This is a sample of a birth plan. A birth plan is designed to give a brief overview of your desires during labor and birth and in the postpartum recovery period. It is not designed only for those wishing to have a "natural" birth. Those who choose medications should also note what type they prefer to use and when they wish to get the medication.

First use the birth plan worksheet to explore options that may be available in your community/hospital. Once you know your options, begin to decide which options are most important to you. If you have no strong feelings, then a birth plan may not be necessary. However, if you have goals for this birth, it is best to put it in writing and discuss it with your caregiver. Remember, flexibility is the key. The following is a sample of a birth plan for someone desiring little interventions in birth.

We appreciate you taking a few moments to read about our wishes for this birth. We understand that birth can be unpredictable and therefore we will be flexible in our choices. If we were to imagine an ideal birth, it would be one in which I was cared for both physically and emotionally and with as little interventions as possible. It would be a birth with little or no medications used and one in which I would be an active participant. The following is a small list of things we would like and ones we hope to avoid.

We thank you in advance for the excellent care you will give us. Your kindness and desire to make this day special for us does not go unnoticed. We are happy this special day in our lives has finally arrived and we are glad you will be with us to help us make it a beautiful, memorable experience - one we will remember for a lifetime.

Thank you,
Joan and John Jones