Holistic Birth Plans: How to Create One (And Stay Flexible) | Chennai Holistic Gynaecologist

Empowering expectant mothers in Chennai with a step-by-step, wellness-oriented birth plan Guide

Pregnancy and birth are among the most transformative experiences of a woman’s life. At

THE BIRTHWAVE in Chennai, we believe that creating a holistic birth plan is one of the most

effective ways to take charge of your journey - to feel supported, prepared, and empowered.

But unlike a rigid checklist, a holistic birth plan honours your body, mind, baby and birth

vision and remains flexible to the realities of labour and birth.

In this blog post we’ll walk you through how to build your holistic birth plan step-by-step -

including movement & wellness elements, mind-body practices, comfort strategies,

birth-preferences, postpartum support - and how to keep the plan both meaningful and

adaptable. Whether you’re looking for a “natural birth clinic Chennai”, “holistic gynaecologist

Chennai”, “pregnancy wellness Chennai” - this guide speaks to you.

By the end of this article you’ll have:

• A clear understanding of what a holistic birth plan is and why it matters

• A structured approach to drafting your own plan tailored for your preferences and

lifestyle

• Key wellness-oriented sections to include (beyond the medical/clinical)

• Advice on how to communicate and share your plan with your birth team

• Tips on staying flexible when things don’t go exactly as planned

• How THE BIRTHWAVE supports you with this process in Chennai

Let’s begin by exploring why a birth plan matters - especially from a holistic perspective.

Why a holistic birth plan matters

The power of intention & informed choice

A birth plan gives your voice, your body and your baby’s arrival a real space in your care team’s

minds. It helps you articulate your preferences, values and comfort strategies. According to one

health authority, a “birth plan is a record of what you would like to happen during your labour,

birth and after the birth.” 

But importantly: a holistic birth plan goes further than just “delivery room preferences” - it

includes your mind-body practices, movement and wellness support, partner/family dynamics,

postpartum transition and emotional preparation. It shapes the entire journey, not just the

moment of birth.

Bridging medical safety and personal experience

At THE BIRTHWAVE we honour both: the fidelity of safe obstetric & gynaecologic care and

the fullness of your personal birth vision. The best birth plans are those that integrate those two

dimensions - you recognise your provider’s role, and you express your preferences respectfully

and clearly.

Research indicates that when women feel included in decision-making (via birth plans or

preference discussions), they are more likely to report positive birth experiences - even

when things don’t go exactly to plan. 

Reducing fear, increasing agency

Birth comes with unknowns. Anxiety, unease, “what ifs” - they all affect your mind-body state.

When you craft a birth plan early, you shift from “reacting to birth” to “preparing for birth”. This

includes physical preparation (movement, wellness), mental readiness (mind-body practice) and

clear communication (your team knows what matters to you). All of this builds confidence,

reduces fear, and helps your body respond more physiologically.

Why this is especially relevant in Chennai / India

In many birth settings, the focus may still lean heavily on a “medical-management” model.

Mobility during labour, choice of positions, holistic comfort strategies may not always be

standard. Selecting a clinic that supports wellness, movement, informed choice (like

THE BIRTHWAVE) and creating a birth plan that reflects your values helps you navigate the

cultural, familial and healthcare environment of Chennai with clarity.

Step-by-Step: How to create your holistic birth plan

Here’s a roadmap you can follow. You might draft your plan in second trimester (weeks ~20-28)

or early third trimester, and then refine it as you go.

Step 1: Reflect on your values, preferences & vision

Before writing anything, ask yourself:

• How do I want to feel during pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum? (Strong, calm,

connected, supported?)

• What are my non-negotiables (what matters most) vs what I’m flexible about?

• What sensations, positions or strategies do I prefer (upright labour, water, mobility,

walking, minimal intervention)?

• What mind-body practices, wellness supports (prenatal yoga, walking, breathing) matter

to me?

