It's hard to know where to start when you are expecting a baby and can definitely feel overwhelming, but take a breath. You don't need to know everything right away. Start by asking what is most important to you and what you want your birth to be like, then start working on steps you can take in advance to give you the best chance of meeting your goals. Take a childbirth class. Talk to friends. Ask people about their experiences. The resources below can also help get you started.
LOCAL RESOURCES
SAMPLE BIRTH PLAN*
Feel free to use this document as a starting point, but make it yours! Delete things that aren't important to you, add items that are, and be sure to include any relevant history or personal information that your nurses and caregivers should be aware of. In all things, be respectful and honest. Remember - you and your provider are partners in your care!
*It is important to understand that a birth plan is a helpful tool for communication and clarifying priorities, but it is unlikely to help much with achieving your ideal birth if your preferences are in contrast with the usual procedures and policies of your care provider and/or birth place.
ONLINE RESOURCES
LOCAL RESOURCES
- Recommended local maternity care practices: Summa Health Midwifery (Akron), MyOB/GYN (Orrville/Massillon), Twin Springs Ob/Gyn (Kidron/Massillon), Bloomington Women's Care (Wooster)
- Confident Childbirth classes with Amy Julian
- The Breastfeeding Center
SAMPLE BIRTH PLAN*
Feel free to use this document as a starting point, but make it yours! Delete things that aren't important to you, add items that are, and be sure to include any relevant history or personal information that your nurses and caregivers should be aware of. In all things, be respectful and honest. Remember - you and your provider are partners in your care!
*It is important to understand that a birth plan is a helpful tool for communication and clarifying priorities, but it is unlikely to help much with achieving your ideal birth if your preferences are in contrast with the usual procedures and policies of your care provider and/or birth place.
ONLINE RESOURCES