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Childbirth

Types of Birthing Options

Today we have many options when it comes to how we would like our baby to be born, you can choose from a hospital, a birthing center, or at home. You can choose the person that you wish to assist with the birth such as midwife or doctor. You can choose the setting, the birthing position, and even what method you would prefer. Choosing your birthing option should be a personal decision between you, your spouse and of course, your health care provider, especially if there may be any type of complications with the birth.

You can talk with friends and family members to learn what birthing options they used and see if they would have changed any of the procedures. However, remember, every person is different in what they prefer and just because it was the right choice for that couple it may not be the one you would like to use. There is no right or wrong decisions when it comes to birthing options unless of course the baby or mother could be in danger with the chosen birthing option.

Early in your pregnancy, you should decide on your birthing option and get your birth plan together. Your birth plan should include:

  • Where you want your baby born
  • Setting of the room or environment
  • Who will assist
  • What family members will be present
  • If you are having natural childbirth, who will be your coach
  • Pain medication
  • Shaving options
  • Fetal monitoring
  • Labor positions you prefer
  • Episiotomies
  • Child birth classes
  • Do you wish to be the first to hold the baby after birth

Sometimes according to your doctor, you may not have all of these options available. Some doctors only deliver babies in the hospital while others may also deliver in birthing centers, the same goes for midwives, some may only deliver at birthing centers while others may come to your home.

Deciding on the setting can be a very hard decision for many expectant parents. Some prefer to be in the hospital, but do not wish to be in a labor room, then a delivery room and then in another room. Some hospitals today, do allow the entire delivery process to be confined to one room. Making the entire birthing process a little less clinical and more personal, with the medical options near by incase of complications.