• Who will support me (partner, doula, family) and what role do they play?

• What environment will help me: lighting, music, privacy, birthing ball, birthing tub?

Document these thoughts in a journal or doc. This reflection becomes your plan’s

Foundation.

Step 2: Educate & gather options

Research your options:

• What movement, wellness and mind-body supports are available? (At

THE BIRTHWAVE we offer prenatal yoga, mindset sessions, walking routines.)

• What pain-relief/comfort strategies do you prefer? Non-medical (breathing, movement,

water) or are you open to medical interventions (epidural) if needed?

• What birth settings are available in Chennai: hospital, birthing centre, home? What are

their policies on mobility, food/drink, water birth?

• What positions for labour and pushing do you prefer? (Side-lying, squatting, upright,

birthing stool)

• What postpartum care supports matter: skin-to-skin, delayed cord clamping,

breastfeeding support, quiet recovery environment?

Trusted sources list “what to include in your birth plan” such as birthing room

atmosphere, pain relief, positions, baby’s initial contact. 

Step 3: Draft your plan - use sections

Here’s a suggested structure for your holistic birth plan document. Keep it concise (ideally 1-2

pages) with bullet points so it’s easy for your care team to review. 

A. Personal & support details

• Your name, due date, provider name & hospital/clinic (THE BIRTHWAVE or hospital)

• Support persons: partner name, doula name (if any)

• Emergency contact

B. Birth environment / atmosphere

• Lighting (dim, natural)

• Music or silence (playlist suggestion)

• Mobility & movement: I wish to remain upright, walk, use birthing ball,

shower/hydrotherapy (if available)

• Birthing tub or shower if safe and available

• Minimal interruptions: I prefer minimal scanning/movement unless medically needed

• Support from partner/doula: Partner to massage back, doula to guide breathing

C. Labour & pushing preferences

• Begin labour naturally, if safe (avoid induction unless medically indicated)

• Use intermittent fetal monitoring if low risk and allow mobility

• Positions for pushing: side-lying, upright, hands/knees, birthing stool

• Avoid supine position unless medically required

• Use verbal encouragement, breathing, birthing ball, movement between contractions

• Pain relief: I prefer non-medicated comfort first (breathing, massage, water) but am open

to epidural if needed (flexible)

• Artificial rupture of membranes: I prefer waiting until active labour if medically safe

• Episiotomy/assisted delivery: I prefer minimal intervention; please explain before

Performing

D. Immediately after birth & postpartum

• Skin-to-skin with baby immediately, partner included

• Delayed cord clamping (e.g., wait 1-3 minutes)

• Baby to stay with mother (room-in) unless medically required otherwise

• Breastfeeding: I wish to initiate within first hour if possible; lactation consultant on staff

• Postpartum movement: I would like gentle walking & movement support starting

~24-48 hrs (as medically safe)

• Emotional check-in: I’d appreciate a wellbeing session/counseling within first week

postpartum

• Visitors: I prefer a quiet recovery environment with limited visitors first 24-48 hours

E. Wellness / mind-body support preferences

• I have been practising prenatal yoga and walking - I wish to continue movement and

use birthing-ball & breathing techniques during labour

• I would like the option of guided relaxation/visualisation during early labour

• I would like to choose calming music/affirmations during labour

• I prefer the birthing team to speak aloud supportive affirmations: “Your body knows, you

are safe, you are strong.”

• I would like access to warm compresses for perineum, hydrotherapy if available,

essential-oil safe list (confirm with team)

• Postpartum wellness: gentle yoga/meditation session by day 3 (if safe); and nutrition

consultation before discharge

F. Contingency / flexibility statement

• I understand that labour & birth are dynamic. In case of medical intervention (induction,

epidural, C-section) I would like explanations and informed consent.

• My top two non-negotiables are: [example] immediate skin-to-skin and partner’s

presence; beyond that I remain flexible.

