A birth plan is often seen as a list of medical preferences. However, in hypnobirthing, it holds much deeper meaning – it becomes a tool for communication, conscious decision-making, and creating a sense of safety. It’s not a checklist, but rather a manifesto of your values and needs during this special time.
Why is a birth plan worth having?
You may have heard people say: “It all goes out the window on the day, so don’t worry about a plan.”
But the truth is – your birth team can’t read your mind. If you don’t write down what’s important to you, they’ll simply follow hospital protocol, and your chances of having the birth you want may decrease.
A birth plan doesn’t exist to control birth – it helps you express what matters to you, and it supports your sense of calm and confidence. In hypnobirthing, it’s also a way to stay grounded in your intentions and feel safe and empowered, whatever the outcome.
What to include in your hypnobirthing birth plan?
Here are some ideas you may wish to include:
🌀 Labor preferences:
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I would like to give birth in a calm and private environment, with dim lighting, soft music, and soothing scents.
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Please respect my relaxed/hypnotic state – limit unnecessary conversation and direct any questions to my birth partner whenever possible.
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I ask to be informed before any intervention and to be given the opportunity to give informed consent – even for routine procedures.
🌀 Medical choices:
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I prefer a natural, physiological birth without routine interventions unless medically necessary.
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I request that vaginal exams be limited to what is truly necessary.
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I want the freedom to move and to choose birthing positions intuitively.
🌀 Second stage of labor (birthing the baby out):
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I wish to give birth in the position my body chooses.
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Please support perineal protection (no routine episiotomy).
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I prefer to follow my body’s natural urge to push (instinctive pushing), without being coached to push forcefully.
🌀 Third stage of labor (after the birth):
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I request immediate and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact after birth.
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I would like the umbilical cord to be cut only after it has stopped pulsating.
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I prefer the third stage to be managed naturally without routine use of uterotonic drugs unless necessary.
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Please give my baby time to self-latch for the first feed.
Flexibility is key
In hypnobirthing, we understand that birth is a process, not a project. Your birth plan should help you feel calm and confident. But it’s also helpful to add a note such as:
“I understand that birth can unfold in unexpected ways. I trust my body, my baby, and my birth team. I ask that my preferences be respected and that I be supported in making informed decisions throughout.”
Your birth partner – your advocate
Discuss your birth plan in detail with your birth partner. They will be your advocate and voice, especially while you are in a deep state of relaxation. Make sure they understand what matters most to you and feel confident speaking up on your behalf.
In conclusion
Your birth plan isn’t just a piece of paper. It’s a reflection of your readiness, your values, and your trust – in yourself, your baby, and your journey. Write it with clarity and calmness. Include only what truly matters to you.
If you’d like support creating a personalised hypnobirthing birth plan – clear, gentle, and respectful – I’m happy to help 🌿
Here is my very own birth plan, from 2017, homebirth of my second son:
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