Not According to Birth Plan
Women love the birth plan concept – it gives us the illusion that we, not our bodies, are in control. But it's hard to be prepared for everything.

Birth Plan: Dad-to-be's Hospital Bag
When Allison Duff of South Daytona, Fla., and her husband, Garrett, went to the hospital to deliver their daughter, they did something most couples do – packed a bag for Mom, but they didn't give much thought to what Dad would need.

Birth Plan, Big Decisions
The decisions you make as a parent are endless. Even before your baby is born you have to choose a name, a stroller, a crib and pick out a nursery theme, and then purchase and assemble it all.

The Birth Plan
Many people view writing a birth plan as an important step in preparing for childbirth. Your childbirth educator may guide you or you can find ideas in many books (see resources section for suggestions).

Birth Plan Considerations
These days it's common to include a birth plan in your pre-baby preparations. A birth plan allows you to make choices about labor and delivery while you are still able to participate in decision making.

Dad's Birth Plan
Joseph Perrotta of Wesley Chapel, Fla., remembers the birth of his daughter, Arianna Gia, now 3.

Birth Plans for Twins or More
I'm sure by now you've heard of a birth plan: a set of written preferences on how you would like your birth to proceed if you were to get your dream labor and birth (which few of us ever do).

Birth Plan Considerations
These days it's common to include a birth plan in your pre-baby preparations. A birth plan allows you to make choices about labor and delivery while you are still able to participate in decision making.