Childbirth is an intensely emotional and physical experience that will remain with you for life. Making choices about your birth experience will require knowledge about what is important to you, information about what is allowed at the place in which you plan to give birth, and then a lot of grace in case things do not go exactly as planned.
- I recommend that you consider the topics on several birth plans and then learn something about each one that sounds like a decision you would like to make if possible
- Discuss the important ones with your physician, midwife or nurse practitioner
- Ask questions about hospital or birth center guidelines when you take your tour
- Talk to other new moms about their experiences but realize that no two labors are the same
- Share your choices with the people who you want with you in labor
- Most importantly remember that the end goal is a safe birth for mom and baby even if every choice that you hoped to make was not possible
