Welcome back! If you’ve been following along in the series, we’ve already explored who you want by your side and where you’d like to give birth. Now it’s time to talk about Birth Plan: Arrival—what happens when it’s go-time and you’re headed to your chosen birth environment.
Before we go further, feel free to revisit the Complete Birth Plan Guide for Birmingham or last week’s post on Birth Plan: Environment for context.
Once you’ve chosen your birth setting—hospital, birth center, or home—it’s time to get familiar with the arrival process. Schedule a tour if possible, so you feel confident and calm when the big day comes.
Next, think through the logistics. Who will drive you to your birth location? Do you have a backup plan? I always assumed it would be my husband, but that may not be everyone’s situation. Choose someone you trust, someone who can advocate for you and keep a cool head if things get intense.
I’ve experienced how unpredictable arrivals can be. With my first baby, I was induced and had a difficult hospital experience. By the time I delivered my second, I knew how important it was to plan. Labor came fast and hard. When we arrived at the hospital, I was overwhelmed with pain and couldn’t focus on anything but making it through. My husband handled every detail—from checking us in to keeping things calm. I was so grateful I didn’t have to make decisions in that moment. That’s why Birth Plan: Arrival matters.
Parents.com suggests thinking through these often-overlooked arrival moments:
Knowing about these small but common procedures can reduce stress on the day of your delivery.
Planning ahead doesn’t stop at birth prep. Next week in this birth plan series, we’ll discuss your labor preferences and comfort measures. Stay tuned!
If you’re expecting, it’s the perfect time to book a maternity or newborn photography session. Want to combine both? Check out From Bump to Baby for the benefits of booking together.
Have questions or ready to book? Reach out here. I’d love to connect.
I am married to the love of my life who has recently retired from the Army. We are back “home” after being away for 21 years. We have 3 young boys and 1 daughter who is pursuing her college career. As a photographer, I specialize in the newborns and maternity portraits. I just love the amazing process of pregnancy and then having that sweet, new bundle of joy to love. Capturing all that is so important and I feel so blessed to be a part of this special time in my client’s lives.
August 16, 2021
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