyone to be aligned on your values so that, if decisions need to be made quickly, they can be made with your wishes in mind.
What if I change my mind during labor?
That’s completely okay. Many women who plan unmedicated births end up requesting an epidural, and many who expected to need one find they don’t. Your birth plan is a starting point, not a commitment.
Should I write a birth plan for a scheduled C-section?
Yes! Even with a planned cesarean, there are many preferences worth communicating — such as whether you’d like music in the OR, who can be present, immediate skin-to-skin contact, and delayed cord clamping. Your OB/GYN can tell you what’s available at your delivery facility.
Do I need a doula to have a birth plan?
Not at all. A birth plan is something any expectant parent can create, with or without a doula. That said, a doula can be a helpful advocate for your preferences during labor.
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