•  Choose where you want to have your baby.

•  Choose a health care provider.

•  Read books on pregnancy and childbirth.

•  Take a childbirth class, if you can.

•  Get regular prenatal care from your health care provider.

•  Tell you what happens when you give birth

•  Show you and your partner (or other “coach”) what to do during labor and delivery

•  Help lessen the fear of giving birth

•  Help explain what happens with a Cesarean section (C-section). Knowing what to expect is helpful when a C-section is planned. It is helpful, too, if it is not planned, but needs to be done for the safety of you and your baby.

•  Teach you how to work with the natural birthing process. You can do this through:

•  Your health care provider

•  The maternity department of local hospitals

•  Local education programs

•  Local March of Dimes