How to Write a Simple Birth Preferences Sheet

A birth preferences sheet is a simple way to communicate what matters most to you during labor, birth, and the first moments after your baby arrives. It does not need to be complicated, formal, or several pages long. In many cases, the most helpful version is clear, short, and easy for your care team to scan quickly.

Some people call this a birth plan, but “birth preferences” is often a better way to think about it. Birth can be unpredictable, and your medical needs may change. A preferences sheet gives your nurses, provider, doula, and support people a better understanding of your wishes while still leaving room for flexibility.

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What Is a Birth Preferences Sheet?

A birth preferences sheet is a short document that outlines your wishes for labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum care. It may include things like who you want in the room, how you prefer to cope with contractions, what comfort measures help you, and what matters to you after your baby is born.

The goal is not to control every detail. The goal is to help your birth team understand your priorities.

A helpful birth preferences sheet usually answers questions like:

Who do you want supporting you?
What kind of environment helps you feel calm?
How do you want to approach pain management?
What comfort measures would you like to try?
What are your preferences for newborn care?
What matters most if plans need to change?

Why Keep It Simple?

A long, detailed birth plan can be hard for a busy hospital team to read quickly. A simple one-page preferences sheet is usually more useful.

The best version is:

Clear
Flexible
Easy to scan
Focused on what matters most
Written in respectful language
Reviewed with your provider before labor

Think of it as a conversation tool, not a contract. It can help you ask questions ahead of time and make sure your partner, doula, and care team understand your wishes.

Start With Your Basic Information

At the top of the page, include simple identifying details.

You may want to list:

Your name
Partner or support person’s name
Doula’s name, if applicable
Provider or practice name
Baby’s due date
Hospital or birth location
Any important allergies or medical notes

Keep this section short. The goal is to make the sheet easy to identify and easy to use.

Include Your Support Preferences

This section explains who you want involved and how you prefer to be supported.

You may include:

Who you want in the room
Whether you want visitors during labor
Whether you prefer a quiet room
Whether you want your partner or doula to help communicate your preferences
Whether you prefer limited interruptions when possible
Whether you want photos or videos, if allowed

Example wording:
I prefer a calm, quiet environment with minimal interruptions when possible. My partner and doula will be supporting me during labor and may help communicate my preferences if I am focused on coping.

Describe Your Ideal Labor Environment

Your environment can affect how comfortable and focused you feel during labor.

You may want to mention preferences such as:

Dim lighting
Quiet voices
Music or calming sounds
Limited visitors
Freedom to move, if medically appropriate
Access to a birth ball, peanut ball, shower, or tub if available
Keeping the room warm or cool
Minimal cervical checks, if appropriate

Example wording:
I would like to keep the room calm and quiet when possible. I may want dim lighting, music, position changes, and access to comfort tools such as a birth ball or peanut ball if available.

Explain Your Pain Management Preferences

This section should be flexible. You do not have to decide everything ahead of time, and you are allowed to change your mind during labor.

Some people know they want an epidural. Some want to try unmedicated coping techniques first. Some want to wait and see.

You may include:

Whether you are open to an epidural
Whether you want to try comfort measures first
Whether you want pain medication offered or only provided if you ask
Whether you are interested in breathing techniques, counter-pressure, massage, water, movement, or a TENS unit
Whether you want time to discuss options before making decisions

Example wording:
I would like to try comfort measures first, including breathing, movement, position changes, counter-pressure, and support from my partner and doula. Please do not repeatedly offer pain medication, but I am open to discussing options if I request them or if circumstances change.

Or, if you know you want medication:
I am open to an epidural and would like information about timing and options during labor. I would still like support with positioning, breathing, and comfort measures.

Include Movement and Position Preferences

Movement can be an important part of coping with labor. Depending on your hospital policies and medical situation, you may be able to walk, change positions, use a birth ball, or labor upright.

You may include:

Walking or standing
Sitting on a birth ball
Hands-and-knees position
Side-lying positions
Squatting, if appropriate
Use of a peanut ball
Changing positions regularly
Avoiding lying flat unless medically necessary

Example wording:
I would like to move and change positions during labor as much as possible, as long as it is safe for me and baby. Please help suggest position changes if labor slows or if I need additional comfort.

Mention Delivery Preferences

This section can include preferences for pushing, birth positions, and immediate moments after delivery.

