Preparing yourself
There are many questions about labor and delivery that you will want to ask yourself—and your health care provider—weeks before the onset of labor. You have a lot of choices to make about the process.

Be sure to discuss all of the following issues with your health care provider:

• What type of delivery—vaginal or cesarean (surgical removal of the baby through the abdomen)—is expected?
  
  
• In what position would you like to deliver?
  
  
• What health care providers will be with you during the birth? How many other women will they be caring for at the same time?
  
  
• How many other people can you have with you during your stay?
  
  
• Will you be able to discuss the need for an episiotomy—a minor surgical procedure that can help ease the delivery—beforehand?

You will also want to discuss your feelings about pain relief and what methods of relief you prefer. Do you want as little or as much pain management as possible? You should also tell your health care professional what procedures you don't want to have under any circumstances for yourself and your child.

Including your partner
As you prepare for giving birth, you will need to consider your partner's role. Many partners want to participate in their child's birth. Even if your partner doesn't want to be involved in the delivery, he can

• Do things to distract you during labor.
  
  
• Time your contractions.
  
  
• Rub your back.
  
  
• Act as a focal point and breathe with you during contractions.
  
  
• Offer comfort and encouragement.