[Blog] Creating a Birth Plan
Key Questions to Ask Before, During, and After Birth
Planning for childbirth is just as important as planning for any other major milestone in life. When preparing for a wedding or a big event, we pay attention to every detail—venue, decorations, food, and even the guest list. Why should childbirth, one of the most significant moments in life, be any different?
A birth plan is not about making rigid demands but about understanding your options and communicating your preferences with your doctor. It helps set expectations for both you and your healthcare provider. While things may not always go exactly as planned, having a guide ensures that you are making informed decisions at every stage.
Here are the essential questions to ask yourself and discuss with your doctor before birth, during labor, and after your baby arrives.
This blog is based on a special interview with Mekha Shaji who is a Lamaze Instructor & Birth Doula. You can catch the full conversation here:
or here
Before Birth: Understanding Your Choices
1. What Kind of Birthing Environment Do You Want?
Your surroundings during labor can have a significant impact on your experience. Consider asking:
Will the hospital dim the lights to create a calmer setting?
Can you use aromatherapy, candles, or diffusers to make the space more relaxing?
Are you allowed to wear your own clothes instead of a hospital gown?
Creating a familiar and comfortable atmosphere can help you feel more in control during labor.
2. What Are the Hospital’s Policies on Movement and Positions?
Will you be allowed to walk and change positions freely during labor?
Does the hospital provide support tools such as a birth ball, squat bar, or rope to help with positioning?
Are there nurses or midwives available to assist you in maintaining comfortable laboring positions?
Movement during labor can significantly ease pain and help the baby descend more efficiently.
3. Will You Be Allowed to Eat and Drink During Labor?
Some hospitals only allow sips of water during labor, while others permit light snacks.
Since labor is physically demanding, it’s worth asking whether you’ll be allowed to maintain your energy with small amounts of food or juice.
If eating isn’t permitted, discuss alternative ways to stay hydrated and maintain energy levels during labor.
During Birth: Advocating for Your Needs
4. What Are the Hospital’s Monitoring and Intervention Policies?
Will you be hooked up to continuous fetal monitoring or will the team check the baby’s heartbeat intermittently?
If your labor isn’t progressing quickly, will they automatically start an oxytocin (Pitocin) drip to speed things up?
Some hospitals routinely induce labor or start interventions like electronic monitoring, IV lines, or episiotomies. Understanding these policies helps you prepare for what might happen.
5. Will Your Partner Be Allowed to Stay with You?
Will your partner be allowed to stay with you throughout the labor and birth?
If not, when will they be allowed in the room?
Can they participate in cutting the umbilical cord after birth?
Many hospitals have policies that may restrict the partner’s presence during certain stages of labor. If having them by your side is important, discuss this in advance.
6. What Pain Relief Options Are Available?
Will you have access to an epidural, or do you prefer natural pain management techniques?
If you opt for an epidural, at what stage of labor can you request it?
Are there other pain relief options, such as a birthing tub, nitrous oxide, or massage therapy?
Knowing your pain relief options ensures you can make the best choice based on how labor progresses.
After Birth: Ensuring the Best Start for Your Baby
7. What Happens Immediately After Birth?
Will your baby be placed on your chest for immediate skin-to-skin contact?
Will the umbilical cord clamping be delayed to allow extra blood flow to the baby?
What methods does the hospital use to deliver the placenta—do they allow it to happen naturally, or do they use medication?
Skin-to-skin contact is essential for bonding and helps regulate the baby’s body temperature, heart rate, and breathing.
8. What Are Your Preferences for Newborn Care?
Does the hospital routinely take the baby to the nursery, or can they stay in your room?
Will you be able to breastfeed immediately, or do they have standard procedures that might delay it?
If medical procedures are necessary for the baby, will they explain each step to you beforehand?
Discussing these details in advance prevents unexpected surprises and ensures that your newborn receives care in line with your preferences.
Final Thoughts: The Importance of Communication
A birth plan is not about controlling everything—it’s about making sure you’re informed and prepared. Labor and delivery can be unpredictable, but when you’ve had open conversations with your doctor, you won’t be left feeling helpless in the moment.
💡 Want to dive deeper into birth preparation? 💡
This blog is a follow-up to our full podcast episode: Episode 36 - How to Have the Best Childbirth Using Lamaze Practices. 🎙
Before you go , do watch this episode that will help you prepare for an empowered birth using Lamaze Practices:
