The most common topic we’re asked about as doulas surround the idea of birth plans.  

What style should it be written in? Bulleted lists or paragraphs? How long should it be? Single-spaced or double? Sections or pages? What should really, really (no really) be included on one?  

My answer may surprise you a bit.  Believe it or not, I don’t think that you actually need a birth plan at all. 

There, I said it.  

Instead, I argue that the value of a birth plan lies in the research that goes into creating one.