15 Steps to A Better Birth

1. Carefully choose the birth place and caregivers that support your views on childbirth.
2. Educate yourself on how the body works in labor.
3. Take a comprehensive childbirth class.
4. Exercise to build up good birthing muscles and stamina.
5. Eat to appetite of whole, natural foods, especially fresh fruits, veggies and lean protein choices.
6. Learn relaxation techniques to help handle labor.
7. Formulate a realistic birth plan.
8. Work through any emotional issues that could hinder your labor. See a good therapist is needed.
9. Stay upright in first stage labor, walking, swaying, rocking, dancing, showering and sitting on the birth ball.
10. Choose a pushing position that allows gravity to work with you. Supported standing, squatting, kneeling and pelvic rock are all good positions. 
11. Hire a doula to act as an extra support person during labor.
12. Eat in labor as long as you are hungry.
13. Drink lots of fluids in labor.
14. Sit on the toilet frequently once active labor begins.
15. Surrender to the contractions.

In summary: Trust your body, trust birth.