What to Expect mom Amber E. is in her second trimester and starting to think about her plan for labor and delivery. "As a first-time mom, I don't know what I like or want,” she writes to the WTE First ...

Many people create a birth plan to state their preferences for labor and delivery. A birth plan will: help you think through your preferences ahead of time, explore different options you might not ...

At the core, birth plans are a way to look “at your expectations, your fears, your needs, and your coping strategies,” Rubin says. And while “birth” is in the name, expecting parents should use them ...

The birth plan. It’s simple enough in theory: A birth plan is essentially a means by which you can outline your wants and desires for your labor and birth experience. But do a quick Google search and ...

For expectant parents, navigating pregnancy, delivery and postpartum can raise a range of emotions. There are so many things to think about and prepare for, and knowing where to start can feel ...

This story is part of SELF's ongoing series exploring black maternal mortality. You can find the rest of the series here. I welcomed the opportunity to plan for my ideal birth, but I knew early on ...