What Kind of Birth Do You Want?

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

12 Jan 2007 10:29 PM

If you are pregnant, you may be thinking about writing a birth plan. You won't be able to write an effective plan until you have decided the kind of birth you want. Do you want a natural birth in a relaxed setting, such as at home or in a birth center? Do you prefer the hospital setting with doctors and nurses close by to monitor your progress? Do you want pain relief or would you like a drug free birth?

Where your baby is born will impact the kind of birth you have. Your baby can be born in the hospital, in a birthing center or at home. Labor progresses best when the mother is comfortable. Consider your personality in deciding where you will be the most comfortable. For some women, this is in the safety and comfort of their own home. Others prefer the security of the hospital with help readily available if a problem arises.

Some women consider a birthing center to be a happy medium. It has a home like atmosphere and is often located in close proximity to the hospital. You will labor under the care of a midwife in a home like setting. Should an issue arise, back up care with a doctor at the hospital is minutes away. This is often a good choice for people who would like to birth at home, but don't quite feel comfortable doing so.

You need to spend some time learning about the commonly used medical interventions during labor. This is where a good child birth class will come in handy. You will learn about IVs, fetal monitoring, how interventions interfere with certain birth positions, episiotomies and interventions such as forceps or vacuum extraction.

If you decide you want to avoid some interventions, a good class can help you achieve this goal. In some cases, one intervention leads to the need for more interventions. A natural birth is the best way to avoid these pitfalls. Taking a class and reading about labor and birth is the best way to be prepared and have the birth you want.

Your health care practitioner will also influence the outcome of your birth. Doctors attending births in a hospital are more likely to use interventions than a midwife. If you want to avoid interventions, be sure to talk to your health care provider. Discuss your plans with your doctor or midwife to be sure they are supportive and in agreement. To have the birth you want, you need to be under the care of someone who supports and shares your vision.

Related Articles:

Creating Your Birth Plan

Deciding Where to Have Your Baby

Choosing a Health Care Provider for Pregnancy

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger