Birth Plan

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Create a Birth Plan

Having a written birth plan ahead of the delivery helps in many ways. It can guide how to think about what is best for your family during the delivery and help mom and you advocate for what she wants. A birth plan can help mom answer these questions and many more:

• What does she want for pain relief (natural methods, epidural, other, etc.)?

• Who does she want to be in the room during the delivery?

• Her other labor preferences.

• Any plans for someone to cut the umbilical cord?

• If having a son, plans for circumcision?​

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Find an example birth plan template here.

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What does a birth helper (Doula) do? A Doula…

• Is trained to help families during pregnancy and childbirth.

• Helps answer any questions about the pregnancy and day of delivery.

• Supports the type of birth mom and you want.

• Helps create a birth plan.

• Helps mom and you during labor and makes sure mom is comfortable.

• Helps mom and you learn about steps during labor as it happens.

• Helps mom and the delivery team speak to and understand each other during labor.

• Helps teach you how to massage mom.

• Can massage mom.

• Helps you deal with the unexpected.

• Can help mom have a birth with no drugs.

• Helps mom with breastfeeding.

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Does a Doula make a difference? Yes. Moms who have doulas usually…

• Have shorter labors.

• Need fewer medical interventions.

• Are less likely to need a cesarean section.

• Say birth was a positive experience.

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How can I find a Doula? 

• Databases to find doula services near you. 

  • DONA International - search for a doula here.

  • DoulaMatch.net - search for a doula here.

  • ProDoula - search for a doula here.

• ​JustBirth Space provides free, virtual doula support during pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Find information here.

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Need to find a birth center or midwifery unit?

• The American Association of Birth Centers promotes and supports freestanding birth centers and midwifery units in all communities.  

• Find birth centers and midwifery units near you here. 

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