Pregnancy Prep 101

The 3 things that every mother-to-be should be planning for once she finds out she’s pregnant are:

1. Finding a birth team that is supportive of your prenatal care.

2. Assuring that your providers will support your birthing autonomy and decisions.

3. Understanding newborn care basics AND how to support yourself during postpartum recovery.

Choosing a supportive prenatal provider.

Choosing the right prenatal provider is a key step in ensuring a positive and empowering birth experience. Take the time to have an open and honest conversation with potential providers to see if their philosophy and approach align with your birth preferences. Ask about their experience, views on interventions, and support for the type of birth you envision—whether it’s unmedicated, medicated, or cesarean. Pay attention to how they respond to your questions; a provider who listens attentively, respects your concerns, and communicates clearly can make all the difference in feeling supported and confident throughout your pregnancy and birth journey.

SCENARIO: I'm afraid that my prenatal provider will say they are supportive of letting me go into labor spontaneously and then try to talk me into an induction later in my pregnancy. How should I approach this concern with them?

ANSWER: It’s important to address this concern directly and early in your prenatal care. You could ask your provider something like:

"How do you approach supporting patients who want to wait for spontaneous labor? Under what circumstances would you recommend induction, and how do you involve patients in making that decision?"

This phrasing gives them the chance to explain their general approach and the specific medical reasons they might suggest an induction, helping you gauge whether their philosophy aligns with your birth preferences. It also opens the door for a collaborative discussion about how decisions will be made later in pregnancy.

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