Many women ask the question, "When is the best time to discuss my birth plan with my care provider?"

The answer is always "NOW."

Your care provider is the one providing the care for your pregnancy and birth.  Before signing on as their client, whether they are a doctor or a midwife, you should feel comfortable and confident that the options and choices you have in your birth plan will be available to you.  This can only happen when the lines of communication are open and flowing.  Waiting to discuss your choices until later in your pregnancy is not a recommended decision.

When choosing a care provider, bring your birth plan.  If you do not have a plan yet, bring a list of things that you want to discuss and know more about for your pregnancy and birth.  These lists should be part of the decision for any family.  A mother and father have the right to decide the care they will receive, and most providers are open and willing to listen and discuss your options.  If something in you...