If anything is true, it’s this: birth is unpredictable. Beautiful, powerful, transformative… but predictable? Not so much.

But just because we can’t control every part of it doesn’t mean we should walk in unprepared.

That’s actually why I tend to use the term birth preferences instead of birth plan. Because it’s less about scripting every detail and more about communicating what matters most to you.

Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, a home birth, a C-section, an unmedicated birth, or an epidural the second you walk in the door, you deserve to have a voice in how things unfold.

Yes, even if you’re having a planned C-section you can absolutely still have preferences. Skin-to-skin in the OR, delayed cord clamping, music playing, partner involvement — these are all things worth discussing and writing down. A C-section is still a birth. And you’re still allowed to shape it in a way that feels right for you.

Here are five solid reasons to create a birth plan, especially if you’re preparing for your first baby.

1. You’ll learn what your options actually are

Most of us didn’t grow up learning about birth in a detailed, empowering way. Unless you’ve already had a baby or done some deep-dive Googling, you might not even know what kinds of decisions are on the table.

Writing a birth plan is a great way to discover what your options are and gives you time to ask yourself questions before you go into labor like:

Do you want to labor at home as long as possible or head to the hospital early? Want to use the tub? Are you open to an epidural? Want intermittent monitoring so you can move around? 

Even preferences for after birth (like delayed cord clamping) can be discussed ahead of time. You don’t need to have answers to everything. You just need to know  your options.

2. It helps your birth team support you better

Your midwife, OB, doula, nurse, partner, friend (whoever is going to be by your side during labor) can’t help honor your preferences if they don’t know what they are.

Writing them down (or even just talking through them ahead of time) helps everyone stay on the same page. Or at least in the same book. It’s not a rigid list of demands. It’s more like saying: “Hey, here’s what I’d really love. Can you help me get as close to this as possible?”

And honestly, you probably won’t be in the mood to explain your thoughts on delayed cord clamping in the middle of a contraction. So having that stuff shared beforehand? It’s a gift. For everyone.

3. You’ll feel more grounded even if things change

Having a birth plan doesn’t guarantee everything will go exactly to plan, but it does mean you’ve most likely thought through your options ahead of time so you’ll feel more confident navigating any curveballs that come your way.

It will help avoid scrambling to make big decisions while in labor. You’ll already have a sense of where you stand. And even if you have to pivot, you’ll know that the choices being made still reflect you.

4. It encourages important conversations before labor starts

Creating a birth plan is a chance to get really clear with your provider about what’s important to you and what their typical protocols are. You can ask questions like:

• What’s your approach to induction?
• What are your thoughts on eating/drinking during labor?
• Are you comfortable supporting my desire to avoid an epidural?
• What is your cesarean rate?

And sometimes that’s where the real value is. Because if your preferences don’t align with how your provider usually practices, It’s better to know that now than when you’re 8 cm dilated and wondering why no one’s listening.

It’s also a great way to clarify things with your partner or support person. Like what role do you want them to play? Do they know how to advocate for you if you’re not up for talking? It’s worth chatting about ahead of time.

5. It reminds you your voice matters in this space

Here’s the big one. The purpose of a birth plan isn’t to control the uncontrollable. It’s to allow you to clearly communicate what matters to you. Saying: This matters to me. This is how I hope to feel. This is what I need to feel safe, seen, supported.

And that can make all the difference; not just in how your birth unfolds, but in how you feel afterward.

Even if things change (and yeah, they might), you’ll know that you were an active participant and not just along for the ride.

And that? That really stays with you.

Should you have a birth plan?

Maybe not a rigid, step-by-step plan with every minute mapped out. But a thoughtful, flexible set of birth preferences? 100% yes.

You don’t have to write a novel. You don’t need fancy formatting or medical terminology. Heck, you could jot it down on the back of a napkin if that’s your vibe.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s presence. It’s claiming your space in the room. It’s about going into labor and delivery from a place of clarity and confidence. Birth is big and you deserve to feel prepared, supported, and empowered every step of the way.

Free Birth Plan Template

Not sure where to start? That’s why I made this simple little checklist. You don’t have to know every detail right now, but having a few things written down can make those conversations with your provider feel way less overwhelming. Think of it as a gentle first step.