This is important as it documents what your wishes are, ensures your birthing attendess know what you want and is important in the event  you need to transfer to the hospital.

In your birthing/back up plan:

• It is helpful to have your birthing plan and medical documents all together prior to giving birth.
• Include any prenatal care documentation 
• Outline your birthing desires so all people involved in your birth have a reference.
• Determine ahead of time what warrants a trip to the hospital, and make sure your birth attendant(s) know what to look for.  For instance, if you are turning white and passing out, you could be losing a lot of blood (internally or externally) and need immediate medical attention.
• Also, it is a good idea to include all of your medical information with your birth plan should you need to be transfered to the hospital as this expodites the process.
• It is a good idea to read about and learn how to handle complications (variations of normal) at home and possibly print out the "variations of normal" sheets (from the Unhindered Living website or from wherever you chose) to have with you when you are in labor and giving birth.  Hope for the best and plan for the worst.

Be ready for any possibilities, so that you don't find yourself panicking when your baby begins to emerge in a breech position or his shoulders get stuck, or if the cord is wrapped around the neck (which is common).  Most "complications" do not require medical assistance, especially for the possibility that you might feel you need to transfer to the hospital.

 Here is the story my unassisted birth with my twin girls.

Go back to Step #7: Learn Relaxation Techniques and Practice Birthing Positions

Go to the next step Step #9: Gathering Supplies

Go to Birthing Methods Menu