Do I need a birth plan?

A birth plan can be a helpful tool for communicating your preferences during labor, but it’s not always necessary. It can be especially helpful if you have specific preferences or requests that fall outside the standard policies of the hospital or birthing center where you're giving birth, but for most people, a simple approach works best.

What Should You Include in Your Birth Plan?

In the Willamette Valley, most hospitals and birthing centers support things like movement during labor, using a birthing or peanut ball, skin-to-skin immediately after delivery, and delayed cord clamping. They’re also generally flexible unless there are health concerns. But once you opt for an epidural, you’ll need to stay in bed.

If you have specific preferences, a short birth plan is a great way to make them known. Keep it simple—aim for 5-10 key points—like:

• Pain management preferences (e.g., "I do not want to be offered an epidural").

• Birthing Environment (e.g., "I’d the lights to be off as much as possible").

• Procedures (e.g., "I do not want frequent cervical checks. I will request one when I am ready." or "I do not want my bag of waters ruptured artificially.")

• Postpartum preferences (e.g., "Please delay cord clamping by X number of minutes").

  
  

Keep It Brief and Personal

Keep your plan easy to read so that the busy hospital staff can quickly understand your wishes. A short summary of who you are and any special details—like your concerns or emotional needs—can also be helpful. For example, if you have a particular fear or need extra emotional support, it’s helpful to mention that upfront so your care team can be more attentive to your needs. A small photo of you and your partner or family can also make your plan feel more personal and humanize the experience for your birth team.

Keep an Open Mind

While it’s great to have a plan, it’s also important to stay flexible. Labor is unpredictable, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. That’s why it's essential to view your birth plan as a guide, not a rigid script.

As your doula, I’ll support you in navigating these changes and helping you feel empowered in your decisions—no matter what happens. If you need help creating a birth plan or have any questions, I’m here to guide you through it!