Did you ever consider birth as a normal and healthy process? How might that affect our plans for delivery?

Have you ever felt a "gentle nudge" telling you to stretch your legs, lay down, etc.? What do you think your body was telling you? 

Birth is clearly a significant life event. What can we do to make this day a positive one?

Mom, what does a cozy birth environment look like for you? Birth partner, how can you help make it happen?

Mom, how do you envision your birth partner assisting? Why is their support so important to you? Birth partner, why is your role so important? How do you plan to help?

How does nutrition play a role in fetal development? Is there anything in our diet that needs to change?

Do we trust our healthcare provider? What about their practice makes them a good/bad fit?

Both parents, have you felt more "nurturing" as the pregnancy continued?

How do certain hormones help Baby before birth? Does labor induction change anything?

Has our care provider mentioned a need to artificially induce labor? Why might this be a mistake? 

Mom and birth partner, what will you do if her water breaks but there are no other signs of labor?

Mom and birth partner, what are some light activities you can plan during the early first stage of labor? 

Why might it be helpful to ignore all signs of labor for as long as possible? 

If birthing outside the home, at what point will you head out?

Aside from a healthy mom and baby, what are other important factors that come from the birthing process?

Have you ever thought of labor pains as "hard work"? How does this change your perception of birth?

Mom, how do you like to relax and focus?

Dad, how can you help her to relax?

Both parents, why is transition often the most difficult part of labor?

Both parents, why do many moms feel a need to "escape" when in transition?

Dad or doula, what are some transition-specific coping tools that can help mom out? 

Mom, what birth affirmations do you actually want to hear in labor? Do you have any reservations about accepting these affirmations? 

True or False: Mom should stay in bed and on her back throughout labor. Why or why not?

Why does communication grow difficult during labor?

Dad, how do you plan to read Mom's non-verbal cues as labor grows more intense?

. Should delayed cord clamping have a spot on your birth plan? Why or why not?

Why do women typically labor on their backs? Is this the best option for every birth? Are there any alternatives?

Mom, should you "fight" the urge to push if you're not yet fully dilated?

Both parents, what is your plan for the 3rd stage? When might active or passive management be appropriate?

Both parents, what is the KICO trick? Why is it so effective at widening the pelvis? 

Why should cord cutting be delayed? What about in the case of emergencies?

Does immediate skin-to-skin contact deserve a spot on our post-birth plan?

Who will advocate for immediate skin-to-skin if the birth team does not routinely allow it? 

If we miss the Golden Hour, is skin-to-skin still beneficial? 

Did you know about all the benefits of breastfeeding? Did any of them surprise you? 

What's something we can do to facilitate an easy breastfeeding journey?

Why are the Hepatitis B Vaccine and erythromycin eye drops administered? Are these necessary for our personal situation?

If Mom is tired, will she get more or less sleep by putting Baby in another room?

Dad, why is skin-to-skin contact important for you?

Dad, how do you intend to protect Mom's privacy and peace after birth?

What are the downsides to IV fluids? Do these apply to a saline lock?

Are food restrictions still relevant for laboring women? What should you do if your birthing location doesn’t allow food in labor?

Why is intermittent fetal monitoring better than continuous?

If Pitocin is so dangerous, why is it pushed by hospital staff?

Does an epidural have any effects on the baby? If so, what?

Dad, how will you advocate for Mom if the birth attendants push unwanted interventions?

What is vaginal seeding?

If a cesarean proves necessary, can you still have immediate skin-to-skin? What about delayed cord clamping?

What is prolonged labor? Is it dangerous?

What are two ways to cope with back labor?

Are vaginal breech births safe? If so, under what circumstances?

Does the risk of stillbirth increase after 40+ weeks? If so, by how much?

What is informed consent? What should you do if your right to informed consent has been denied?

What kind of questions should you ask before consenting to a drug/procedure?

What is head molding and why is it not a concern?

Should you be concerned to see blood in your infant daughter's diaper?

Why is it important to respond to your baby's cries?

Breastfeeding is normal - does that make it easy?

What is the 5-5-5 rule for postpartum recovery?

What are two things you can do to prevent/manage PMAD?

What does the POSTBIRTH acronym stand for?

Both parents, what kind of boundaries will you have in place for the first 12 weeks postpartum?