A birth plan is a one-page document you bring to labour that sets out your preferences. It’s not binding on the medical team — clinical decisions always take priority — but it communicates what matters to you so they can honour it when possible.
Why Muslim mothers specifically need one
- Modesty — requests for female-only care, partner-only-in-room, and hair covered during delivery.
- Adhan at birth — the Sunnah practice of reciting the call to prayer into the baby’s right ear.
- Cord blood banking — scholarly views are mixed; most allow it when medically indicated.
- Pain relief — epidural, gas & air, pethidine — all broadly permissible.
- Placenta — some families request respectful burial; many hospitals accommodate.
- Feeding — exclusive breastfeeding intention aligned with Qur’an 2:233.
Copy-paste birth plan template
Name: _______ Due date: _______ Hospital: _______
Birth partner: _______
Modesty: I prefer a female care team wherever clinically possible. Curtains closed. Only my partner and essential clinicians present.
Adhan: My partner will softly recite the adhan in the baby’s right ear as soon as the baby is stable.
Skin-to-skin: Yes, immediately if medically safe.
Photography: No photography that shows my hair or body.
Pain relief: I am open to [gas & air / pethidine / epidural] — please offer options in this order: _______.
Mobility & positions: I’d like to move freely and try upright positions.
Feeding: Exclusive breastfeeding intended. Please avoid formula top-ups unless medically necessary.
Tahneek: I will perform tahneek with a date as soon as the baby is cleaned.
Placenta: Standard disposal / we wish to take it home for burial.
Cord clamping: Delayed cord clamping if medically safe.
Vitamin K & newborn screening: I consent / I’d like to discuss first.
In emergency: Please tell my partner before me, so he can inform the team of any further preferences.
Print two copies — one for your hospital bag and one for your birth partner. Bring it to your 34-week appointment to discuss with your healthcare provider. Read our third trimester guide for the labour-readiness checklist.
Content is for general information based on NHS, RCOG, and WHO guidance. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider. Fiqh questions — consult a scholar you trust.