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.