Birth Plan

What is a birth plan template?

A birth plan template is a structured, written medical document that allows an expectant parent to formally outline preferences for labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum care for a birth parent and their newborn child. This is an essential legal tool that allows clear communication between the patient and a healthcare facility regarding allowed medical procedures, techniques, treatments, and practices.

This template could be of two different types—a birth plan template for a C-section or for a natural birth. The document could be used in all states across the U.S. and could be presented to medical facilities of all types, including hospitals, medical care centers, etc.

What to include in birth plan templates?

Most birthing plan templates have a standard structure that includes the following necessary sections:

General Information

This is the first part of a birth plan template that addresses the following information:

• full name of a birth parent;
• prognosed due date;
• the full name of a doctor or midwife who will supervise the labor and delivery;
• the name of a medical facility where the labor and delivery will take place;
• consent allowing medical students or interns to be present during the labor and delivery (optional); and
• list of names of people whom the birth parent wants to be present during the labor and delivery (e.g., husband, mother-in-law, sister, etc.)

Labor Stage

Whether it is a cesarean or natural birth plan template, both documents must include the list of the birth parent’s requests related to the labor stage. This is a period from admission to the hospital till the actual delivery. The birth parent shall provide the following information:

• position(s) in which the birth parent wants to stay during the labor (e.g., kneeling, squatting);
• type of birth (e.g., natural vaginal, assisted vaginal);
• list of medical practices or techniques that the birth parent wants to consent to (e.g., augmentation, pitocin, rupture of membranes);
• pain relief options (e.g., epidural, laughing gas), etc.

Delivery Stage

Having a solid delivery stage section is essential for both C-section and natural childbirth birth plan templates. Here, the birth parent must decide on:

• position(s) in which a birth parent wants to sit during the delivery;
• if there is an emergency C-section, list of requests (e.g., staying conscious);
• if a birth parent wants to save the placenta, umbilical cord, etc.
• the list of individuals who should or should not stay in the room during the delivery, etc.

Baby Medical Examination

This is one of the key elements of cesarean and natural birth plan templates, as it defines the list of medical procedures and examinations the birth parent wants to perform for their newborn. In this regard, the following information should be included:

• list of examinations allowed to be performed (e.g., eye or ear examination);
• if circumcision should be performed;
• if a birth parent wants to stay with the baby during the circumcision, etc.

After-Delivery Stage

The last section of a birthing plan template usually includes a birth parent’s post-delivery requests:

• how a baby should be fed (e.g., exclusive breastfeeding, formula, or a mix);
• where shall the baby stay after the delivery (e.g., 24/7 with a birth parent, separately, etc.);
• if visitors are allowed after the delivery (e.g., all visits are prohibited, visitors are allowed immediately), etc.

Signature

Once this natural birth plan template is ready, a birth parent must sign it in several copies:

• The first copy shall be submitted to a doctor or a midwife who is responsible for the labor;
• The second copy shall be kept with a birth parent.

There is no requirement for witnessing or notarizing birth plan templates in federal or state laws.

How to customize a birth plan template at FasterDraft?

To get a printable birth plan template, follow the simple instructions given below:

• Click the “Create Document” button.
• Answer a few questions in the form.
• Select a document’s template—birth plan template PDF or Word.
• Make a payment.
• E-sign, download, print, and use the document.