The Birth Map

A Birth Map a powerful document that works like a ‘choose your own adventure’, where the birthing woman is the author.  It benefits women, their partners and the Care Provider.​​
​Knowing what to ask, and being able to ask well in advance, means freedom to explore the options. Understanding the various pathways and how they intertwine, means the power to make Confident Decisions.  

The Birth Map Study evaluated the book’s potential across different models of care, which has prompted some tweaks to the book. Originally the book was presented in chronological order: The Insights, The Questions and then Beyond the Birth. The study revealed that we are so focused on birth preparation, we often leave the Beyond the Birth, feeling like it will come naturally or sort itself out in some way. This lead to a changing of the order, with Beyond the Birth becoming The Context, and being moved into first place. Whilst the content remains the same, this change helps highlight the importance of preparing for Matrescence, for life with a baby and for changing relationships. The Context of this journey will influence our sensemaking, and our decisions.

There is No One Way. Know Your Purpose. Know Your Self. Own Your Journey.

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

Section One: Beyond 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. 

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

Section 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 with a list of recommended reading, tips for challenging decisions and support organisations.   
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The print book has been designed to be written in, with space to make notes, add affirmations, decorate it.  Journal in it. 

The Birth Map is linked to the portal of resources and a hub of support in the free member access. If you would like to explore the book, so that you can make a confident decision about your potential purchase, please join the free member access, where you will find the flip book version to consider.​ ​

The 2024 book is available in kindle format from Amazon