If you haven’t yet, write down two or three things that matter most to you about how the birth goes. Sharing them with your support person and your care provider is a useful next step.
Why preparation matters and what it can't do
Birth is unpredictable, so preparation isn’t always about creating the perfect birth experience. It’s about helping you feel more informed, flexible and able to navigate whatever unfolds. It can help to start by thinking about what a "good" birth would mean for you.
A positive birth experience looks different for everyone. For some people, it’s about feeling calm and supported. For others, it’s about having information, pain relief or certain people present.
Continuous support during labour is associated with more positive birth experiences for many people. This support might come from a partner, a family member, a friend, a doula or another trusted person. Having a support person knowledgeable in birth, like a doula or experienced midwife, provides measurable medical benefits, including shorter labour, reduced use of pain medication and a lower likelihood of caesarean.
Explore what you'd like to prepare
Choose a topic to read more.
References
This article was developed using sourced educational content from Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings (CPMHT), and informed by the collective knowledge and expertise of CPMHT professionals and Karen Clarke, BA, MSW, RSW, Doula (Open Book Doula, Counselling and Consulting Services), as well as the following cited research and clinical practice guidelines:
Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT). Clinician Pocket Guide: Management of Perinatal Mood, Anxiety, and Related Disorders. Toronto: CANMAT, 2024.
Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT). Clinician Pocket Guide: Management of Perinatal Mood, Anxiety, and Related Disorders. Toronto: CANMAT, 2024.
Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings (CPMHT). "The Birth Plan Worksheet."
Shea, A., et al. "Guideline No. 454: Identification and Treatment of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders." Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada 46, no. 10 (2024): 102696.
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