guide

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After you have explored your options, and gathered as much information as possible... it is time to write down what your ideal birth looks like on paper.

This can serve as a guide for you to help organize your thoughts but it can also serve as talking points and a reference for your doctor/midwife, birth attendant and/or hospital staff.

The first thing to remember is that this is a guide, not a dissertation. You want to hit the major points and remain brief without losing your personality or flexibility.

One can never predict what will happen at a birth so cover all the bases, including options for worst-case-scenarios.

I have put together a guide and some sample birthplans to help you develop your own.

Good Luck and enjoy thinking about this amazing time in your life!

You may want to cover such topics as:

• Number of people allowed during birth (normal or operative)
• Routine protocols
• Feelings about pain medications and other drugs
• Birthing environment (own clothes, dim lights, food and drink)
• In the event of a c-section
• Preferences on walking, shower/tub and labor positions
• Breastfeeding
• Newborn procedures, care and rooming-in