• Please involve me in decision-making if circumstances change - I wish to be an active

participant.

Step 4: Share & discuss the plan

Once your draft is ready:

• Book a consultation (e.g., at THE BIRTHWAVE) and review the plan with your

gynaecologist/birth-team. Ask: “Which of these are supported? Which may be limited in

our setting?”

• Give one copy to your support person/partner, one copy to your provider/hospital, and

keep one for your labour-bag.

• Revisit and refine your plan as your pregnancy progresses or new information emerges

(e.g., at 28 weeks, 34 weeks).

• Tour your birth setting (hospital or birth-centre) so you know what’s available, e.g.,

hydro-pool, birthing ball, mobility space, midwife-led ward etc.

Step 5: Stay flexible - managing the unpredictable

The most important part of a holistic birth plan is flexibility. Birth is not a script. One author

notes: “A birth plan is a guide, not a binding agreement… childbirth involves many variables.”

Here are key flexibility tips:

• Prioritise your top 2-3 wishes; label the rest as “if safe”.

• Use language like: “I prefer… unless medically required” rather than “I insist”.

• Prepare mentally that things may change - induction may be needed, C-section may

become necessary, baby may need NICU. Your body’s safety and your baby’s safety

come first.

• After birth, reflect on your experience - even if your day didn’t go exactly to plan, you

can still feel empowered by how you responded, how you were informed and respected.

Wellness-oriented elements to include (and why they matter)

At THE BIRTHWAVE we emphasise holistic wellness; here are specific elements you should

include in your plan and what to ask for.

Movement & mobility

• Ask for freedom to walk, change positions, labour on birthing ball, use shower or bath if

available. Movement helps labour progress and gives you active participation.

• Include a statement: “I plan to combine prenatal walking & yoga to prepare my body; I

wish to continue movement in early labour.”

• In the Chennai context, you might note: “I prefer natural light and a safe space to walk

during early labour; please minimise wires and allow my birthing ball or stool.”

Mind-body support

• Include: “I wish to use breathing, guided visualisation and affirmations during labour.”

• Ask for: calming music, dimmed lighting, essential-oil safe environment (confirm

hospital policy), and the presence of a support-person/partner trained in my wellness

practice.

• Mention: “My prenatal wellness programme has included yoga, breathing, and I would

like that to reflect in my labour support.”

This anchors your physical preferences with your mental/emotional preparation.

Comfort & minimal intervention

• “I prefer to avoid induction, artificial rupture of membranes, continuous monitoring

unless medically indicated.“

• “If pain relief is required, I prefer trying movement, water, doula’s support before

pharmacological methods.“

• “I prefer minimal supine & lithotomy positions during pushing; I wish to push in upright

or side-lying if safe.“

These preferences increase your participation, reduce fear of interventions, and support

physiological birth pathways.

Postpartum & bonding

• “I wish immediate skin-to-skin, delayed cord clamping, baby room-in with me,

breastfeeding start within first hour if safe.“

• “Postpartum I plan gentle movement (walking, yoga) from day 2 (if safe) and would

appreciate support from lactation consultant and emotional well-being check at

discharge.“

• “I prefer limited visitors first 24-48 hours to nurture mother–baby bonding and rest after

birth.“

These elements extend your holistic plan beyond birth into the critical postpartum phase.

Cultural and personal touches

• Chennai-specific: “I come from [state/culture], and following birth I wish for [traditional

postpartum food/practice]. Please allow an hour of family time in birthing suite for this

ritual if medically safe.”

• Music playlist suggestions (Tamil / English / hatlu environment)

• Partner / birth companion role: “My partner will help with back massage, reminders of

breathing, and cut the cord.”

These personal touches personalise your plan and build the “birth story” you want.

How THE BIRTHWAVE supports your holistic birth plan in Chennai

At THE BIRTHWAVE we have designed our prenatal & birth-support programmes around exactly this kind of holistic planning and flexibility. Here’s how:

• Initial consultation & values mapping: We spend time to explore your birth vision,

values and movement/mind-body preparation.

