Free Resource from Erin

Your Complete Birth Plan Checklist

From birth preferences to postpartum prep — everything you want to think through before the big day. Print it, share it with your partner, and bring it to your appointments.

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How to use this checklist: Work through each section at your own pace — ideally starting around 32–34 weeks. There are no right or wrong answers. This is your birth, your body, your preferences. I created this to help you feel clear and confident walking into your birth space. — Erin 💛

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Birth Preferences

The big picture choices for your labor and delivery

Birth setting discussed & confirmed (hospital, birth center, or home)

Pain management preferences noted — unmedicated, epidural, nitrous oxide, or open to options It's okay to write "I'll decide in the moment." That's a valid plan too.

Preferences for fetal monitoring discussed with provider (continuous vs. intermittent)

IV/hep-lock preferences noted (some people prefer to stay mobile)

Labor induction preferences noted if it becomes necessary

Cesarean birth preferences considered (if applicable)

Cord clamping preferences decided — delayed clamping (30–60 sec) or longer? Delayed clamping is now standard-of-care at most hospitals but worth confirming.

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Hospital Bag Essentials

Pack at 36 weeks — earlier if you're carrying multiples or have a history of preterm labor

Insurance card, photo ID, and hospital pre-registration paperwork

Birth plan (printed, 1 page, simple and clear) Bring 3 copies: one for your chart, one for your nurse, one for the room.

Comfortable labor outfit — something you won't mind moving, laboring, or sweating in

Postpartum outfit for hospital stay (loose, button-front for nursing if breastfeeding)

Toiletries: lip balm, hair ties, dry shampoo, toothbrush, face wash Lip balm is surprisingly clutch during pushing — you'll thank me later.

Phone charger + a portable battery pack

Snacks for partner/support person (hospitals don't always feed them!)

Car seat installed and inspected before departure day

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Labor Comfort Measures

Tools and techniques to help you move through contractions

Breathing techniques practiced — slow breath in through nose, long exhale out Simple works. Complexity goes out the window when contractions hit 90 seconds.

Movement plan discussed — walking the halls, rocking, hands & knees, birthing ball

Hydrotherapy preferences noted — shower, tub (if available)

Counter-pressure technique shown to partner (hip squeezes during contractions)

Playlist or ambient sound queued up — familiar music or calm sounds can really help

Lighting preferences noted — dimming hospital lights creates a calmer environment

Essential oils or scent preferences noted (check with hospital re: diffuser policies)

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Postpartum Prep

The fourth trimester needs its own plan — it's often overlooked until too late

Postpartum support plan in place — who is coming to help and when? Erin's rule: meals before visitors. Anyone who comes over should be cooking or cleaning.

Postpartum supply kit ready: heavy pads, Dermoplast, sitz bath, stool softener

Feeding plan discussed with provider (breastfeeding support, formula plan, or combination)

Postpartum mood check — talked to provider about signs of PPD/PPA and what to watch for

6-week follow-up appointment scheduled (or 2-week for cesarean births)

Newborn care plan: pediatrician selected, first visit scheduled

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Partner & Support Person Roles

Clear roles reduce the "what do I do?" panic in the room

Primary support person identified and briefed on your preferences

Advocate role assigned — who will speak up for you if needed? This is especially important if you prefer unmedicated birth or have specific preferences about interventions.

Photography/video preferences agreed upon — during labor, delivery, and first hours

Visitor and phone call plan — who gets notified during labor, who waits for the birth announcement?

Code word or signal established — a word that means "I need you to push back on that" vs. "I just need encouragement"

Support person has snacks, charged phone, and knows where to park at the hospital

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Emergency Contacts & Feeding Plan

Write it down so it's not a scramble at 3am

OB/midwife after-hours number saved in your phone (and written on paper)

Hospital Labor & Delivery triage number saved — call before you drive in if you're unsure

Pediatrician contact info written down and given to support person

Lactation consultant contact identified (if breastfeeding) — hospitals have IBCLCs on staff

Feeding supplies ready: bottles/nipples if using formula, nursing pillow, pump (if applicable)

Backup plan if breastfeeding doesn't go as planned — formula brand selected, not as a failure, as a backup Having formula at home before you need it removes guilt and decision-making from a hard moment.

Emergency childcare plan for other children (if applicable)

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Erin Grealy, CD(DONA), LCCE

This checklist was created by Erin Grealy, Certified Birth Doula with 200+ births attended. Erin has been supporting families in Minneapolis, MN since 2017 and holds certifications in childbirth education and lactation support through UC San Diego. CradleWise is her way of bringing doula-quality support to every parent, wherever they are.

Your Complete Birth Plan Checklist

Erin Grealy, CD(DONA), LCCE

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