Should I Write a Birth plan?
I often hear people say they don’t want to write a birth plan because it’s “setting themselves up for failure” if things go differently, or that “birth plans are pointless because you can’t plan birth.”
But here’s why as a Hypnobirthing teacher of many years, and a Mum of 3, I believe writing a birth plan — or as I like to call them, birth preferences — is so valuable.
Why Writing a Birth Plan Matters
We plan for so many milestones in our lives — from weddings to holidays to special days out. And remember- even with the meticulous planning we often put into these major events- things can still need to change and adjust.
So why wouldn’t we plan and research for one of the biggest days of our lives: the day we birth our baby?
You wouldn’t just show up at the airport and expect everything to magically go to plan. In the same way, it’s worth taking time to communicate the things that are important to you and your partner on your baby’s birth day.
Sitting down together with a cup of tea to talk through your options can make a huge difference.
It helps you:
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Understand your choices
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Decide what really matters to you
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Communicate your wishes clearly with your caregivers
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Show that you’ve researched and thought about your birth
That’s where the power lies — in being informed.
How to Write Your Birth Plan
I recommend writing a few versions so you feel prepared for any path your birth might take:
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Plan A: Your dream birth
Imagine your ideal birth in detail:-
Who is with you?
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How do you feel?
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What is the environment like? (Lighting, voices, music?)
- How do you feel about pain relief? Positioning? Reminders to use your hypnobirthing and breathing.
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What happens immediately after birth — skin-to-skin, optimal cord clamping, feeding preferences?
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Plan B: If circumstances change
If birth takes a different direction or your choices change, what’s still most important to you?
Which preferences would you like to keep if possible? What if you decide to go ahead with an induction- do you want continuous monitoring? To use the birth pool? An epidural? To be off your back when pushing? -
Plan C: Caesarean birth
There are many ways to make a caesarean more gentle and family-centred — such as having your birth partner present, skin-to-skin in theatre, or delayed cord clamping.
(I have a full blog post on preparing for a calm caesarean birth you can read here
A Few Practical Tips
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Keep each plan short and easy to read — one page is perfect
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Print a few copies so your plan can travel with you if you move locations
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Give a copy to your midwife or care provider
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Most importantly: enjoy the process — it’s a beautiful way to prepare for your baby’s birth
The Bottom Line
Writing a birth plan isn’t about trying to control everything. It’s about being informed, prepared and confident — whatever path your birth takes.
Taking time to think through your preferences gives you a stronger voice, helps your care team support you better, and makes it more likely you’ll look back on your baby’s birth as a positive experience.
Want support creating your plan? My Hypnobirthing courses guide you through every step — so you can feel calm, confident and ready. https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/giving-birth/making-your-birth-plan
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