Answer these questions to give yourself an idea of your wishes for the birth of your baby. You may wish to print this page out. If you leave the website while you think about the answers, don't forget to bookmark the site so you can come back to us!
If you don't know enough about labour and birth to answer these questions, check out the research summaries.
CompanionsWould you like to know already the midwife who looks after you in labour and helps you give birth?
Who would you like to be with you during your labour?
Do you have any medical problems which require specialist help during pregnancy and birth?
If English is not your first language, will you need an interpreter with you during labour?
Would you feel comfortable being in labour in a hospital environment? Would you feel reassured having medical staff and technological aids nearby? Or would you prefer to labour in familiar surroundings?
Have you any special needs which will require specialist equipment?
Would you like to give birth naturally, without medical interventions?
Would you like to be able to walk about during labour, and to get into any comfortable position you choose?
Would you like to use water for pain relief, or to give birth in a birthing pool?
Are you keen to avoid a Caesarean birth or would you prefer to have one?
Would you like to be able to have an epidural (local anaesthetic used as pain relief) during labour?
How do you feel about the various medical interventions that can be performed during labour? 
Would you prefer to stay in hospital after you have had your baby, or be at home?
Are you planning to breastfeed or are you thinking about bottlefeeding?
Would you like to already know the midwife who visits you at home after you have had your baby?
Once you have answered these questions, you should have an idea of the kind of birth you are hoping for. To find the best place for you to try to achieve this, return to the Checklist to continue the process.
|
|
|