Congratulations on your pregnancy! Over the next nine months you’ll be making many important decisions and one of those decisions will be where to have your baby. Whether you decide to go the traditional route and have a hospital birth, go the alternative route and have a home birth, or go the in-between route and have a birthing center birth, here are some basic facts you need to know.
Hospital Births
Many hospitals are equipped with the latest technology. If your pregnancy is considered moderate to high risk, or if you are sure that you want medical intervention such as pain medication, then a hospital is probably the right choice for your labor and delivery. Many hospitals have regulations such as how many people may attend the birth or when a caesarian section should be performed, so it is important to inquire into the hospital’s policies when making your decision. Not all hospitals permit midwives and/or doulas to attend the birth; therefore, if you’re interested in using either of these healthcare professionals, this is something you will need to find out. Also keep in mind that if you have a long labor, you may have several different doctors and nurses during your labor.
Home Births
Traditionally, a midwife or doula is present during a home birth to assist you and guide you through the process of giving birth. They provide continuous support throughout the childbirth process. Home births allow a mother to give birth in a familiar and comfortable environment with minimal distractions. More and more women are opting for home births in order to control their birthing environment. Keep in mind that if there are complications during your labor or delivery, you may need to be transported to a hospital. Also, make sure there is someone who can be responsible for your care postpartum. Not all insurance policies cover home births, so contact your insurance provider to find out what costs, if any, will be covered.
Birthing Centers
Birthing centers are a relatively new and increasingly popular choice for delivery. Smaller and more intimate than a hospital, these centers offer women more freedom to create the birthing experience that they’d like to have. Many birthing centers offer water birthing as well as hypnosis during birth. They also typically welcome complementary health care practitioners during labor such as aromatherapists, acupuncturists, and or massage therapists. Doulas and midwives may additionally be on the staffs at birthing centers.
Where to have your baby is a very personal decision, and one that shouldn’t be made lightly. Take advantage of free tours and ask every question you have. It’s also a good idea to seek personal recommendations from women who gave birth at the places that interest you; sometimes a personal experience is the best recommendation of all.
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