1. Choosing an Early Birth

The birth of a baby can’t be penciled into an agenda ahead of time. Waiting for your baby until at least the 39th week can have important health benefits. It will help your baby grow and develop, and could help you avoid postpartum depression.

2. Induction Without a Medical Reason

Induction of labor before you and your baby are ready makes it more likely that you'll have a C-section and can lead to other complications, such as contractions that are more painful than normal.

3. Continuous Electronic Monitoring

Unless your labor was induced, you have been administered epidural anesthesia, or you are trying a vaginal birth after a C-section, ask for your baby to be monitored at certain intervals rather than continuously. Continuous monitoring will limit your movement, may slow your labor, and can lead to a C-section or forceps delivery.

4. A C-Section for a Low-Risk Birth

A C-section is a major surgery for you and adds risks for your baby. If it's not medically necessary, the safest way to deliver is vaginally.

5. An Automatic C-Section for a Second Birth

Even if you had a C-section before, you don't automatically need to have one again. Most women who try to have a vaginal birth after a C-section (VBAC) are successful.

6. An Early Epidural

Epidural anesthesia is injected through a catheter that sends medicine into your back to block pain. But the longer you have it, the more medicine builds up in your body. Too much can make it hard to feel enough to push and can slow labor. If you have an epidural, talk to your doctor about using a lighter dose and not starting it early in your labor.

7. Breaking Your Water

Sometimes doctors want to break your water. They do this to try to make contractions stronger and labor shorter. But it usually doesn't work and can lead to complications.

8. A Routine Episiotomy

This surgical cut creates a larger opening in your vagina. It may be needed for forceps and vacuum deliveries, or if your baby is coming down too fast. But otherwise, it doesn't help and can lead to a longer healing time.

9. Sending Your Newborn to the Nursery

Unless your newborn needs special attention, keep him or her close to you. This will help with bonding.

10. Waiting to Breastfeed

Ask for your naked baby to be placed on your bare chest right after it's born. Your baby will be warmer and more likely to breastfeed.

Healthy Baby, Happy Mommy

If you avoid these medical practices, you'll have a fulfilling and safe delivery. Both you and your baby will be healthy and ready for an amazing and long relationship.