How to Write Your Birth Story and 3 Reasons to Start Today

Without written words, details float away as memories fade. It’s a shame to lose any memories, especially those as sentimental as your birth story. While we all like to think such precious moments will never fade, the truth is time changes perspective, and you may not remember it as clearly as you would like. This is why writing your birth story is critical if you want to hold on to all of the details from your own perspective.

What Is a Birth Story?

A birth story is the written or verbal recording of a woman’s birth narrative. These stories are typically documented to preserve the experience for the mother and child. Some women choose to share their stories with others.

How to Write a Birth Story: A Step-by-Step Guide

Use this guide to simplify the writing process and record a heirloom-worthy narrative.

Step 1: Make time for yourself to sit and think

Your transition to motherhood deserves to be documented. Start by carving out time to dedicate to the process. It’s important to choose an area where you can concentrate, but still feel relaxed. I recommend gathering all necessary materials before you begin.

You’ll also want to grab your favorite drink or snack so you can take your time.

Step 2: Incorporate your senses

Did you have a birthing playlist? Or did you diffuse essential oils during your labor? Incorporating these experiences to set the scene can ignite your senses.

You can also take a look at your birth plan to jog your memory. Rereading what your goals were for labor will help you to remember what did and did not go according to plan.

If you didn’t use any of these things during labor, I recommend just closing your eyes and letting your mind wander back to that day.

Note: If you had a traumatic labor and delivery, please consider whether you need additional support as you begin this undertaking. Some women may find it beneficial to speak with a therapist before beginning their writing.

Step 3: Write without limits

Your first draft is not the time to edit; just let yourself dive in and write without limits. You can start at the beginning, the middle, or the end. It’s your birth story, and the most important thing is getting pen to paper (or fingers to the keyboard). You can even start with a quote or the most memorable moment during your labor.

There are no rules when writing your story; you can write in bullet point format, a stream of consciousness, or follow a template, but more on that below. Begin with what feels the most natural; there will be time to edit later.

Step 4 (Optional): Edit and adjust

Now is the time to reread your draft and edit as needed. Fixing grammatical errors will help your story flow and feel polished. That said, some people would rather leave it raw and real. It’s your birth narrative, so you should do what you want! 

Now that you’ve written the initial draft, you may want to leave it alone for a while and come back after you’ve had a chance to rest. Sometimes you’ll remember new details or gain new perspective with time. You can always add or subtract from your story if your thoughts or feelings change.

10 Questions to Prompt Your Birth Story

• What day did you give birth? Was it before, on, or after your due date?
• How were you feeling arriving at the hospital and in the days leading up to your due date?
• Were you induced, or did you go into labor naturally? How long did you spend at home before going to the hospital?
• Who was with you in the delivery room?
• Did you have any medical interventions like an epidural? How did you feel about your choice?
• Did you have a birth plan? Did your experience follow your plan, or did it differ?
• What was the weather like on the day you gave birth? Did it impact your arrival at the hospital?
• Did you labor overnight or during the day? Were you able to rest during the experience?
• Do you consider the delivery to be a positive or negative experience? Do you wish anything had gone differently?
• How did you feel when you first heard your baby cry and held your newborn?

Ways to Record Your Birth Story

Your birth story can be recorded in many ways. Listed below are some suggestions, but choose any method that resonates with you.

Journal

Journaling offers a chance to write your birth story as a stream of consciousness. It’s open-ended, and you can share as much or as little as you want without censoring yourself.

Letter

A letter-style birth story may help to make the overall message more personable, as you’ll be writing the details with a specific person in mind. If the letter is to the child you just birthed, it’ll likely color what you write compared to if you were only writing with yourself in mind.

Template

Using a template can help you keep your childbirth story on track. There are many free and paid birth story templates available online if you prefer a more structured or guided design.

Story style

Some people are natural storytellers. Without a book in hand, they can launch into their own magical “once upon a time” that leaves listeners in awe. If this sounds like you, or you simply want to approach your birth story from a more creative angle, try a storytelling approach. It’s your life, so you can write it however you’d like.

Video

Writing is not everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay! If you prefer, you can record your birth story on video instead. Simply set up your smartphone, webcam, or camera and press play. Some people may find this even more sentimental as you’ll be able to see how you look and sound as you recount such a pivotal moment in your life.

Audio

Not everyone feels comfortable on camera, and sometimes audio alone is more convenient. Face it, sometimes you simply don’t have the digital space to keep a 20 (or 40) minute video. Recording only audio may help you feel less self-conscious since you won’t be seeing yourself on screen.

Birth Story Examples

Looking at what other people’s birth story examples may help guide your writing. I’ve shared my birth story on this blog, both as a memento for myself and as an example for those interested in reading it. Feel free to check it out and share your thoughts or questions. I’d be happy to answer!

Many women share their birth stories online. Social media sites are a great place to start the hunt. I also really enjoy YouTube, as some women have chosen to share video clips from their labor and delivery.

3 Reasons Why You Should Start Writing Your Birth Story Today

1. With time, all memories begin to fade

Even the most special memories begin to fade with time. The sooner you start recording your birth story, the less likely you are to forget the details. This also applies to anyone who was in the delivery room with you. Your partner or support person can be a great resource when writing. They’ll also have an easier time remembering the facts if you ask them sooner rather than later.

2. You’ll have time to come to terms with your experience

Some women have traumatic birth experiences, and they don’t even know it. Sometimes it takes time and reevaluation of your experience to recognize what went wrong and how you feel about it.

On the other hand, some women need time and space to recognize that they consider their birth experience to be positive. Either way, it’s easier to analyze once the story has been written.

3. So you don’t endlessly put it off and forget to do it

Face it, even with the best intentions, sometimes things slip through the cracks. If you start writing your birth story today, it guarantees you’ve recorded at least some part of the monumental shift you experience in becoming a mother. It’s better to live a life without regrets. Why put off what you can get started on today?

My Birth Story Is Finished, Now What?

When you’re done, place your completed birth story in your baby’s keepsake box or another safe place. You can choose whether you share it with your family, friends, or anyone else at your own pace. Now you can rest easy knowing such a special time in your life has been captured.