A. THINKING ABOUT CHILDBIRTH
Learning about childbirth will help you to make plans for your baby's birth. Most hospitals want to meet the needs of families. You can learn about this care as well as other choices by asking questions.
If you would like to have a particular kind of care and you're not sure it is available, talk it over with your prenatal educator or your health care provider. When the time comes, it will be easier to make the right choices if you know your options.
a. A Message for Birth Partner
The birth partner is the person the mother chooses to be with her to support her during labour and delivery.
This is how the birth partner can help the mother during labour and delivery.
Anyone can be a birth partner – your partner, of course, but also a family member or a friend. You don't need any special skills. You just need to be there and to care.
Inquire from the personnel at the hospital where you plan to deliver if it is possible to have more than one birth partner. This policy varies from one hospital to another.
b. Planning for Your Baby's Birth
The first step in planning for your baby's birth is to find out what choices and options are available in your community. Talk with your health care provider and your prenatal educator. The services of a doula or midwife are available in certain areas.
You may want to write your birthing plan. The birthing plan is a document written for your health care provider and the nursing personnel at the hospital. It indicates the type of delivery you want as well as the care you wish for you and your baby.
The following example of a birthing plan will help you write yours. If certain elements don't seem important, omit them. Do not hesitate to add elements that are important to you but are not included in the example.
Although each future mother hopes for an easy delivery without complications, it may not happen the way you had planned. In some situations you may need to be flexible with your birth plan to ensure the health of you and your baby.