My Semi-Controversial Birth Plan as a Prenatal Chiropractor and Former Birth Doula

By Dr. Kelsi Belz, DC, CACCP

As a prenatal and pediatric chiropractor, and someone trained as a birth doula, I get asked all the time what I personally plan to do for my own birth.

People are curious. They want to know what someone with my background chooses when it’s their turn.

So here it is. My birth plan, along with the reasoning behind it.

Some of these choices are widely accepted. Others are more controversial when compared to standard hospital-based care. My goal is not to convince anyone to make the same decisions, but to offer transparency and education around the options that exist.

First, a Quick Note on “Standard” Birth Plans

If you’ve ever looked at a sample birth plan from organizations like American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, you may notice something interesting.

Certain options are included, while others are not mentioned at all.

Often, the choices that are left out are the ones that fall outside of routine hospital protocols. Not because they don’t exist, but because they are not commonly offered or encouraged.

That doesn’t make them wrong. It simply means they require more education, advocacy, and intentional decision-making.

My Birth Plan

Setting + Birth Team

• Home birth

• Midwife-led care

• Supported by my husband, assistant, and doula

  
  

Labor + Delivery Preferences

• Free movement during labor

• Birth pool access/ Water birth if desired 

• Eating and drinking as desired

• No IV

• No routine cervical checks (only if I request)

• No induction unless medically necessary (e.g., preeclampsia)

• No medical pain management

  
  

Why:These choices support autonomy and allow labor to unfold without unnecessary interruption. Movement, nourishment, and minimal intervention all support nervous system regulation and more efficient labor progression.

I do not consider going past my due date or concerns about a “big baby” alone to be medical indications for induction. I trust the timeline my body and baby choose, as long as everything remains healthy.

Pushing + Delivery

• No coached pushing

• “laboring down” vs immeidate pushing 

• Hands-off delivery unless medically necessary

• Push in what ever postion feels right 

  
  

Why:The body has a natural, reflexive pushing phase when undisturbed. Allowing this process supports better coordination, reduces strain, and aligns with physiological birth.

Flexibility if Care Needs Change

• Attempt vaginal breech birth with a skilled and willing OBGYN before defaulting to cesarean

  
  

Why:This is not about avoiding medical care. It is about using it intentionally.

If circumstances change, I want providers who are trained in a full spectrum of options. In the case of breech presentation, vaginal delivery can still be a safe and appropriate option in the right setting with experienced providers. I would pursue that path before automatically defaulting to surgery.

Immediate Postpartum

• Immediate skin-to-skin

• Uninterrupted golden hour

• Delayed cord clamping

  
  

Why:These support bonding, temperature regulation, breastfeeding initiation, and newborn transition.

Newborn Care Choices

Some of the more commonly debated decisions:

• Declining Hepatitis B vaccine at birth

• Choosing vitamin K drops instead of injection

• Declining erythromycin eye ointment

• Newborn exam done on my chest or delayed until after the golden hour

• No circumcision

  
  

Why:These decisions are based on my personal risk assessment, research, and philosophy of care.

Many of these interventions are routine in hospital settings and often presented as standard rather than optional. I believe in full informed consent, which includes understanding risks, benefits, and alternatives.

These are nuanced decisions and should be individualized, not assumed.

Why This Matters

Many of these choices are not extreme. They simply fall outside of what is routinely presented.

In many systems, compliance is encouraged by limiting what is offered as an option. If something is not discussed, most people do not realize they have a choice.

This is about awareness, not pressure.

A Philosophy That Extends Beyond Birth

This approach reflects why I became a chiropractor in the first place.

I believe the body has an innate capacity to heal, regulate, and thrive, including during pregnancy and birth. When we support the nervous system and reduce interference, the body often functions the way it was designed to.

Intervention absolutely has an important place when needed, but it should not be the default.

For me, choosing this birth plan is not about doing it better. It is about aligning my decisions with my values, my training, and my pregnancy, while prioritizing a safe, supported, and empowered experience.

That same philosophy extends into my care at Washington Park Chiropractic. If your goal is to support normal physiology and help your body function the way it was designed to, whether during pregnancy or beyond, chiropractic care can play a powerful role. Our focus is on supporting the nervous system, reducing interference, and helping your body adapt, heal, and thrive.

Dr. Kelsi Belz is a Chiropractor at Washington Park Chiropractic who specializes in Pregnancy and Pediatrics patients. She has her chiropractic doctorate from Logan University, a Webster (Prenatal) Technique Certification and Certified by the Academy Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics (CACCP). Read more about her and the rest of the team at Wash Park Chiro HERE.

Situated in Denver’s Wash Park neighborhood, Washington Park Chiropractic is dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. Our team of experienced chiropractors and therapists work collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans that address each patient's unique needs. We understand the active lifestyle of our Denver community and strive to help our patients return to their favorite activities pain-free. Whether you're a weekend warrior, a professional athlete, or someone dealing with chronic pain, our goal is to support your journey to optimal health.