The Birth Map Book by Catherine Bell

ABOUT THE BOOK
Midwives say The Birth Map is “the best birth plan they have ever seen, and we wish more women would do this”. Partners welcome the ‘if this, then that’ approach to support, and report the process helps them to feel included and less stressed. Others have described it as Revolutionary. Birth Mapping is about communication, understanding and preparation. Birth Mapping provides a personalised, realistic and reassuring foundation for this important life event.

THE BIRTH MAP takes you through the Informed Birth Preparation process, helping you to understand and determine the decision points in birth and prepare for life with a baby.

CONTENTS
​Introduction: 
An overview of Birth Cartography – the scientific art of creating a birth map.

Step OneBeyond the Birth focuses on building an understanding of Your Context. Your values and circumstances will set the scene for all your decision making, as it influences how you make sense of your options. Starting with understanding beyond the birth provides a reality check and helps to set up a support network for the early days of parenting.  This section covers matrescence, the early weeks, practical preparations, breastfeeding basics, sleep insights, and preparing older children for a new sibling.

Step Two: The Insights gives the foundations for understanding the maternity system and your options within it.

Step Three: The Questions takes you through each pathway (fast birth, expected and contingency).  This is where the personal Birth Map is developed.  The advanced care directive approach creates an ‘if this, then that’ series of decisions to be used by your birth team and care providers during your labour.  It is your birth, your way, no matter what. 

An appendix completes the book, giving you a glossary of medical terms, a list of recommended reading, and considerations for special circumstances.

The book has been designed to be written in, with space to make notes, add affirmations, decorate it.  Journal in it.

For more information about the study behind The Birth Map, check out Catherine’s website: www.birthmap.life