Sometimes the fastest way to understand how to write something is to see it done well.
You can read all the advice in the world about birth plans, but a real example — one you can look at, borrow from, and adapt — makes it click. So this post is exactly that: annotated birth plan examples for a few common situations, plus what makes them work and what to avoid.
If you want the full how-to behind these, start with how to make a birth plan. And when you're ready to write your own, grab the free birth plan template — it's the fill-in version of everything below.
What Makes a Birth Plan Example Worth Copying
Before the samples, the quick principles they all follow:
- One page. The people reading it are busy. A one-page plan gets read; a five-page plan gets skimmed.
- Warm, collaborative tone. It reads like a person, not a list of demands. This changes how your care team responds to it.
- Priorities, not everything. It names what matters most and trusts the team on the rest.
- Flexibility built in. It acknowledges that birth doesn't always go to plan — which paradoxically makes providers more willing to honor your preferences.
Now the examples. Adapt freely — these are starting points, not scripts.
Example 1: Unmedicated Hospital Birth
About us: Hi — I'm Maya, and this is my first baby. My husband David will be with me throughout. I'm hoping for an unmedicated birth and I feel calmer when things are explained before they happen. Thank you for reading this.
During labor: I'd like freedom to move and change positions, access to the tub/shower, intermittent monitoring if all is well, and dim lighting. Please offer comfort measures before pain medication — I'll ask if I want it.
Delivery: I'd prefer to push in an upright or side-lying position and to follow my body's urges. Please talk me through what's happening.
After birth: Delayed cord clamping, immediate skin-to-skin, and to delay non-urgent newborn procedures until after our first feeding. My husband would like to be offered the chance to announce the sex.
If plans change: If interventions become necessary, please explain the why and our options. We want to be part of the decision.
Why it works: it's warm, it's prioritized, and that last section signals flexibility — which builds trust.
Example 2: Planned Epidural Birth
About us: I'm Priya, first baby, and my partner Sam is with me. I'm planning to use an epidural and want a calm, positive experience.
During labor: I'd like to labor at home as long as safely possible, then have an epidural once active labor is established. Until then, I'd appreciate a birth ball and freedom to move.
After the epidural: Please help me change positions regularly, and use a peanut ball if helpful. I'd still like a mirror or updates so I can stay engaged with pushing.
After birth: Delayed cord clamping and skin-to-skin as soon as possible. I plan to breastfeed and would love lactation support before discharge.
Why it works: wanting an epidural doesn't mean you have no preferences. This plan shows you can be medicated and intentional.
Example 3: Gentle / Family-Centered Cesarean
Whether your cesarean is planned or becomes necessary, you can still have preferences honored.
About us: I'm Elena, and we're having a scheduled cesarean. My husband Marcus will be with me. We'd love to make this feel as calm and connected as possible.
In the OR: If possible, we'd appreciate a clear drape or a lowered drape at delivery so I can see our baby born, keeping my hands free, and quiet at the moment of birth so we can hear our baby.
After birth: Immediate skin-to-skin in the OR if baby and I are stable (or with Marcus if I can't), delayed cord clamping if possible, and to keep our baby with us during recovery.
Feeding: I plan to breastfeed and would like to begin in recovery with support.
Why it works: it turns a clinical procedure into a birth. Many of these requests are easy to accommodate when asked for in advance.
Example 4: VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)
A VBAC plan is a normal birth plan with a few specific additions. (For the full picture, see VBAC: what you need to know.)
About us: I'm Rachel, planning a VBAC after one cesarean. My husband Tom is with me, and I've prepared carefully for this birth.
During labor: I'd like to labor at my own pace with adequate time to progress, freedom to move, and intermittent monitoring where my provider agrees it's safe. Please discuss with me before any Pitocin, and I'd like to avoid Cytotec/misoprostol.
Delivery: Upright pushing positions, delayed cord clamping, and immediate skin-to-skin.
If a repeat cesarean is needed: a clear drape, Tom present, and skin-to-skin in the OR if baby and I are stable.
Why it works: it's collaborative, it names the VBAC-specific points that actually matter, and it plans calmly for either outcome.
What to Avoid in a Birth Plan
- The demand-letter tone. "I will not consent to…" language puts care teams on the defensive. Frame preferences as preferences.
- Overloading it. Twenty bullet points about every possible scenario won't get read. Pick your priorities.
- Ignoring the "if things change" reality. A plan with zero flexibility reads as naïve; one that plans gracefully for changes reads as prepared.
- Never discussing it with your provider. The plan isn't the point — the conversation it starts is. Share it around 35–36 weeks.
Write Yours in 20 Minutes
Every example above follows the same five-section structure. The easiest way to write your own is to start from the template and fill in the blanks:
Download the free birth plan template →
And if you'd like a second set of eyes — someone who's read hundreds of these and can help you shape a plan your care team will actually respond to — that's part of what I do. Virtual birth support includes personalized birth planning, wherever you're delivering.
Book a free 15-minute consultation →
Feeling Overwhelmed by Birth Prep?
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