Expecting Moms Timeline

Click on the timeline below to access resources and learn more about pregnancy and birth.

Newly Pregnant

Understanding Your Options
Do you know all of your childbirth options so that you can make the decisions that are right for you and your family? Read more
time_2
Educate Yourself
Have you signed up for a childbirth education class, read any pregnancy and birthing books, watched documentaries yet? Get a sense of what birth options are available to you. Read more
time_3
5 Steps to a Healthy Birth

Do you feel overwhelmed by all the birth information? Start with these 5 steps to guide you through the process of making your decisions.

Read more

Planning Your Birth

time_4
Your Birth Team

Have you decided on your birth team? Use our provider network to find the best possible match for you.

Read more
time_5
Your Birth Environment

Where will you feel best supported and safest birthing? Start here to explore to your personal philosophy and vision for your birth.

Read more
time_6
Preparing for Labor and Delivery

Have you researched different labor coping strategies and pain management techniques? Use our provider directory to explore a birth doula, learn about epidurals and learn what feels right for you.

Read more

Postpartum Health

time_7
Caring for your newborn

What are the ways you want to bond and care for your baby immediately after birth? Learn more from our professionals.

Read more
time_8
Breastfeeding and Beyond

Do you want to make sure you have support for breastfeeding? Read our stories and find providers that can help with any of your questions or challenges.

Read more
time_9
Caring for Yourself

Have you remembered to plan good care techniques for yourself? Learn more on how new moms find ways to connect with other new moms and birth professionals to get the support they need in the early weeks.

Read more

Long or short, arduous or uncomplicated, your labor and birth are impossible to predict. However, you can mentally and physically prepare yourself for the full range of outcomes.

While you are pregnant, learn all you can about labor through research and education. Read books, watch documentaries, and find out what factors impact delivery. Research when and why medical interventions are used.

At the same time, you might want to take a look at various types of child delivery methods. Also, you should research home birth, if you are looking to have a comfortable environment.

Attend a CiC Healthy Birth workshop, swap labor-coping strategies with moms, and decide which are right for you. Then practice and prepare your body for the physical challenge to come.

A successful, healthy labor takes careful planning. Decide the details: where do you want to be? Who would you like to be there with you? Then, when the time comes, surrender to the powerful and miraculous event your body is producing.

Learn more about labor and planning strategies for your birth in a CiC workshop, podcast, or from a care provider in the CiC Provider Network today.

Suzanne chesney VBACSuzanne photo caption