How to Have a Successful Delivery

Even the best birth plan does not guarantee a successful delivery. The only way to make sure you have the best delivery possible is to prepare and educate yourself for every situation possible, not just the most ideal situation. The one thing to keep in mind during your labor and delivery is that the most important thing is a healthy baby and a healthy mother. Read on to learn how to have a successful delivery.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Create a list of the top five most important factors of your delivery. Start with a list of everything that you can think of that is important and then prioritize the most important items to get your top five list. It's OK to have "healthy baby" or "healthy mother" at the top of that list. This list can be your birth plan.
2. Read different childbirth books to see which method is the best for you. It's always best to read about every option and not rule out any one method. If you skip over the C-section articles in each book you may leave yourself unprepared for an emergency situation. Read childbirth and pregnancy books such as "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer and "The Mother of all Pregnancy Books" by Ann Douglas.
3. Take a childbirth class. Whether it is with your hospital or if it is with an independent instructor, you will become educated about the different parts of labor and will learn what to expect. Take your husband or partner with you so they can help you stick to your plan.
4. Talk to your doctor. Share your concerns with your doctor so they can answer any questions you have. They may be able to give you extra comforting if you have a lot of anxiety.
5. Create a network of contacts. Friends and family will want to know the details of your birth and see pictures as soon as they are available. Create a list of email addresses or phone numbers and have one person take care of sending out the announcement for you.
6. Get the support you need. If you do not live near your friends or family, there are online networks where you can meet other mothers or mothers-to-be and share information and concerns. This can be a huge relief especially if you are feeling alone.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have a husband or do not think your husband will make a good coach, you can always hire a doula. Doulas accompany a woman in labor and mothers the mother, taking care of her emotional needs throughout childbirth.