How to Build Your Birth Plan — Even If You are New to Pregnancy.

Your step-by-step guide to feeling prepared and confident for delivery.

When you’re expecting, there’s a lot to think about — from buying baby clothes to attending antenatal visits. But one of the most important steps you can take is creating a birth plan.

A birth plan is a simple document that outlines your preferences for labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum care. It’s not about predicting exactly how your birth will go — because babies have their own schedules — but about giving your healthcare team a clear idea of what matters to you.

At Solayo, we make this even easier. Our WhatsApp assistant can guide you through each step of building your birth plan and send you reminders when your next scan or antenatal visit is due.

1. Decide Where You Want to Give Birth.

Do you prefer a hospital, a birthing center, or a home birth (if safe and recommended)? Your choice may depend on your health, location, and comfort level. 

2. List Your Labor Preferences.

Think about:

• Who you want in the room (partner, friend, doula)

• What helps you relax (music, dim lights, walking)

• Whether you’d like to move around during labor

  3. Plan for Pain Relief.

Pain management is personal. You can choose:

• Natural coping techniques (breathing, massage, water immersion)

• Medical pain relief (epidural, injections)

• A mix of both

Talk to your healthcare provider about what’s available where you’ll give birth.

4.  Include Your Delivery Preferences.

This might cover:

• Positions you’d like to try for pushing

• Whether you want immediate skin-to-skin contact with your baby

• If you’d like your partner to cut the umbilical cord

5. Outline Your Postpartum Care.

Right after birth, you may want to specify:

• Whether you plan to breastfeed immediately

• If the baby will stay in your room or a nursery

• Any cultural or personal traditions you’d like respected

6. Keep it Flexible.

A birth plan is a guide, not a strict script. Sometimes, things change for your safety or the baby’s. The most important goal is a safe, healthy delivery.

Final Thoughts
Writing your birth plan can give you a sense of control and peace of mind as you approach labor. With Solayo’s guided chat, you can create your plan step-by-step and get timely reminders for scans, antenatal visits, and important milestones.