At the beginning of your pregnancy go to see an experienced midwife, who can accompany you through the pregnancy, help you to prepare for birth and refer you to a gynaecologist, if required.
Demand that ultrasound testing be only used if the indications necessitate.
If possible, avoid ultrasound in early pregnancy and withdraw from routine ultrasound testing.
Consciously deepen the contact with your child during pregnancy by means of prenatal preparation like, for example, hypnobirthing or haptonomy and ask your partner to accompany you. Deepen your trust in your immanent capacity to give birth to your child and thus dissolve your fears.
Plan the birth for a place where you feel comfortable and secure, preferably with a trusted midwife or obstetrician. Clearly communicate your wishes and notions for the birth – before and also during birth.
After birth insist on space and time from your midwife or doctor in order to make the important bond between parents and child. This applies especially to a birth at the hospital.
If you are planning to give birth at the hospital ask about the rate of cesareans at the clinic of your choice. If possible find a midwife with hospital admitting privileges whom you trust and who can accompany you to the birth.
Get informed about all common practice routine measures for mother and child at the hospital and, together with your partner, consciously decide what you want and what you do not want.
Make arrangements for nursing, so that either the child’s father or another close person can support the mother and child at home. As soon as you know you are pregnant, look for a midwife who can take care of you at home when you and your child need nursing and can advise you about breastfeeding.
