Preparing for the Birth

In addition to deciding where you will give birth and choosing your caregiver, there are other things you can do to prepare for the birth. Some of these are very practical, like packing your suitcase for the hospital in advance! For a checklist of things to pack, click here.

You will also need to decide if you want your partner or a friend to be present during the birth. The choice is up to you, but the hospital may have limits on how many people can be present. If you plan on having a home birth, there is, of course, no limit. While most women want their partner present, they may also choose to have another friend and/or relative in the delivery room. Some couples wish to have a doula (a professional labour support person) present. You can ask about arranging this at your prenatal classes. Use the questions below to help you decide whether you would like to have a labour support person.

	In a stressful situation, am I comfortable with few or many people around me?
	Is my labour support person someone I am completely comfortable with?
	Does my labour support person know, share or support my wishes for the birth?
	Do I feel a need for a professional support person in addition to my partner?

Here is some information for your labour support person about what to expect during the birth.

Once you have chosen your labour support person, you will need to keep them involved and informed about your pregnancy. Many women attend prenatal classes to help them prepare for childbirth. One of your labour support people should also attend prenatal classes with you.

It is quite normal during pregnancy to worry about complications during the birth or your own ability to cope with the pain of labour. Part of dealing with your fears is finding out more about the pain control strategies available. Attending prenatal classes often helps women and their partners learn about their options and make choices that help them feel more secure about the pregnancy.

Don't be afraid to talk to someone about your fears. Expressing your feelings is much healthier than keeping everything bottled up. Try talking to:

• your partner
• a trusted friend
• a family member
• your childbirth educator
• your caregiver
• a professional counsellor
• other women/couples in your prenatal classes

You may be surprised to discover just how many people go through these same feelings. Some women have vivid dreams about labour and birth during their pregnancy.

Back to index