What kind of birth to you want?

Simple question, that packs a punch! I meet many couples that have a clear vision of what they would like their birth experience to look like. As we discuss in more detail, my next question is usually do you plan to attend any childbirth classes? If so, which one?
I found a great  handout that I give to expectant parents, it lists every choice you will be faced with for the childbirth process. Full list of birth options; by Preparing for Birth
For example, a few of those choices, in no particular order:
Own clothing vs. hospital gown
Monitoring options
Hydration options
Position options
Cord cutting options
Feeding options
Lot's of choices. You may be a person that would like to go into birth with an open mind and willing to fully listen to the staff at your birth and you may be a person that finds comfort planning every detail. You may be a person that will be disappointed if things don't go as planned, you may be a person that doesn't care if things go as planned, as long as things are OK in the end.

Birth is often compared to training for and running a marathon. The definition of marathon is as follows:

mar·a·thon

ˈmarəˌTHän/

noun

1. a long-distance running race, strictly one of 26 miles and 385 yards (42.195 km).

   • a long-lasting or difficult task or operation of a specified kind.

Interesting! "A long lasting or difficult task or operation of a specified kind". Can you think of a better way to describe birth? I don't know anyone that would enter a marathon without preparation and training. Do you think perhaps birth should be prepared for and trained for as well? What could you do to be ready for your child's birthday?