---
title: Ten Tips for Taking Charge of Your Maternity Care
date: 2022-08-02T03:00:00-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ten-tips-for-taking-charge-of-your-maternity-care"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Ten Tips for Taking Charge of Your Maternity Care

A top ten list from Childbirth Connection of things to know or think about as you advance through your pregnancy and birth.

> Good support goes a long way to help you cope with the physical and emotional challenges of labor. Continuous labor support from a knowledgeable companion like a doula also has surprising health benefits. Such support has been shown to decrease the chance of a C-section, the need for pain medication and feelings of dissatisfaction about the birth.

[Read the full article ](https://nationalpartnership.org/childbirthconnection/maternity-care/ten-tips/)

SOURCE: National Partnership for Women and Families

![volodymyr-hryshchenko-87ev1NvhDsU-2048x1365](data:image/png;base64,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)Volodymyr Hryshchenko/Unsplash 

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth)
- [ birthing options](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birthing-options)
- [self-advocacy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/self-advocacy)
- [birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth)
- [childbirth choices](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/childbirth-choices)
- [doula](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/doulas)
- [pregnancy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/pregnancy)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
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- We counter misinformation and disinformation
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[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## A Disabled Person's Guide to Talking With Your Partner(s) About Sex

Disabled writer Carrie Kaufman created this excellent guide for disabled people who want help communicating sexually with their partners.

![Pexels judita tamosiunaite 2026764 scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

Disabled writer Carrie Kaufman created this excellent guide for disabled people who want help communicating sexually with their partners.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-disabled-persons-guide-to-talking-with-your-partners-about-sex)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Infertility

ES describes her journey of infertility as she and her husband tried to get pregnant and a painful procedure with a male doctor while seeking a diagnosis.

![Elena](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAE5UlEQVRIiV1WbY7kuhEjJfUMsMjfHD8HyBFyp+x7Ad72tC0VyfyQ3bOJURCqG3Z9kVUl/uNf/wRIEOxkBzs5yA4OsIM9aEBz4MCJbVmSqkqqqlVrap9rqaarVCuSLTiNABEQQIAQW/mfJ//3T+5XEiSXcn+Ytx4AGUQAAiGC7QzYSrC/v60nSBInSYw48a0ENt5n7g+T0RAwQANCeCuAgcYk3O8hSYLYsRNdyhYpfoth4a0ko9MAAYO8TRtoiUMyDO70roi1LVqVLRZUkaCCCxYkWLBhjw4DABqwoeC2BBKX9SRMYCd2ZKu2datSy7VcK1qpSlW08nYQjw4BxBWoACYK6fAGLzB3fSxbirSNei3XypqpmbVSK7WignYSTjIGBPKiURAyoCOC2UwIY8S3g6pbptdyTa/ptVLTtVK1yxV7Az46BRDYaMJhSAQBedGGMaLs8F1SLa+lNV3La15S86pPKb7CRzJ6BABsG1+CCu6MOmyYMay4ZEmrXEtrak3NqXVqzSsbLdd3+LshRkcB3CQEbp7uSiUwY0ZJxSVXeS2tpXVe1ufpNbXOXZ9NqjiwN0FGiwAELeh3P5EAnKTFzGaE5JJXXYHP85J1eJ5e8yKSdovsXgOA0VIAg+x2IPhGA2kQI7zD11qeS/PUPHQemofm4Xl8Y3BV/3ucDEa5RwXfEyWAe5wIESzv8H2V/tB56Hxt8Ty8TtdMLezwd2+CAAbs3+aUdokSxImaBRdScunCdlfmPHS+6vjy+aXz5XVknVHBQpAQaEQDOeLNmgtlh4luB4lu/lR53aTcJTpeOr50PH0+PV9ZR7RiIwQ60MkGtGE5YNACOwzkcNPMe6S/Aaj1ncR56tw+njr+8vkr65k6YQMD+AAfe6OM0jUNEhpWmmMHMix6s07a3at103TO7aNeX3795fMPnz9TuAYbP9D+Bn6CY1TlxnWDaoUy7HuilH1hsAu1a7U0l85Tx6HXL79++kAWcjmY6H+g/QA/xyr85gBGlMgpW4YKkvXtYHfDZlRpls6p15ee8BPbBzYED6B/oc0x1zczdzdsBzLKUMW1h6hdTvn6WVHZy5quo/SEfsLre5lez6PGufakI0CDu8OcyJAh3Uulkntr3dSiilpd87N+PbUgwO9tvR0sjGO1XbZ85wEHNuRIvy3EawEjYtziZg3rUetHPf9TsPDt453HeC1eSx4t77kdJNda1TV9YSF79oVxc7ozlE/5R+XvC/8uqO6VawDowWN8zSsD8mru6wzjtw9YvK23pAc9GMGH8Sn+KHihL3wtHAULzRjGANp4zkYABEGSBEnwfT/a3XBtNCZEWtKCETzMh9unm4pZ6Sc+JtaEFlKgQIPjuQiQQCMvAdq18okEgk3vyqQFDejAAEfah5s0rE+so50YL6wv6Akfbwyes+G6OKKTnVtBA1vCECZu6wiRBvawhyN8pMk99Zl18ET7hfEn6hsFZPyqtkdfJwY5vk+0oCE0YOQa5w37b3a0gab0h7v14QUc4J9oQPsd6fGsXR88yAfxaDCvYd43+CbD5OoVsIF9n2k9baTLw4W8cN86L7oayPgSCQxChBsTsKERjSGvMYswee8QXpzePtjSuntX7y/5t1bbr2WcRgNMgmhAb1AgoF+tl7tlrqvZncd9soUtrXm0pV2fdrcaAfwXZxiqfwx6SKMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)

