A Hospital Birth

From the first positive pregnancy test, new parents are bombarded with the need to make so many decisions yet where you give birth is often not an option.

Many mums to be assume that it is the safest place to give birth and feel reassured surrounded by modern medical equipment. First time mothers (and fathers) may worry about complications associated with childbirth and feel happier and more reassured when they are in a hospital. Some women often worry about having to deal with the pain associated with labour and prefer to be in hospital where they know that they can have access to painkillers.

When Hospital is Your Only Option
There are a many medical reasons and conditions that may prevent you from giving birth anywhere other than in a hospital. Some of these reasons may include having a heart or kidney condition, diabetes, preeclampsia, going into early labor (three weeks before your actual due date), or if your baby is in a position that could make it a potential breech birth. Sometimes, if you have had several miscarriages or complications in previous labors, your health care provider may strongly recommend a hospital birth.

There are some health care providers who feel that all first-time mothers should give birth in a hospital to cover any medical issues. At the opposite end of the argument, many midwives feel that having a baby in hospital automatially increasing the chance of intervention rather than letting labour take its course. Others feel that only first-time mothers over the age of 40 require a hospital birth.

Questions For Your Midwife or Obstetrician
If you are having an uncomplicated, 'normal' pregnancy, you often have more freedom to decide how and where you would like to give birth. But before you decide to have your child in a hospital, there are some things you may want to consider.

If you in the care of a midwife or obstetrician, one of the most important things is to get one with them! The journey through pregnancy to birth is often far more enjoyable if you have a good relationship with your care provider. It is also good news if your midwife or obstetrician is affiliated with a hospital close to your home.

Ask your midwife about their delivery methods to give you a better idea if they can provide you with the type of birthing experience you want, for example:

• What type of painkillers do they provide
• Are the medications pre-ordered
• Do they encourage movement during labour and different positions
• Do they assess the needs of each woman individually
• What is their opinion with regard to inducing labor
• Where will they place your baby once it's born
• Do they take into account your wishes with the ambience in the room

Can I Have a Hospital Birth With my Midwife?
If you have chosen to go to a midwife for your pregnancy, remember that they are well trained to deal with normal, uncomplicated pregnancies. If any complications arise during your pregnancy, you will probably be referred to an obstetrician. Often in such cases, the midwife can stay with you throughout your pregnancy to offer you emotional support.

Visit your Hospital
If you have a choice of hospitals nearby, take a tour of them before making a choice. Not all hospitals are the same. Some may offer different facilities and equipment which may be more appealing to you.

Hospitals and Water Births
If you are keen to have a water birth, make sure you find out which, if any, of the hospitals is equipped to deliver your baby this way. Be aware that some hospitals use Jacuzzis or tubs that are designed for elderly and disabled people. While these will help relieve you during your labour, they may not be ideal for giving birth. Some hospitals actively discourage actually giving birth in water even if they allow you to use a tub or Jacuzzi to help relieve labour pains.

Hospital Birthing Rooms
Another option available in hospital is a birthing room which is a place that has been designed to make labour a more pleasant event for women.

Some women find that giving birth in a delivery room is a clinical experience which wasn't relaxing or comforting throughout labour. As a response to this, some hospitals have birthing rooms. These rooms are more comfortable than a normal delivery suite and decorated and fitted to look and feel more like a bedroom.

They are often equipped with different lighting to create a warmer atmosphere; high stools, rocking chairs and handrails so that you can try different positions throughout your labour; and are often large enough to accommodate you, your birth team and your family if you wish. Again, not all hospitals have this facility and if this is what you would like for your birth experience, you would have to consult your local GP or midwife to find out how this may be available to you.

At first sight, birthing rooms often look reassuring but be objective when you are assessing the quality of a birth room. Some birthing rooms may be more fashionable than functional.

Birthing Centers
If you like the idea of a birthing room but are still not sure that you would like to have your baby in a hospital, then another option to consdier is a birthing center. Like birthing rooms, birthing centers were created as a response to women's complaints and concerns about their hospital experiences.

Birthing centers are independent institutions and are usually staffed by midwives but have obstetricians there to back them up. There may also be other people on the staff like nutritionists, social workers, family doctors, and physical health experts. The centers are usually set up to resemble a home so that women and their families can feel more at ease and comfortable.

The Birthing Center Experience
In fact, birthing centers often encourage the entire family to become involved in the pregnancy care and birthing process as well as make informed decisions about the pregnancy for themselves. Another benefit of the birthing centers is that they are set-up to deal with all aspects of your pregnancy, from prenatal care visits with your midwife to antenatal classes right up to the actual birth. They also have all the medical equipment available to them if an emergency were to arise during birth.

If you give birth in a birthing center, you and your family will be left uninterrupted in the same room for some quality time after the birth. Many families like this better than the hospital experience where they are transferred from room to room. Generally, women return home from the birthing centers within 24 hours after birth. However, you might want to ask if the birthing center you are interested in has a high transfer rate to hospitals.

If you are considering a birthing center, be aware that you will be carefully screened to ensure that you are having a low-risk, uncomplicated pregnancy.

Whatever your choice, it's important to do what makes you comfortable and feel safe in your decision.

visit www.birthchoiceuk.com

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