◦Step 1: Educate yourself
- childbirth education classes
- books, magazines, documentaries, accurate internet sources
- childbirth organizations or local resources
Step 2: Listen to your body
- connect with your body's messages
- diet, rest, exercise, decrease life stress
- nurture yourself
Step 3: Create your personal birth philosophy
- create a vision for your child's birth
- talk through your questions and fears
- listen honestly to yourself
Step 4: Choose your care provider
- obstetricians
- family physicians
- midwives
- who do you think will provide you with the most complete care and listen to your concerns and desires?
Step 5: Choose your birth environment
- free-standing birth center
- hospital
- home
- where will you feel safest and most supported?
source: Choices in Childbirth, n.d.
