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Want some tried and tested tips for maximizing your potential for a straightforward, uncomplicated birth? Although rare and genuine complications sometimes do happen, through planning, preparation and building your knowledge and confidence, you can maximise your chances for a great birth and be better prepared to cope if you do have to face the unexpected.

#1 Choose well where to have your baby. Choose your birth team wisely. Trust your God-given instincts. An obstetric setting will provide you with an obstetric birth; those desiring a natural birth may choose a caregiver/birth place that specializes in natural birth e.g. birth centre or independent homebirth midwife.

#2 Get informed (both father & mother) do the research, read up on all aspects of birth including natural birth, active birth and home birth. Other women's first-hand birth stories can be a helpful way to know what you want to avoid and what you want to have at your birth. Attend birth classes (together if possible) classes independent of the hospital will yield a different perspective. Watch birth videos. Take the good, sift out what's not for you, and formulate your own personal birth philosophy and strategy. Take responsibility = take control.

#3 Eat healthy for a healthy pregnancy, baby and birth experience. Chuck out junk food and go for fresh fruit & veg and other nutritious food. This pregnancy could kick-start a life-time habit of healthy living.

#4 Keep moving walk your way through pregnancy, pre-labour and the first stage of labour. Swimming & walking are ideal for pregnancy. Exercise increases the flow of oxygen, blood and hormones to your body, placenta and baby, tones your muscles and helps you relax & feel well.

#5 During the last month, prepare your perineum with perineal massage. This should be done gently as a way of familiarizing yourself with how strong, stretchy and tensile your tissues are, increasing your confidence in your body's capabilities.

#6 During the last month, spend time on your hands and knees. Rock, tilt & circle your pelvis. Or you can kneel forward onto elbows with knees comfortably apart, or over a fit ball. This helps the baby get into the ideal anterior position for birth, instead of a back-lying posterior position that can result in a longer labour. Learn about Optimal Foetal Positioning to give yourself the best chance of an easier, straight-forward labour.

#7 Keep mobile and get gravity on your side during labour. "Sit Walk-Squat-Stand Get

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