The Birth Of Your Choice

Labour and birth should be managed in the way one choose. There are many decisions for you to make and you should be aware of all your options. In theory, it's possible to have exactly the kind of birth that you want, but this involves extensive reading, soul searching, and discussion with your partner. You'll also have to talk things over with your nursing and medical attendants so that any difficulties that might arise later on can be dealt with. Home birth is becoming more widely accepted and is something to which you should give serious consideration. Alternatively you can choose a hospital and a team of midwives that provide the facilities, the atmosphere, and the cooperative approach that you prefer. It is extremely useful to make a birth plan outlining the kind of birth you want and, by discussing it with your attendants, you can achieve your aims. It's up to women and their partners to take a more assertive role in the way the delivery and birth of their baby will be handled. Having access to information is crucial, but practical and moral support from a partner is just as important. If both parents attend childbirth classes, they will become better informed and, vitally, more mutually supportive.