Be Flexible: Birth “Preferences”

​If you are looking for a doula, you have likely already started thinking about your “birth plan.”  I would like to encourage expectant moms, dads and partners to think more along the lines of “birth preferences.”  Birth is really hard to “plan” for.  You don’t know exactly how you will feel in the moment and what your baby may feel like doing!  It is incredibly beneficial to know your options ahead of time, think about how you would like things to go, maybe even have a “Plan B,” and then just roll with it. 
 
In our prenatal visits leading up to the birth of your little one, we will go over an array of preferences and create your birth preferences worksheet together. 
 
Some things to consider:

1. Who would you like present at the birth?  Different hospitals have different protocols; many will only allow your doula and one other person.
2. Do you want an epidural?  If so, at what point in your labor?
3. What keeps you calm?  Dim lights, music, lavender, meditation, etc.?
4. Do you want to eat and drink during your labor?
5. Do you want to move around during your labor?
6. What positions do you think you would find most comfortable? (Don’t worry; we will go over some options!)
7. Do you want to view your baby being born with a mirror?  Touch his or her head while he/she is crowning?
8. Who would you like to cut the umbilical cord?
9. Do you want to breastfeed?
10. What procedures would you like to have done immediately with your infant?  What would you like to be delayed?

 
As your doula I will provide evidence-based research to help you create your preferences worksheet in our prenatal visits.  These preferences will be shared with your care provider and changed if necessary.  Then during your labor and delivery I will help you achieve your preferences and be a sounding board if things need to change.
 
I am so excited to meet you and am honored to be a part of this process!

Click here to get more information on my birth doula services.