ES describes her journey of infertility as she and her husband tried to get pregnant and a painful procedure with a male doctor while seeking a diagnosis.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-infertility)

[ResourcesRead

## A Personal Story on the Dangers of Childbirth

A candid personal story about one woman’s experiences with ectopic pregnancy and pulmonary embolism, including information on who is at the greatest risk.

![Pregnancy is not supposed to kill us - Yet I almost died TWICE](data:image/png;base64,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)

A candid personal story about one woman’s experiences with ectopic pregnancy and pulmonary embolism, including information on who is at the greatest risk.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-personal-story-on-the-dangers-of-childbirth)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Overcoming Challenges During Pregnancy

MB discusses the experience of her last pregnancy during the COVID pandemic and why she wanted to avoid having a C-section.

![My Story- Overcoming Challenges During Pregnancy](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB discusses the experience of her last pregnancy during the COVID pandemic and why she wanted to avoid having a C-section.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-overcoming-challenges-during-pregnancy)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Deciding Where to Give Birth

MB explains how she decided to give birth in a hospital.

![My Story- Deciding Where to Give Birth](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB explains how she decided to give birth in a hospital.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-deciding-where-to-give-birth)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Cultivating Confidence During Pregnancy

MB shares how she prepared herself for pregnancy and birth and how childbirth classes and books shaped her perception of childbirth.

![My Story- Cultivating Confidence During Pregnancy](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB shares how she prepared herself for pregnancy and birth and how childbirth classes and books shaped her perception of childbirth.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-cultivating-confidence-during-pregnancy)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Mortality

lana Goldhaber-Gordon reflects on her profoundly different emotional experiences of pregnancy and miscarriage in the U.S. and in Israel ten years later.

![miscarriage](data:image/png;base64,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)

lana Goldhaber-Gordon reflects on her profoundly different emotional experiences of pregnancy and miscarriage in the U.S. and in Israel ten years later.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-mortality)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Finding a Perimenopause Specialist

JF recalls the research she did to find a perimenopause specialist in her area who would accept her insurance.

![My Story- Finding a Perimenopause Specialist](data:image/png;base64,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)

JF recalls the research she did to find a perimenopause specialist in her area who would accept her insurance.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-finding-a-perimenopause-specialist)