A Guide to Sample Natural Birth Plans

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Crafting a birth plan is a great way to prepare for childbirth and easily communicate what’s important to your providers. Learn about what to include, and use our free sample natural birth plan to create your own.

Planning for a natural childbirth is a good idea if you want to ensure your birth preferences are respected. One of the most important things you can do to prepare is to create a detailed, written plan.

A natural birth plan outlines your wishes for labor, the delivery room, and postpartum care, helping you communicate with your medical team and advocate for the type of birth experience you desire. Whether this is your first pregnancy or you have given birth before, having a sample birth plan to reference can help guide you in making the best choices for you and your baby.

The contents of this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have, and be sure to also discuss your birth plan with your provider before going into labor.

Note: Some links may be affiliate links. That means I may make a commission if you use my links to purchase, at no extra added cost to you! I only recommend products that I personally love and believe in. Full disclaimer here.

What Is a Natural Birth Plan?

A natural birth plan is a written plan that details your birth wishes, focusing on an unmedicated birth with minimal medical intervention unless necessary. This can include preferences regarding labor pain management, vaginal exams, use of forceps, and the role of your birth partner or support people.

It’s important to remember that while a birth plan is an excellent tool, it is not a binding contract. Childbirth can take an unexpected turn, and flexibility is essential to ensure the best-case scenario for a healthy baby and a safe delivery.

Key Elements of a Natural Birth Plan

When creating your own birth plan, consider including the following sections:

1. General Information
   • Your name, due date, and primary support person (partner, doula, or family member)
   • Preferred birthing location (hospital, birthing center, or home birth)
   • Health care provider’s name
   • Any relevant medical history or medical conditions
2. Labor Preferences
   • Freedom to move and change positions during labor
   • Use of natural pain relief techniques (breathing, massage, hydrotherapy, squat bar, etc.)
   • Minimal cervical checks and continuous fetal monitoring only if medically necessary
   • Ability to drink fluids and eat light snacks unless a cesarean section becomes necessary
3. Delivery Preferences
   • Choice of birthing positions (hands and knees, squatting, side-lying, using a squat bar, etc.)
   • Vaginal delivery preferred unless a planned c-section becomes medically required
   • No routine episiotomy or use of forceps unless absolutely necessary
   • Delayed cord clamping to allow baby’s cord blood to transfer fully
   • Immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth
4. Pain Management Preferences
   • Avoidance of epidural or other pain medication unless explicitly requested
   • Use of water therapy, breathing techniques, and continuous support from my birth partner and support team
   • Option for a water birth if available
5. Postpartum and Newborn Care
   • Delayed newborn procedures to allow bonding
   • Exclusive breastfeeding preferred unless medical advice suggests otherwise
   • Rooming-in with baby (no separation unless medically necessary)
   • No pacifiers or formula unless required for medical reasons
   • Baby’s first bath delayed or performed in-room
   • Consideration of vaginal seeding if a cesarean delivery becomes necessary
6. Unexpected Circumstances
   • Preferences in case of emergency treatment or cesarean section
   • Gentle cesarean preferences (clear drape, immediate skin-to-skin if possible, delayed clamping of baby’s umbilical cord)
   • Birth partner or doula presence during any procedures in the operating room
   • Open mind toward different options for ensuring a safe delivery experience

Sample Natural Birth Plan Template

Below is a sample natural birth plan. If you prefer, scroll to get our printable PDF birth plan for free!

Your Name: [Your Name]
Due Date: [Your Due Date]
Birth Location: [Hospital/Birthing Center/Home]
Primary Support Person: [Partner/Doula]

Labor Preferences:

• Freedom to move and change positions in the birthing room
• Use of birthing ball, tub, or shower for comfort
• Intermittent fetal monitoring only as needed
• Low lighting and calming music
• Support people involved in comfort measures

Delivery Preferences:

• Vaginal birth preferred, with minimal medical intervention
• No routine episiotomy or use of forceps unless necessary
• Delayed cord clamping for at least 1-3 minutes
• Immediate skin-to-skin contact

Pain Management:

• No pain medication preferred, but open to available options if needed
• Use of breathing techniques, massage, hydrotherapy, and squat bar

Postpartum and Newborn Care:

• Exclusive breastfeeding encouraged
• Delayed newborn procedures to allow bonding
• Rooming-in preferred

In Case of Emergency:

• Partner/doula to stay with me at all times
• Gentle cesarean preferences in case of cesarean section
• No separation from baby unless medically necessary

Download Our Free Printable Natural Birth Plan Template

Want to use a natural birth plan template that’s already created? Use ours!

Just enter your details below to snag our Free Printable Natural Birth Plan! I promise to never send you spam, and you can absolutely unsubscribe at any time (though I hope you’ll stick around!) This birth plan is yours, but only for personal use.

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Final Tips for Writing Your Natural Birth Plan

• Keep your birth plan concise—one page is ideal.
• Use bullet points to create a clear list of preferences.
• Discuss your written plan with your healthcare team in advance.
• Print multiple copies of your birth plan and include a copy in your hospital bag.

Your natural birth plan is an important part of your birth plan checklist. While childbirth can take a different course than expected, having a structured plan helps ensure that your medical team and support team understand your wishes. Whether you are planning a vaginal birth, a water birth, or need a cesarean delivery due to particular circumstances, the most important thing is to feel empowered and supported throughout the journey of labor.

Are you preparing for the birth of your baby? Download our free sample birth plan template to personalize your own birth plans and create a positive experience for your big day!

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition and is only meant for general information. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, yourself or your child. Reliance on any information provided by these articles is solely at your own risk.