It's official. You're pregnant. After the elation wears off, "Ohmygoshnowwhat?!" is likely to be your next reaction. Relax, it's normal. You might as well get used to it, because baby is full of surprises.
Considering your birthing options, however, can help give you a little more control of the situation. You can figure out how you want your delivery to go, and then share your thoughts with your partner and your physician. That way everyone is on the same page. Of course, you can't control every aspect of the labor and delivery process and you'll need to be flexible, just in case the doctor and your birth team need to change course a little.
The Elmhurst Birth Options Checklist can help take you through the process. Make sure you discuss them when you meet with your OB/GYN doctor so you can find common ground and see what will work in your situation and what won't. After you've considered your birthing options, make sure you give a copy to your doctor, have one put in your hospital file and put one in the bag you'll be taking to the hospital.
