This checklist is intended to help you prepare as much as possible ahead of time, so that when your baby arrives you can focus on connecting with him or her, armed with knowledge, support from your friends, family and provider, and with all the supplies you may need.

Childbirth classes aim to educate on the basic processes of labor and delivery, as well as give a rundown on hospital procedure and what to expect during your stay. Finding the childbirth class that fits your budget, schedule and preferred method of learning can be very beneficial for both you and your partner as you prepare for birth.

As you’re thinking about your cesarean birth experience, you may want to consider talking to your provider about requesting a “gentle” or “family-centered” cesarean birth.

A birth plan is not a checklist of “things that must happen for the birth to be a success” - but rather, a collection of preferences that you and your partner have thought about in advance, that can serve as a point of reference for you, your medical staff and support people.

There are quite a few misconceptions surrounding the role of the doula, but one of the most common is that doulas and midwives are interchangeable terms or have the same role during pregnancy, labor and delivery.

There are a few simple ways that you can prepare to have the birth experience that you wish for.