Birth plans are very controversial. Some argue that nurses and doctors don't like them. One of my jobs is a cbd ( birth doula). What I see is the reactions to birth plans. If you give a nurse a 10 page birth plan she or he will be overwhelmed and they really won't have time to read it. If you keep your birth plan to 1 page (2max!) They are happy to read it. 1 page is the best though. Also the format of having obvious paragraphs for different stages in labor is well received because then all they need to read is the paragraph for the stage of labor your in when they are in the room. The format I give my clients is this:

Mom name, farther name, anyone coming to birth name, due date, doctor.

One sentence introduction. ( this is your time to acknowledge that you know that things happen in labor and its not always possible to have things happen that are in birth plan)

One or two paragraphs of special requests.

One paragraph on early labor wishes ( such as pain management)

Two paragraphs on active labor.

Two paragraphs pushing.

Two paragraphs after delivery (such as having apgars done on you rather than ba y being in warmer.

A birth plan isn't to choreograph your labor. It is to make your wishes clear in case you aren't able to remember in labor. Its to express your wishes to people in the birth room that don't talk to you.

If you have any questions on what to include ask me ?