Supporting You To Write Your Birth Plan (UK Guide)
At Gingerbread Babies, we know how overwhelming birth can feel. There’s so much information, so many choices and all while you’re preparing to meet your baby. That’s why we created our Free Printable Birth Plan: to help you make informed, empowered decisions without stress or confusion.
From pain relief to placenta care, feeding choices to your wishes for those precious first moments. it’s all gently laid out to help you create a plan that reflects your voice, your values, and your baby’s needs.
Use the sections and guidance below to explore your options and fill out your personalised plan with clarity and care.
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💆♀️ Pain Management Preferences
Labour can be unpredictable, but feeling informed about your options helps you stay grounded. You can mix natural and medical options based on how things unfold.
🌿 Natural Methods
Explore ways to manage pain naturally and stay calm and in control.
Your Options:
☐ I would like to use hypnobirthing or breathing techniques during labour.
☐ I am interested in a water birth for relaxation and natural pain relief.
☐ I plan to use a TENS machine in early labour.
☐ I would like to use aromatherapy, massage, or relaxation techniques.
💊 Medical Pain Relief Options
Understand how each option works and how it might affect you or your baby.
Your Options:
☐ I would like to try gas and air (Entonox)—quick relief with minimal side effects.
☐ I am open to having an epidural for strong pain relief (aware it reduces mobility).
☐ I would consider Pethidine or Diamorphine injections (aware it may affect baby’s alertness).
☐ I would like to discuss pain relief options in more detail with my midwife before or during labour.
☐ I prefer to be offered pain relief only if I ask for it, not automatically.
🧠 Expert Tip:
List your preferences clearly but stay open to change. Labour can evolve and that’s okay. Understanding each option now gives you power and peace of mind later. -
🤰 Your body, your birth. This is your space to express how you'd like to move, rest, and be supported during labour.
🧍 Movement & Positioning
Your Options:
☐ I would like the freedom to move around during labour.
☐ I would like to use a birth ball, mats, or birthing stool for comfort.
☐ I prefer to labour in an upright position (e.g., standing, leaning, squatting).
☐ I’d like to consider side-lying or hands-and-knees positions.
☐ I am interested in labouring or birthing in water.
🎶 Environment Preferences
Your Options:
☐ I prefer a calm, quiet environment.
☐ I would like to have my own music playing during labour.
☐ I would like dimmed or natural lighting.
☐ I’d like to limit interruptions and staff changes where possible.
📈 Monitoring
Your Options:
☐ I prefer intermittent monitoring (if safe) to allow more freedom of movement.
☐ I am comfortable with continuous monitoring if recommended.
☐ Please explain the monitoring methods and reasons for any changes during labour.
💡 Tip: Be flexible. Birth can change, and that’s okay. Sharing your preferences clearly helps your midwife or doctor support your vision with empathy and respect.
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You believe in the quiet wisdom of your body and its natural timing. If all is well, you may prefer to wait for labour to begin on its own trusting nature to take the lead. That said, if there is a genuine medical reason and your baby’s safety or your own calls for it, you’re open to discussing induction with care, clarity, and kindness
🩺 Induction of Labour
If all is well, you might prefer to wait for labour to start naturally—but if needed, induction can be discussed with care.
Your Options:
☐ I would prefer to wait for labour to begin naturally unless there’s a medical concern.
☐ I am open to discussing induction if it becomes necessary for safety.
☐ I would like full information and time to consent before induction
✋ Episiotomy & Assisted Birth (Forceps/Ventouse)
Assisted births are sometimes needed, but you can still choose how you're involved in decisions.
Your Options:
☐ I would prefer to avoid an episiotomy or assisted birth unless absolutely necessary.
☐ I would like all options politely explained and my consent requested.
☐ If possible, I’d like a few moments to consider and ask questions before any intervention.
🤱 Caesarean Birth
If a caesarean becomes the right path, you can still shape how it feels.
Your Options:
☐ I would like my partner to be present throughout the caesarean.
☐ I prefer a gentle caesarean (e.g., lowered screen, music, calm tone).
☐ I would like delayed cord clamping and immediate skin-to-skin with my baby, if possible.
Recap discuss your views on:
Induction (do you prefer natural onset if safe?).
Assisted delivery (ventouse or forceps—would you like to avoid unless absolutely needed?).
Episiotomy (routine vs only if medically necessary).
Caesarean section (gentle caesarean, delayed cord clamping).
Tip: Write down any concerns or questions so your birth team can talk them through with you.
Your Choices
Your Plan
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👶 Immediate Baby Care (First Hour)
Plan for the precious first moments with your baby after birth.
Your Options:
☐ I would like immediate skin-to-skin with my baby, if medically safe.
☐ I would like my partner to have skin-to-skin if I am unable to.
☐ I would like to initiate breastfeeding as soon as possible.
☐ I would like support with positioning and latching during the first feed.
☐ I would prefer delayed cord clamping.
☐ I would like my partner to cut the cord, if possible.
☐ I consent to Vitamin K for my baby:
By injection
By oral drops
I would like to delay or decline (aware of implications)
💡 Tip: Communicating these wishes early helps ensure everyone is ready to support you and your baby with care.
