2When planning a natural childbirth, many women choose to employ a doula or birthing assistant. This person will help you to plan the birth you want, as well as assisting you through the birthing process. A birth plan is a written document that you can review with your doctor or midwife to help them understand the way you'd like your birth to progress.
- Research a variety of procedures that often occur during a hospital birth before you meet with your doula. If necessary, ask her for a list of reference materials or recommended reading. Some doulas or birthing centers even have a lending library that is available to clients.Discuss your feelings about procedures such as cord clamping, episiotomy and surgical births with your doula. Begin to write a birth plan that reflects these feelings. Your doula may have a pre-written template for you to use, or she may provide birth planning services as a part of her package.After you have completed your birth plan, be sure to make an appointment with your midwife or doctor to discuss it. There may be specific guidelines or procedures that the doctor or hospital require. Some procedures may be mandatory, while others may be prohibited. Asking your doctor to look over and approve your birth plan will ensure that you are within hospital guidelines, while having the best birth possible.
