Top Tips for Informed Birth Preparation

All the links included in this post will take you to other articles on this website.  They will open in new windows, so that you can digest them one at a time, without losing this 'index'.  ​This approach to birth preparation means you are Informed, Supported and Confident.


Create a Birth MAP!
This takes birth plans to a whole new level, and a birth map won't get thrown out the window!  A Birth Map provides you with various pathways, and gives your birth support team the instructions they need for various scenarios, should they arise.  

Understand Induction.
Did you know that induction is often over used and that there are risks involved?
Be sure to know why you are being offered induction, know that you can say no or ask for other options, including more time.   


Understand your Cord Management options:
Delayed Cord Clamping is increasingly becoming standard practice, but varies in time.  Some consider 30 seconds 'delayed', others 60 seconds, others 3 minutes.  You can ask for no clamping too.  Know your options.  Know what your care provider considers standard.  And make an Informed Decision.


What about the Placenta?
Often forgotten in birth preparation, the placenta required some attention.  Do you know your options when it come to the placenta?  From a 'physiological third stage' or a 'managed third stage', through to whether to keep it or not.  And if you do keep it, what will you do with it?


Have you heard of the Nocebo Effect?
Sometimes, just being aware of it can make a positive difference.  

Is Ultrasound Safe?
There are studies showing that ultrasound (including handheld dopplers) are not without risk.  
Do you know these risks?  How do you feel about them?  Which ultrasounds do you really need, and can you over do the doppler? 
With hand held dopplers being sold for home use, it is important to understand the issues involved and weigh them up with the benefits you feel you may gain.

Are you familiar with the variations of what is normal?
All births will unfold differently, so what is 'normal'?  What can you really expect?  What is meant by the 'stages of labour'?  


Do you understand what 'type' of birth might be best for you?
From how you understand your pain threshold, to how you feel about interventions, exploring what this means to you, helps determine the best approach for you.


Why is Breastfeeding important?
Perhaps you wonder why you need to know about it?
Perhaps you wonder how to do?
Perhaps you wonder about weaning?
Perhaps you wonder how long breastfeeding lasts?


Exploring these topics will help reveal much of what you can expect, where you need to make informed decisions (if you are asked to provide consent, you can also refuse, you need to be informed so you can decide).  There are many other topics to explore, depending on your personal circumstances.  You can use the 'categories' on the right to explore these.  The FAQs also provide insights.  Once you know all your options, you can decide which is best for you.  
There is No One Way.  But there is Your Way.