Preparing for Labor: A Doula’s Guide to Building a Birth Plan That Honors You
Bringing life into this world is sacred. And for many Black birthing people, creating a birth plan is not just about preferences—it’s about protection. It’s a tool for advocacy, a bridge between your vision and a medical system that doesn’t always listen.
This guide is here to help you build a birth plan that centers your values, empowers your choices, and honors your voice.
What Is a Birth Plan?
A birth plan is a written summary of how you want your labor and birth experience to unfold. It’s not a rigid contract—it’s a roadmap that expresses your needs, desires, and boundaries in a clear and accessible way.
Think of it as your way of saying:
“This is what matters to me. Please respect that.”
Step 1: Envision the Birth You Want
Before you write anything down, take time to imagine the birth you hope for. You might ask yourself:
Do I want dim lighting or natural light?
Do I want gospel music, affirmations, or silence in the background?
Who do I want to catch the baby, cut the cord, or be present at the moment of birth?
Do I want to labor at home as long as possible or head to the hospital early?
Take a moment to write a few words that describe your ideal birth energy. For example:
“I want to feel safe, grounded, and spiritually supported.”
That statement alone sets the tone for your plan.
Step 2: Know Your Options
A strong birth plan shows that you’ve explored your options. Here are a few key areas to research and address:
Labor Environment
“I prefer low lighting and minimal noise in the birthing room.”
“I would like access to a birth ball, peanut ball, or tub if available.”
Pain Management
“I would like to try natural pain management first (movement, massage, hydrotherapy), and will request medication if needed.”
“I plan to use an epidural and request that it be discussed early.”
Interventions
“Please avoid artificial rupture of membranes unless medically necessary and discussed with me first.”
“I decline routine episiotomy and prefer warm compresses or perineal massage.”
Monitoring
“I prefer intermittent fetal monitoring to allow for freedom of movement.”
After Birth
“I request immediate skin-to-skin contact and delayed cord clamping.”
“I plan to breastfeed and would like support within the first hour.”
Step 3: Talk to Your Provider Early
Don't wait until labor to discuss your plan. Bring it up at a prenatal visit around 32–34 weeks.
You can say:
“I’ve put together a birth preferences document. Can we go over it together so I understand what’s realistic here at this hospital/birth center?”
Take note of their responses. Are they open? Dismissive? Surprised?
This is valuable information about how they will show up for you in labor.
Step 4: Share With Your Support Team
Print several copies of your birth plan. Bring one in your hospital bag. Email one to your doula and partner. Place one in your postpartum care space.
Ask your team to:
Read it fully
Be ready to advocate gently if your voice isn’t being heard
Remind you of your preferences if things become intense
This is where shared advocacy begins.
Step 5: Plan for Power, Not Perfection
Birth is a wild, beautiful process—and sometimes it takes unexpected turns. Flexibility doesn’t mean giving up control. It means you trust your team to still prioritize your values.
Include language like:
“If changes arise, I ask that all options be explained with clarity, and that I be given time to consent.”
This reinforces your right to informed decision-making, no matter what’s happening.
Bonus Tips:
Keep it short: 1–2 pages max, with bullet points
Use affirming language: "I prefer..." or "My intention is..." rather than "I demand"
Design it clearly: Use headers like "Labor Preferences," "Pain Management," and "Postpartum"
In Summary
A birth plan is a love letter to yourself and a guide to your care team. It communicates your boundaries, desires, and spirit. When you create a birth plan that reflects your truth—you’re not just preparing for birth. You’re reclaiming your power within it.
