Creating a birth plan doesn't have to some overwhelming task that you keep avoiding on your birth prep checklist, but with so little guidance it’s easy to feel stuck when it comes to creating your own personalized plan. As a doula, childbirth educator, and mom, I've helped families prepare for labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery with simple, flexible birth plans that support informed decision-making.

This free birth plan template will help you organize your labor preferences, pushing preferences, newborn care wishes, and postpartum priorities so you can communicate clearly with your birth team.

Whether you're planning a hospital birth, birth center birth, medicated birth, unmedicated birth, induction, or cesarean birth, this template can help you create a birth plan that reflects your values and goals.

Free Birth Plan Template for First-Time Moms

What's Included In This Free Birth Plan Template?

✓ Labor preference examples

✓ Pushing preference examples

✓ Postpartum preference examples

✓ Newborn care planning prompts

✓ Hospital birth planning guidance

✓ Printable one-page birth plan format

✓ Google Docs version you can customize

🌿 How to Use This Birth Plan

• Make this plan your own by making a copy in Google Docs, then copying and pasting the statements you want into the corresponding section on your official birth plan.
  

• Keep it to one page and limit your preferences to 15 points for clarity.
  

• Print only the page with your selected preferences—skip the instructions and phrases you won’t use.
  

• Print a couple of copies and place them in your birth bag, and share with your support people.
  

• Message me anytime with questions as you build your plan.

Hi I’m: _________________________
My Support Person(s) will be: _________________________
Planned Place of Birth: _________________________
Estimated Due Date: _________________________

Labor

 ☐ Other: _______________________________________________________

(Paste your labor preferences☝️here… delete this line before printing your personalized copy)

Labor Preference Examples to Choose From:
☐ I prefer to move freely and change positions throughout labor.
☐ Please offer intermittent monitoring if safe for baby and me.
☐ I would like a quiet, calm environment with minimal unnecessary staff.
☐ My support person(s) should be present at all times.
☐ I would like to use the shower, tub, or birth ball for comfort.
☐ I prefer to avoid unnecessary vaginal exams.
☐ Please do not offer pain medication unless I request it.
☐ I’d like dim lighting during labor.
☐ I prefer minimal interruptions and privacy from staff when possible.
☐ I want encouragement and reassurance from my support person(s).
☐ I would like essential oils, music, or aromatherapy for comfort.
☐ I want my own food/drinks during labor if allowed.
☐ I prefer slow, steady communication from staff.
☐ I would like to avoid induction unless medically necessary.
☐ I want opportunities to practice breathing or relaxation techniques.
☐ Other: ___________________________________________________

Pushing

 ☐ Other: _______________________________________________________

(Paste your pushing preferences ☝️ here… delete this line before printing your personalized copy)

Pushing Preference Examples to Choose From:
☐ I prefer to follow my body’s natural urge to push rather than coached pushing.
☐ If possible, I’d like to avoid an episiotomy and allow natural tearing.
☐ My partner (or support person) will cut the umbilical cord.
☐ I’d like to push in upright or side-lying positions, not just flat on my back.
☐ Please allow delayed cord clamping until the cord stops pulsing.
☐ I would like a mirror or guidance if available so I can see baby crowning.
☐ I’d like verbal encouragement and coaching only if needed.
☐ I prefer to touch or hold my baby immediately after birth.
☐ I would like a calm environment with minimal staff around.
☐ I’d like freedom to choose when and how often to push.
☐ Please minimize interventions unless medically necessary.
☐ I’d like my support person(s) to assist physically if needed.
☐ I want guidance on perineal support to prevent tearing.
☐ I’d like gentle lighting during pushing.
☐ I prefer music or soothing sounds during pushing.

Postpartum

 ☐ Other: _______________________________________________________

(Paste your postpartum preferences ☝️ here… delete this line before printing your personalized copy)

Postpartum Preference Examples to Choose From:
☐ I request immediate skin-to-skin and at least one uninterrupted golden hour.
☐ Please delay routine newborn procedures until after bonding, if baby is stable.
☐ I prefer exclusive breastfeeding (no pacifiers, bottles, or formula unless medically necessary).
☐ Please ask before administering newborn medications or vaccines.
☐ I’d like all exams and procedures to be done at my bedside when possible.
☐ Please minimize interruptions during recovery and bonding time.
☐ If I need a cesarean, I’d like skin-to-skin in the OR or recovery, if possible.
☐ I want my support person(s) to stay with me and the baby as much as possible.
☐ I’d like guidance and support for breastfeeding if needed.
☐ I prefer dim lighting and quiet in my recovery room.
☐ I’d like to delay weighing and measuring the baby until after initial bonding.
☐ I want limited visitors during the first hours.
☐ I’d like the baby to room-in with me at all times.
☐ Please allow me to make feeding choices without pressure.
☐ I’d like assistance with postpartum comfort measures (perineal care, ice packs, etc.) as needed.
☐ I want clear explanations of any medications or procedures before they are done.
☐ Other: ________