As a birth doula, I am here to debunk the myth that you can’t plan for birth - because you absolutely can and you absolutely should! Now, let’s talk about being prepared for ALL possibilities and advocating for your birth rights.

If you’re planning an elective caesarean, have you prepared a plan in case you have a spontaneous or fast natural labor? If you’re planning to birth at home, do you have a plan in case you need to transfer to the hospital? Being prepared is key to a positive birth experience, and don’t be intimidated by planning for unideal circumstances; you’re not calling for a “bad outcome” by planning for it. On the contrary, you are making sure you get the best outcome out of an unwanted situation. You are making sure your most important needs are met during your birth experience.

Your needs are what your heart, mind and body desire in order to feel safe and heard, for example: asking for consent before any procedures are performed, feeling heard, feeling respected, not being disturbed or rushed.

Your wants are what you include on your documented birth plan. Things like your preferences around epidural use, labor positions, pain management, golden hour preferences, newborn procedures, etc. When putting together your birth plan, I encourage you to dig deep, and discuss with your care provider your needs AND your wants so that you can have all bases covered. We plan for our ideal pathways in all aspects of life, so why should birth be any different? Don’t let societal norms make you feel “difficult” for planning ahead. You may want your birth to go a certain way, and when you focus on your needs, which are your inner feelings, then what you want will follow.

Remember, there is always a birth plan in place, and if it’s not yours, then it will be someone else’s. So be sure to communicate what you need to safeguard your experience. Treat your birth plan as a roadmap, and be ready to pivot, if necessary. As long as your needs are met, it will make the process of achieving your wants much more palatable.

About Salam Birth Services

Hey there, I'm Lana, the human behind Salam Birth Services! I'm a Chicago-based birth photographer, doula and childbirth educator covering mainly the Western, Northwestern and Southwestern suburbs, but feel free to reach out if you live outside those borders to enquire about my availability.

You can find me on Instagram , or you can get in touch here by sending a message!

This week on my instagram, I put out a Q&A box that asked people about their goals or wishes for 2025, and I got quite a few answers talking about hoping to get pregnant, or planning for a pregnancy. It honestly got me super excited about this prospect for many families, I love babies! And it also got my wheels thinking on how I can help make it a meaningful journey in my own little way. And this is where the idea for a series of blog posts for the month of January came up, starting with setting intentions for birth and parenting. In Islam, we start everything with intention or purpose (aka Nia) Being clear on your intentions is a beautiful way to create a foundation for your journey into parenthood. It’s about aligning your mindset, actions, and environment with the values and experiences you want to cultivate, and there are several ways to do this, but here are some tips to help you approach this process thoughtfully:

1. Reflect on Your Values and Desires

Start by asking yourself:

• What does a peaceful and empowering birth mean to me?

• What values do I want to bring into my parenting journey?

• How do I want to feel during labor, delivery, and those first moments with my baby?

These reflections can guide your decisions and help you focus on what truly matters.

2. Create Specific Intentions

Write down your intentions in positive, present-tense language. For example:

• "I will approach labor with trust in my body and my baby."

• "I will prioritize connection and calm in my journey to parenthood."

• "I will surround myself with support and positivity."
  

3. Educate Yourself

Knowledge is a powerful tool for empowerment. Consider, for starters:

• Taking a childbirth education class to understand your options and build confidence.

• Learning about postpartum recovery and newborn care.

The more you know, the more equipped you’ll feel to make informed choices.

4. Build a Supportive Team

Your birth team can have a profound impact on your experience. Surround yourself with people who align with your intentions, such as:

• A doula for emotional and physical support. If you’re looking to hire someone, I know a great one (hint hint: it’s me! :)

• A partner or friend who knows your birth preferences.

• A provider who respects your autonomy and choices.

5. Prepare Your Environment

Crafting a peaceful environment can set the tone for your birth and parenting:

• For birth: Consider dim lighting, calming music, and items that bring comfort (like a favorite blanket or essential oils).

• For parenting: Organize your space to feel nurturing and functional, like setting up a cozy feeding area, or setting up small stations around the home that can meet your needs while you are busy nursing and taking care of your newborn baby during the precious early days.

6. Practice Mindfulness and Affirmations

Ground yourself in the present moment with practices that reinforce your intentions:

• Use affirmations like, “I am strong, capable, and ready for this journey.” Pregnancy is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen faith and revisit your connection to God. We take small steps towards Allah and Subhan Allah he takes leaps and bounds to meet us where we are.

• Journal your thoughts and progress to process emotions and track growth.

7. Accept Flexibility

While setting intentions is important, remember that birth and parenting rarely go exactly as planned. Embrace flexibility and self-compassion. An empowering experience isn’t about perfection; it’s about how you navigate challenges with grace and resilience.

8. Celebrate the Journey

Whether it’s a small milestone during pregnancy or a moment of calm amid chaos as a new parent, celebrate every step. Gratitude can anchor you to the joy and wonder of this season.

By setting clear intentions and preparing with care, you can create a birth and parenting experience that feels deeply aligned with your values.

What are some intentions you’d like to set for your journey?

About Salam Birth Services

Hey there, I'm Lana, the human behind Salam Birth Services! I'm a Chicago-based birth photographer, doula and childbirth educator covering mainly the Western, Northwestern and Southwestern suburbs, but feel free to reach out if you live outside those borders to enquire about my availability.

You can find me on Instagram , or you can get in touch here by sending a message!