Birth Plan: People

Planning who will be by your side during labor is a vital part of your birth plan. This stage — choosing your birth plan people — is all about support and understanding your options.

Since COVID-19, many Birmingham hospitals limit the number of support people allowed in the labor and delivery room. But you still have a say. If having a doula or midwife present is important to you, review your hospital’s current visitor policy ahead of time.

Questions to Consider When Choosing Birth Plan People

Who do you want in the room with you? Spouse? Mom? Doula?
Are you emotionally supported by the people you’re inviting?
Is everyone aligned with your preferences?

Why Birth Plan People Matter

Labor and delivery can be overwhelming — and fast-moving. Having trusted people in place ahead of time ensures you won’t have to make tough decisions in the moment. As Parents.com explains about birth plans…“Although writing one is not required, it can help parents feel more calm and in control during the process of welcoming their new babies, especially if they have strong preferences about how they want to deliver — and they’ve even been linked to more positive birth outcomes.”

Pregnant woman in a dramatic tulle gown poses in front of a mirror, gently holding her belly and smiling, surrounded by soft neutral tones and pampas grass. — Studio maternity portrait by Misty Dawn Photography, specializing in elegant, timeless pregnancy photos in Birmingham and Alabaster, Alabama.

Tools to Help Choose Your Support Team

If this part feels stressful, you’re not alone. A simple app like Birth Plan Plus can help you organize your thoughts and preferences. There are also printable birth plan templates you can use to get started.

Choosing the right people for your birth team is the foundation of your birth plan. Next, we’ll explore how your choice of birthing environment affects everything from visitor rules to medical protocols. Read the next article in the series to continue planning with confidence.

More Resources

Want to learn more about maternity and newborn sessions and what’s included? Start with my Investment page for a detailed breakdown of session types and product options. Curious about why booking both sessions together makes sense? Visit From Bump to Baby for insights and benefits. Ready to talk details or ask questions? Reach out here — I’d love to hear from you!

Mother and father smiling as their toddler lovingly gazes at his newborn baby sibling, all sharing a joyful family moment in a studio portrait.

Misty Treptau

I am married to the love of my life who has recently retired from the Army. We are back “home” after being away for 21 years. We have 3 young boys and 1 daughter who is pursuing her college career. As a photographer, I specialize in the newborns and maternity portraits. I just love the amazing process of pregnancy and then having that sweet, new bundle of joy to love. Capturing all that is so important and I feel so blessed to be a part of this special time in my client’s lives.