A very close friend is expecting her first baby....Here is my advice.

Dear Sweet Friend,
   I know you will make the best choices for you and your baby--she/he picked you for a reason!  The right birth for you is whatever works.  

STEP 1: Be EDUCATED!
    Be an informed consumer.  Do your research before the 3rd trimester.  Know the risks to unnecessary ultrasounds, induction, early cord clamping,etc.  At minimum, watch The Business of Being Born
Read: Gentle Birth Choices by Barbra Harper OR
            Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
     I can give you a few more resources, but these are ESSENTIAL!

STEP 2: Take care of YOURSELF!
     The best thing you can give your baby is a happy, healthy mama.  Make time to do things that truly make you feel good.  Get a foot massage.  Do yoga.  Walk outside.  Watch movies that make you laugh.  (If you must watch baby/birth things on TV, please try to view some empowering natural birth videos, too!  Subconscious cultural programming about fear/pain is a lot to overcome.)  
      Consider seeing a chiropractor.  This can help the baby's position, your balance/coordination, etc.  If you're totally freaked out by it, skip it.

STEP 3: CHOOSE your provider.
     Ideally, you've selected an OB/GYN or Midwife who doesn't do routine episiotomies, inductions, and has a low c-section rate....It's never too late to switch to a provider who supports your choices and knows how to help you achieve the birth you want.

STEP 4:  Assemble your support team.
        Help your partner prepare.  He should hopefully watch/read the minimum resources AND read Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way.  (That would be book #3 on the must-read list. There are some great counter pressure techniques in there!)  
 
        Consider a Birth/Labor Doula.  A good doula can help you navigate hospital procedures and use comfort measures and positions to ease labor, and be a consistent calming presence for you both.  At minimum, make sure all present at your birth make you feel calm, secure and believe in your judgement.

STEP 5: Prepare to surrender.  
      Once you've done your homework, let your baby do the rest.  Babies know when they are ready and will initiate labor.  Relax, relax, relax.  Your body knows what to do.  (just as your mother's, grandmother's, and great-grandmother's did!) 
      Labor at home as long as you can.  (you'll labor more efficiently and have less disruptions there!)
        
    I will love and support your choices--be it an epidural, induction, etc.  I don't presume to know what will be the best birth for you and your baby.  My wish for you is a birth that makes you feel empowered as a woman and a mother.  If you make informed choices in your care, feel like your voice was heard, your desires honored in the birth, you'll treasure the journey....And begin the 4th Trimester in a position of strength.

       Hugs & excitement for you!!!  

If YOU have any advice, resources, or things you think I missed, please comment below!

      First-time moms often want to know what to put in the Diaper Bag.  Your needs vary, according to your baby's age, method of feeding and diapering.  But, here's Crash Course.  
       If you're still pregnant, I highly recommend packing the diaper bag now (or at least soon).  (It's not unusual to have a weight-check or appointment within 2-3 days of the birth.)  Either way, you'll be glad your Diaper Bag is stocked and ready to go.

ESSENTIALS:
*4-6 Diapers
*Wipes
*Burp Cloth
*Receiving Blanket
*Change of clothes
*Extra Socks (can double as mittens)
*Hat 

*Snack (i.e. granola bar, trail mix, crackers--non-perishable)
*Nursing Pads
*Water Bottle
*Sanitary Pads
*Gum/Mints

Formula Feeding:
2 disposable nursers OR
Sterilized or bottled water, pre-measured powder formula
2 Bottles
Bib

Cloth Diapering:
You'll need a 'wet' bag 
Bigger Diaper Bag
Highly Suggest checking out:  Snooty Booty Diapers

OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
Rash Ointment
Bib
Plastic Bag 
Pacifier (not for use in the first 3 wks, if you're breastfeeding)
Sling/Baby Carrier
Nursing Cover
Cash 
Brush-ups 

     It might be tempting to skip over things like "gum/mints".....But, after you've fed, changed and prepped the baby and barely made it out the door, there's a decent chance you'll be in the waiting room and realize you haven't even brushed your teeth.  Or, you might be equally grateful for the granola, particularly if you're a nursing mama who fed her baby but not herself!

      Depending on how frequently you go out, it's good to get in a regular habit of taking stock of your bag: have enough diapers?  Do the change of clothes still fit?  Is the hat/blanket warm enough?  

        Love to hear from you....If you have a comment or question, please share!