by Kimberly Lee

Created on: March 17, 2008   Last Updated: April 24, 2008

Giving birth is a very personal decision. Often a woman's choices can be blurred out by hospital policy or input from close friends and relatives. Before you are set to give birth you should sit down with your partner and create a plan. How do you want to handle your childbirth? After all, you are the one delivering the baby and you should choose how you would like that process to go.

First you need to check with the hospital on their procedures and what types of procedures they stand firm on. For example, most hospitals will require you to have an IV, even if you choose not to. Make your guidelines on what is acceptable for you based on the information you gather from the hospital. Be specific in your choices. Do you want to give birth naturally or with the aid of pain medication. You also need to allow yourself room to deviate from your plan. Perhaps you really want to deliver naturally and somewhere during your birth process you decide you cannot handle the pain. Take the time prior to delivery to research different types of pain medication so you make the choice if that time happens to arrive. You should always feel in control of your situation during your delivery. Talk extensively with your partner about your choices prior to delivering so you have their full support in whatever situation may come up.

I believe that all parents worry about the possibility of birth defects or birth related injuries. Research the most common of these defects and injuries and take the time to talk your fears out with your partner. Talk about what you would each like to do if certain unfortunate situations arise. This should be done ahead of time so that no unfortunate decisions are made on a whim without extensive thought.

Once the baby arrives feel free to take all the time you need to bond before you call relatives. As happy and excited as friends and family will be, it is most important that you are comfortable and feeling as if you have done all you need to do before you feel you need to entertain. Company, no matter how much wanted, are draining of your energy the first few days after birth. If you feel obligated to have people over to visit, try to surround yourself with people who will be equally excited about the baby as well as helping you out. Giving birth is an ordeal on your body and you will feel exhausted and helpless. You will need the support of your partner the first few days home from the hospital. Be prepared to have little or no sleep. You and your partner will need to take turns with the baby for the first few days until you feel you are able to establish some type of routine.

Most hospitals fill out the information for the birth certificate for you before you are discharged. Make sure to keep your copy of these records in a safe place. You will be able to obtain a real birth certificate from the county register a few weeks after the birth of your child. Since your first few days are sure to be exhausting and you will not want to be out and about, make use of the different companies that you can upload your photos to and pick up later. This is a great tool for getting your birth announcements completed early since everyone will be awaiting a picture of your precious one. Your partner can pick the prints up and help you address them and send them out.

Remember that childbirth is a personal experience and your wishes and desires for this experience are the one's that should be followed through with. You are in control of your birth experience, make it one to remember.

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