There are many things to take into consideration when it’s time to start thinking about your birth plans and visions. One key element that will contribute to your labor and delivery process is your support team. Who will be in the room? In this article, we help you fine-tune what the dream team looks like for you and help you decide who will be there to support your birth experience.
Table of Contents
Consider the Professionals
Factor your professional medical care team into the equation first. These individuals typically oversee your appointments during routine antenatal care and hold the most knowledge regarding your progress and birth wishes.
A variety of people may be on this professional staff, including your OBGYN or primary care provider. The location you decide to give birth will directly impact your access to certain medical professionals, so keep this in mind when gathering your team.
Invest in a Doula
There are slight differences between a trained doula and a certified nurse midwife. Still, many women will agree that having both benefits the labor and delivery experience. More than likely, you will need to do some local research to find a doula that can take you on as a client, and they typically require you to pay out of pocket. Fortunately, their services are often affordable.
Some benefits of hiring a doula include:
- Undivided attention during labor
- Emotional support and encouragement
- Unbiased guidance
- A calming resource for the other parent
- Continued postpartum care
Your Partner’s Position
Another vital step in equipping your dream birth team is creating space for your partner or the other parent. The parent not giving birth often feels confused, anxious, and uneasy. It’s challenging to witness someone you care about in a painful situation without knowing how to assist them.
Should they wish to be involved as much as possible, your trained doula could be an excellent resource for your partner throughout the process. If they aren’t comfortable with being present, perhaps they are not a necessary part of your experience. This aspect changes on an individual basis more than any others, so ensure the decision feels right for your dynamics.
Trusted Family and Friends
Sometimes, women prefer a close family member or friend to be at their side instead of a partner or a doula. This opportunity is also something to consider because it’s an option, and for many, it is an excellent one at that.
You may have that one person in your circle that you trust undeniably to help you through this life-changing event. Maybe they are already mothers, your mother, or a best friend. Whoever this individual is, consider adding them to your dream birth team to have maximum support.
Focusing your sights on a birth vision may feel challenging with all the things you have to prepare before the big day. Take things one day at a time, and before you know it, your dream team will be at your side celebrating the delivery of your beautiful baby. Good luck, mama!
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