A birth plan is a one-page document you bring to labour that sets out your preferences. It\u2019s not binding on the medical team \u2014 clinical decisions always take priority \u2014 but it communicates what matters to you so they can honour it when possible.
Why Muslim mothers specifically need one
- Modesty \u2014 requests for female-only care, partner-only-in-room, and hair covered during delivery.
- Adhan at birth \u2014 the Sunnah practice of reciting the call to prayer into the baby\u2019s right ear.
- Cord blood banking \u2014 scholarly views are mixed; most allow it when medically indicated.
- Pain relief \u2014 epidural, gas & air, pethidine \u2014 all broadly permissible.
- Placenta \u2014 some families request respectful burial; many hospitals accommodate.
- Feeding \u2014 exclusive breastfeeding intention aligned with Qur\u2019an 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\u2019s 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] \u2014 please offer options in this order: _______.
Mobility & positions: I\u2019d 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\u2019d 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 \u2014 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 \u2014 consult a scholar you trust.