Preparing for labor

To do list

Practice your breathing and relaxation.

Decide whether you want additional labor support.

Hire a doula if you want professional labor support.

If you've had a Cesarean birth, talk with your health care provider about a vaginal birth after a Cesarean (VBAC).

Create your birth plan.

Make your packing list and pack your labor bag.

Learn the best route(s) to the hospital.

Register for a childbirth preparation class.

Register for a sibling(s) at birth class and/or a new brother or new sister class to help older children feel better prepared for a hospital trip.

Take a tour of your hospital's birth center. Ask if your older children can go on the birth center tour with you.

Forms and worksheets

Birth plan worksheet

Labor log worksheet

Labor bag and hospital checklist

The labor companion's quick checklist