Birth Preference Guide for a Positive Postpartum Experience

This Birth Preference Guide is designed to support you in the early days of parenthood by helping you clearly communicate your needs and preferences for post-birth care. As your postpartum doula, my goal is to empower, support, and guide you through this transition, ensuring you feel confident and well-prepared as you navigate life with your newborn.

This downloadable resource offers a structured space to outline your preferences—from feeding choices to newborn care and recovery. Use this guide to articulate your vision for the postpartum period and create an experience that is as positive, peaceful, and personalized as possible.

✺FAQs on Birth Preferences ✺

  • A birth preference plan is a document where you outline your desires and expectations for your birth experience. It's important because it helps communicate your preferences to your care team and ensures everyone is on the same page. It can also help guide decisions if unexpected situations arise.

  • Yes, your birth preferences are flexible. Labor can be unpredictable, and your preferences can be adjusted as needed based on how things progress or if medical circumstances require it. Your healthcare team will always prioritize your safety and the baby’s health.

  • Yes, it's a good idea to bring your birth preference plan to your place of birth. Share it with your healthcare provider and the staff so they can be aware of your wishes. You might also want to have a copy with you during labor in case changes happen quickly.

  • Absolutely not! Your birth preference plan is a guideline, not a contract. If you feel like things are not going as planned or want to change your mind, you are encouraged to communicate that with your care team.

  • While it's not required, having a birth preference plan can be helpful in making sure your wishes are known and respected during labor and delivery. It can help reduce stress and give you more confidence in the birth process.

  • Include your preferences for labor positions, pain management, support people, delivery preferences, immediate post-birth care, and anything else that’s important to you. Think about things like skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, and who cuts the umbilical cord.