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🧸 Ongoing Baby Care in Hospital
How your baby is cared for in the hours and days following birth.
Your Options:
☐ I would like my baby to room-in with me at all times.
☐ I would like help with nappy changes, bathing, and soothing as I recover.
☐ I intend to breastfeed exclusively.
☐ I intend to formula feed.
☐ I plan to combination feed.
☐ I would like access to a breastfeeding specialist or infant feeding support.
☐ If baby needs to go to special care/NICU, I would like:
☐ To be informed of all updates regularly
☐ To express milk for my baby
☐ To be supported in having regular contact with my baby
☐ I would like to discuss any medical treatments or tests before they’re done on my baby.
💡 Tip: Even if plans change, expressing your preferences helps ensure your baby receives care that reflects your values.
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🌿 Placenta Care
This part of your plan lets you decide how you'd like your placenta to be delivered and cared for.
Your Options:
☐ I would prefer a physiological (natural) third stage, allowing the placenta to be delivered without medication.
☐ I would prefer an active third stage, with an injection to help deliver the placenta.
☐ I would like to see the placenta after delivery.
☐ I would like to keep the placenta for encapsulation or cultural/spiritual reasons.
☐ I would like the hospital to dispose of the placenta.
☐ I’m undecided and would like to discuss my options with my midwife during labour.
💡 Tip: This is entirely your choice, cultural, emotional, or practical reasons are all valid.
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Share what matters to you if your baby needs special or intensive care.
Let your wishes be known about staying close—having access to the NICU and being able to visit often.
If you plan to breastfeed or express milk, ask for support to help you continue, even if your baby can’t feed right away.
If things take an unexpected turn, you might want extra emotional support, clear updates, or someone to talk things through with—it's okay to ask for that.
✋ Episiotomy & Assisted Birth (Forceps or Ventouse)
Your Options:
☐ I would prefer to avoid an episiotomy or assisted birth unless it’s absolutely necessary.
☐ I would like any interventions to be clearly explained before they happen.
☐ I would like time to ask questions and give consent, unless it's an emergency.
☐ I would like to be involved in the decision as much as possible.
💡 Tip: Feeling informed and included can make all the difference this is your birth, your body.
🫶 Caesarean Birth Preferences
Your Options:
☐ I would like my partner to be present during the caesarean.
☐ I would prefer a gentle caesarean if possible (e.g., calming environment, screen lowered).
☐ I would like to request delayed cord clamping if safe.
☐ I would like immediate skin-to-skin contact in theatre or recovery, if possible.
☐ I would like to see my baby being born, with the screen lowered if appropriate.
☐ I would like to breastfeed as soon as I am able.
💡 Tip: A caesarean can still be warm, connected, and beautiful. Small touches can help make it feel more like your story
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🕊️ Cultural, Religious & Personal Preferences Inclusive and Respectful Care
Every birth is personal. This section helps ensure your cultural, spiritual, and emotional needs are seen, heard, and respected throughout your care.
🛐 Religious or Cultural Practices
Your Options:
☐ I would like religious or cultural practices to be respected during labour and birth.
☐ I would like prayers, blessings, or spiritual support included before or after birth.
☐ I follow modesty customs and would prefer care from female staff only, where possible.
☐ I would like to observe quiet time or reflection after the birth.
☐ I would like to keep the placenta for spiritual or cultural reasons.
☐ I do not wish for certain procedures or medications (e.g., blood transfusion) due to my faith.
☐ I would like my baby named or welcomed according to my cultural or religious practice.
💡 Tip: You can bring religious texts, symbols, or items that comfort you, just let your care team know.
🧕 Modesty & Gender of Care Staff
Your Options:
☐ I would prefer female healthcare professionals for intimate procedures.
☐ I understand this may not always be possible but would like to be informed in advance.
☐ I would like additional coverings or gowns for modesty.
☐ I would like minimal exposure and privacy during examinations or birth.
🍽️ Dietary Needs
Your Options:
☐ I require halal meals.
☐ I require kosher meals.
☐ I am vegetarian or vegan.
☐ I have allergies or intolerances to the following: ____________
☐ I have gestational diabetes or a medical dietary need.
☐ I will bring my own food and would like access to reheating facilities if available.
💡 Tip: NHS hospitals usually accommodate dietary needs but always best to inform staff beforehand.
🧘 Emotional & Personal Comfort
Your Options:
☐ I would like a quiet, calm environment with minimal staff changes.
☐ I may need additional emotional support due to past trauma or anxiety.
☐ I would like to use essential oils, music, or other personal comfort items.
☐ I would like access to an interpreter or translated materials (Language: __________).
☐ I would like to receive information slowly and clearly in plain language.
💡 Tip: If you have mental health support in place, you can request continuity or extra help during and after birth.
A Note About This Birth Plan
This plan was created by Gingerbread Babies using expert-led UK guidance from midwives and birth professionals. It’s designed to support you in making clear, confident choices and to help guide positive conversations with your care team.
It’s not medical advice, and it doesn’t replace the personalised recommendations of your midwife, GP, or consultant. Every birth is different, and flexibility matters but so does having a voice in your care.
This tool is here to help you feel seen, prepared, and supported whatever your path to parenthood looks like.