How Do I Make a Birth Plan and What Should Be in It?
A birth plan isn’t a script—it’s a way to learn your options, communicate your preferences, and stay flexible when plans change.
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A birth plan isn’t about scripting every moment; it’s about knowing your options and having the big conversations before you’re in labor. In this episode, we talk through what’s actually worth including in your plan, how to speak up about what matters to you and why staying flexible is key.
You’ll also hear from parents about how their plans shifted once labor began, and what prep they’re really glad they did ahead of time.
Birth with Babylist brings together trusted experts and parents who’ve lived it to break down what happens before, during and after birth—without fear-mongering or shaming. Hosted by journalist, author and mom of three Jo Piazza. New episodes every Thursday.
Jump to Key Topics
Why make a birth plan?
(4:38) How creating a birth plan can be a learning exercise that helps you understand your options, and which decisions are worth thinking through ahead of time, from the delivery room environment to pain management preferences to recovery and newborn care.
“When it comes to giving birth, flexibility truly is key. As is weighing all the options to think about what's actually going to work for you. And that's the reason that birth plans even exist. But instead of thinking about it as a plan, why not think of it more like a set of preferences.”
Environment & vibes
(11:09) How the physical space around you while giving birth can matter, and ways you might be able to personalize your delivery room with music, lighting and touches of home (even in the hospital).
“I had the Tibetan singing bowls meditation music playing, which I loved. I loved the vibe. And then we played like a playlist as we were waiting to push, which was so much fun. I was listening to Dolly Parton's "Light of a Clear Blue Morning," which is one of my favorite songs. Was like in your zone of joy.”
Your support team
(14:06) Who you want in the room with you, how to talk with your partner, doula and care team about what matters most to you and why those conversations matter.
Pain management
(15:09) What to know about medicated and non-medicated pain management options, including epidurals and water births.
Intervention options
(18:26) A breakdown of common labor interventions like inductions, C-sections and assisted delivery tools, and how to express your preferences around them.
Pushing & delivery
(22:39) How to note preferred pushing positions and delivery options, including a crowning mirror and having a particular person cut the cord.
Newborn care
(23:34) How to think through newborn care decisions, from skin-to-skin and feeding preferences to routine procedures in the first hours after birth.
“Because the hospital just kind of moves in these rhythms…it's just so important to kind of think through that flow or get education that teaches you that flow so you know you can speak into it or make your choices.”
Contingency plans
(25:38) Why flexibility is key, and how planning for alternatives—including a Plan B or C-section preferences—can help you feel more grounded if things change.
Featured Experts
Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, is a master’s-prepared registered nurse with specialty certifications in obstetrics and electronic fetal monitoring, and a background in labor, delivery, recovery, postpartum and newborn care. After years at the bedside, she shifted her focus to education—helping parents understand what actually happens during birth and the early postpartum period so they can advocate for themselves with confidence. Lo combines clinical expertise with an empathetic, judgment-free approach that demystifies birth, hospital routines and newborn care. Learn more at @thelabormama.
Abike T. James, MD, MPH, is a board-certified ob-gyn and Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. With more than 20 years of experience, she provides patient-centered obstetric care and is deeply focused on clear communication, shared decision-making and health equity. She brings a compassionate, thoughtful perspective to conversations about informed consent and helping patients feel heard during labor and delivery.
Jennifer Lincoln, MD, IBCLC, is a board-certified ob-gyn and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant dedicated to body literacy and reproductive health education. Through her clinical work and viral educational content, she helps people navigate their healthcare with confidence and self-advocacy. Based in Oregon, Jennifer focuses on debunking myths and providing evidence-based support for pregnancy, birth and beyond. Check out her upcoming release, The Birth Book, available March 24th, 2026, or follow her at @drjenniferlincoln.
Liesel Teen, BSN, RN, is a labor and delivery nurse, childbirth educator and the founder of Mommy Labor Nurse. After years of bedside experience, she launched her platform to provide accessible, evidence-based education that empowers expectant parents to feel confident and prepared for birth. Based in North Carolina, Liesel specializes in breaking down complex medical jargon and debunking common pregnancy myths. Learn more on her site, and follow her at @mommy.labornurse on Instagram and YouTube.
Paul Zalewski is the founder of Fathercraft, a platform dedicated to supporting modern dads through honest parenting resources, product reviews and education. Paul brings a practical, supportive perspective to conversations about how partners can meaningfully participate in the birth planning process. Learn more on Fathercraft’s website or on their Youtube channel.
Jillian LoPiano, MD, is a board-certified ob-gyn and hospitalist with the University of Miami Health System. Dr. LoPiano trained at The George Washington University School of Medicine and completed her ob-gyn residency at The Washington Hospital Center. She has a background in public health and women’s health advocacy, and her work focuses on patient-centered care, clear communication and supporting parents through complex and emotionally charged birth experiences.
Molly Lepic, DO, is an ob-gyn at UW Health and a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. She provides comprehensive reproductive and pregnancy care, including prenatal and postpartum care, labor and delivery and family planning across all stages of life. Dr. Lepic’s care philosophy centers on shared decision-making, clear communication and helping patients understand their options.
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