What is the purpose of a birth plan?

The purpose of a birth plan is to outline the birthing person's preferences for labor and delivery. It serves as a communication tool between the birthing person and the healthcare team, detailing their wishes regarding various aspects of the labor and delivery process. This can include preferences for pain management, labor positions, who they want present during the birth, and how they envision the early moments with their newborn.

A comprehensive birth plan allows the birthing person to express their desires, and it helps the medical team understand how to support them throughout the labor process. While it does not guarantee outcomes or prevent complications, it prioritizes the individual's values and choices in a very personal and significant experience.

Other choices, while relevant to the broader context of childbirth, do not capture the primary intent of a birth plan. It is not primarily about enforcing medical protocols, identifying complications, or defining the roles of medical staff—although those factors can intersect with the birthing person's preferences. The essence of a birth plan is personal empowerment and ensuring an empathetic approach to the birthing experience.