Birth Mapping

There is no crystal ball to predict how your birth will unfold, however you still can prepare!

At Before & After Baby, our birth mapping sessions are designed to help expectant parents understand their options, create a birth map, and feel more confident and prepared for the birthing process. Our sessions are facilitated by Jess, a midwife, lactation consultant, postpartum doula and registered nurse who is dedicated to providing evidence-based information and emotional support to help you have the best birth, breastfeeding and postpartum experience possible.

Birth Mapping is a gentle way to prepare for you birth and be fully informed and empowered to have a positive birth experience however your journey unfolds.

Our birth mapping sessions at Before & After Baby offer a unique approach to birth preparation by helping expectant parents understand the:

physiological processes of labour, 

birthing options,

birthing methods, 

information about common practices, 

information about possible interventions, 

coping methods, 

how to support the birthing woman 

connecting with your partner 

communicating with your care givers 

questions to ask.

Your partner will want to be as supportive as possible during your birth, and by building this map together, they'll be able to be your voice and advocate for you while you're focused on giving birth, no matter what path your journey takes.

Birth plans are written with the purpose of outlining your wishes for your birth, including what you want to happen and what you want to avoid. You may have a very specific birth plan, which can lead to disappointment and trauma if your journey does not follow the plan as expected. The implication of a birth plan is that birth can be planned for, which creates expectations and if/when the birthing needs or scenario change, those expectations are left unmet.

Birth mapping recognises the fluidity and unpredictability of birth, the goal is always the same for everyone, to meet their new baby and all be safe, happy and healthy. However, your birth may take many paths, and some things are out of our control. Every birth is UNIQUE, that’s why the fluidity of a birth map can be more beneficial to the birthing couple versus having a set plan and pathway that may need to change.  

Unlike most birth plans, the Birth Map features several possible pathways, with a focus on Informed Decisions. A birth map is not just your wishes, inclusions and avoidances, it is all-inclusive as you consider what your way may look like in various scenarios so to empower yourself. This means no on-the-spot decisions made under duress, in fear or with limited information and time. The power of the birth map is informed birth preparation which translates into confidence!

At Before & After Baby, we ensure that our clients have a well-rounded understanding of the birthing process and are fully prepared for whatever may come their way.

Yes, Before & After Baby offers online birth planning and mapping sessions, so you can attend from the comfort of your home. Jess, a trained postpartum doula, midwife, lactation consultant and registered nurse will still be able to provide the same evidence-based information and emotional support as in-person classes.

At Before & After Baby, Jess, a registered midwife, nurse and trained postpartum doula will help you prepare for both natural birth and c-section birth. Our birth mapping sessions will provide you with the knowledge and skills to advocate for yourself and your baby, regardless of the type of birth you choose.