Many people create a birth plan to state their preferences for labor and delivery. A birth plan will: help you think through your preferences ahead of time, explore different options you might not ...

The birth plan. It’s simple enough in theory: A birth plan is essentially a means by which you can outline your wants and desires for your labor and birth experience. But do a quick Google search and ...

At the core, birth plans are a way to look “at your expectations, your fears, your needs, and your coping strategies,” Rubin says. And while “birth” is in the name, expecting parents should use them ...

A birth plan is a great tool for letting your doctor or midwife know about your wishes for labour and birth. Sometimes, ...

Sarah Austin wanted to have an unmedicated vaginal delivery, so she and her partner wrote a two-page birth plan at the urging of their nurse midwife. Included in it was the possibility that she might ...

For expectant parents, navigating pregnancy, delivery and postpartum can raise a range of emotions. There are so many things to think about and prepare for, and knowing where to start can feel ...

This story is part of SELF's ongoing series exploring black maternal mortality. You can find the rest of the series here. I welcomed the opportunity to plan for my ideal birth, but I knew early on ...