• Prenatal wellness track: Our clients receive structured walking programmes, prenatal

yoga, mind-body sessions in Chennai’s specific context (heat/humidity, family support)

so by arrival of labour you are physically and mentally prepared.

• Birth-preparation workshop: We guide you in drafting your holistic birth plan, walking

through movement options, positions, pain-relief strategies, postpartum support and

environment preferences specific to our Chennai clinic/hospital network.

• Birth-team coordination: Our obstetrician & gynaecologist team (10+ years’

experience) collaborates with your birth plan, honours your preferences, and keeps safety

in view.

• Flexibility culture: We expect shifts, we help you adapt. Your and baby’s safety are our

priority; your preferences guide the way when safe.

• Postpartum follow-through: We support your recovery, movement, emotional

transition, and new-mother bonding in the Chennai context (family systems, urban

lifestyle, wellness integration).

Choosing THE BIRTHWAVE means partnering with a clinic where your holistic birth

plan isn’t just a document-it’s part of the care journey.

Key FAQs & Practical Tips

Q: When should I start drafting my birth plan?

A: Many suggest beginning in your second trimester (~20-28 weeks) and finalising during early

third trimester (~30-34 weeks). 

Q: How long should the birth-plan document be?

A: Keep it concise (one-to-two pages), with bullet points. Many experts caution, “keep it short so

it’s easy for everyone to read.” 

Q: What if the hospital/clinic doesn’t allow some of my preferences?

A: That’s why the “discussion” stage is vital. Bring your plan to your provider, ask what is

feasible in your chosen setting. Adjust the plan but keep your core wishes. The key is open

Communication.

Q: How do I share the birth plan during labour?

A: Print 2-3 copies: one for you/partner, one for your provider/hospital chart, one for your birth

companion. Tape one to your labour-bag. Ensure your support person is familiar with it.

Q: What if things change during labour (e.g., C-section becomes necessary)?

A: Include a contingency statement. Use words like: “If intervention becomes necessary, please

explain and involve me in decision-making.” This ensures your voice remains present even when things shift.

Q: How does wellness-preparation tie into my birth plan?

A: The birth-plan should reflect the wellness groundwork you’ve been doing (prenatal yoga,

walking, mind-body). For example: “I have been practising yoga and breathing daily; I wish to

use these techniques during labour.” This alignment between preparation and plan strengthens

your sense of control and comfort.

Conclusion & Your Next Step

Creating a holistic birth plan is one of the most meaningful steps you can take as an expectant

mother. It’s more than a checklist-it’s a statement of how you choose to engage with your

body, your baby, your birth, your postpartum. When you craft it with intention, prepare your

body and mind, and choose a team that supports your values (like THE BIRTHWAVE in

Chennai), you set the stage for a birth experience that feels aligned, empowered and supported.

Your next step:

• Open your journal or a new document and begin reflecting (see Step 1).

• Choose a time this week to draft your first birth plan outline (Sections A–F above).

• Schedule a consultation with THE BIRTHWAVE (or your preferred holistic clinic in

Chennai) and bring your draft to discuss.

• Continue your wellness preparations: walking, prenatal yoga, mind-body practice, as part

of your birth-plan roadmap.

If you’re in Chennai and ready for a pregnancy & birth journey anchored in holistic wellness,

movement, mind-body support and personalised care-THE BIRTHWAVE is here for you.

Let’s design this together.

📞 +91 9363031925

📍 8/15, Mahalingapuram Main Rd, Mahalingapuram, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034

🌐 Book an appointment: https://thebirthwave.com/contact-us/

Here’s to your empowered birth, your supported body & mind, and your joyful arrival into

Motherhood.

Warmly,

Dr. Santoshi Nandigham

Holistic Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

Founder, THE BIRTHWAVE (Chennai)