Birth preparation and birth plan
Meetings before the birth: what to expect at the maternity hospital, the possible scenarios, what to ask your doctor and how to breathe when you’re scared.
What we talk about
- The birth plan: what matters to you and how to tell the hospital team
- SUS (the public system) or a private clinic: how they differ
- The possible birth scenarios, including a planned cesarean
- Questions for your doctor: a list that makes appointments calmer
- Breathing and calming techniques for contractions
- The role of your partner or a loved one
- Worries and fears: naming them aloud and going through them one by one
What I do
- I explain how the process works, in plain language
- I help you write a birth plan, including a backup, and prepare it for the hospital team
- I suggest what to ask your doctor and interpret the answers
- I show breathing and relaxation techniques
- I answer your questions between meetings
What I don’t do
- I don’t replace a doctor: medical questions stay with your doctor
- I don’t recommend medication, supplements or skipping tests
- I don’t promise the birth will go to plan: nobody knows that in advance
- I don’t push a choice: you decide together with your doctor
Format
We discuss the format and number of meetings on the first call and write them into the contract. Preparation is part of the support packages.
Medical information
A doula is not a doctor. The breathing and relaxation practices here are calming techniques, not medical recommendations.