You may want to include:

Whether you prefer coached pushing or following your body’s urges
Whether you are open to different pushing positions
Whether you want a mirror offered
Whether you want your partner to help announce the baby’s sex, if applicable
Whether your partner wants to cut the cord, if allowed
Whether you prefer delayed cord clamping, if appropriate
Whether you want immediate skin-to-skin, if possible

Example wording:
I would like to push in the position that feels most effective and comfortable, if possible. I prefer supportive guidance rather than loud coached pushing unless medically needed. If baby and I are stable, I would like immediate skin-to-skin after birth.

Add Newborn and Postpartum Preferences

The first moments after birth can feel intense and emotional. This section helps your team understand what matters to you after baby arrives.

You may want to include:

Immediate skin-to-skin, if possible
Delayed cord clamping, if appropriate
Partner cutting the cord, if desired
Feeding preferences
Newborn procedures done in-room, if possible
Whether baby should stay with you unless medically necessary
Preferences around visitors
Photos or quiet bonding time

Example wording:
If baby and I are stable, I would like immediate skin-to-skin and quiet bonding time. I prefer newborn procedures to be done in the room when possible. I plan to breastfeed and would appreciate support with the first latch.

Or:
I plan to formula feed and would appreciate respectful support with feeding. I would like skin-to-skin and bonding time after birth if possible.

Include C-Section Preferences, Even If You Are Planning a Vaginal Birth

Even if you are planning a vaginal birth, it can be helpful to include a few preferences in case a C-section becomes necessary. This does not mean you are expecting one. It simply helps your team know what would matter to you if plans change.

You may include:

Partner present, if allowed
Clear explanation of what is happening
Calm environment, if possible
Skin-to-skin in the operating room or recovery, if possible
Partner staying with baby if baby needs to leave the room
Breastfeeding or feeding support afterward

Example wording:
If a C-section becomes necessary, I would like my partner and doula with me if allowed. I would appreciate clear explanations, a calm environment, and skin-to-skin as soon as possible if baby and I are stable.

Keep the Tone Respectful and Flexible

The way your preferences are written matters. Clear and respectful language usually works better than rigid or confrontational wording.

Instead of:
Do not do anything without asking me first.

Try:
Please explain procedures and options before they happen whenever possible, so I can understand and participate in decisions.

Instead of:
I refuse all interventions.

Try:
I prefer to avoid unnecessary interventions, but I understand that medical needs may change. Please discuss recommendations with me so I can make informed decisions.

This wording still protects your preferences, but it also keeps communication open.

Review It With Your Provider Before Labor

Your provider can help you understand which preferences are realistic for your hospital, birth center, or medical situation. Some policies vary by location, and some options may depend on how labor unfolds.

Before your due date, bring your birth preferences sheet to a prenatal appointment and ask:

Are these preferences reasonable for my birth location?
Are there any hospital policies I should know about?
What options are available for movement and monitoring?
What pain management options are available?
What happens if labor needs to be induced?
What happens if a C-section becomes necessary?
Are newborn procedures usually done in-room?

This conversation can be just as valuable as the document itself.

A Simple Birth Preferences Sheet Template

Here is a simple structure you can use:

Basic Information
Name:
Partner/support person:
Doula:
Provider:
Birth Location:
Due Date:
Important medical notes/allergies:

My Main Priorities

Labor Environment
I prefer:

Calm, quiet room
Dim lighting
Limited interruptions when possible
Music or calming sounds
Freedom to move, if appropriate

Labor Support
I would like:

My partner/support person present
My doula present
Help with breathing, movement, and position changes
Clear explanations before procedures when possible

Pain Management
My preferences are:

Delivery Preferences
I would like:

Flexible pushing positions, if possible
Supportive guidance during pushing
Delayed cord clamping, if appropriate
Partner to cut the cord, if desired and allowed
Immediate skin-to-skin, if possible

Newborn and Postpartum Preferences
I would like:

Skin-to-skin after birth, if possible
Feeding support
Newborn procedures done in-room, if possible
Quiet bonding time before visitors

If Plans Change
If medical needs change, I would appreciate:

Clear explanations
Time to ask questions when possible
My partner and support team included in communication
Calm, respectful guidance

Final Thoughts

A birth preferences sheet does not need to be perfect. It simply needs to help your team understand what matters most to you.

The most useful birth preferences are simple, flexible, and focused on communication. When written well, they can help you feel more prepared, help your support team advocate more clearly, and give your care team a better understanding of how to support you during labor, birth, and the first moments with your baby.

Educational Disclaimer

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your doctor, midwife, hospital, or medical care team.