Childbirth Options

Chapter 5.3

Reducing pain and fear during the birth process through

education and the use of breathing and conditioning exercises.

Childbirth classes Hospitals Health care providers Private teachers

Childbirth classes help parents feel more prepared and ready.

Childbirth classes help father feel more involved, especially if they could not be at doctor visits.

Prepared Childbirth

Health Care Professionals

Obstetricians Family Doctors Licensed Midwives

Places to Give Birth Home Hospital Alternative Birth Center

Delivery Options

Specializes in the care of mothers and babies

both before and right after birth.

Qualified to handle any emergencies that might occur.

Obstetricians

Some family doctors provide prenatal care and

deliver babies.

If problems arise, they may call an obstetrician.

Family Doctors

A health care professional trained to assist

women in childbirth. Certified Nurse Midwives – Registered nurses Certified Midwives – Still certified, but not a

nurse

Must pass certificate exam before they can practice

Advanced training in normal pregnancy and birth

Will call an obstetrician if a complication arises.

Licensed Midwives

Woman experienced in childbirth who provides

advice and support to a mother during labor and after childbirth

Suggestions – how to cope with labor pains

Keep mother calm and focused during delivery

Hospitals usually allow father and doula in delivery room

Doula

Home is familiar and comfortable

If problem arises, may not have help on hand that is needed

Usually delivered by midwife for home delivery

Doula may be present along with midwife

Home

2-3 days, up to a week in hospital

Have full staff of trained professionals if something were to go wrong

Staff will teach mother how to care for baby after birth

Sanitary conditions

High-tech medical equipment

Usually doesn’t allow much food or drink, only ice chips

Hospital

Classes that prepare for delivery and infant care

Programs for siblings and fathers

Private rooms, soft lighting, music, comfortable furniture

One room for labor, delivery, and recovery

Additional medical equipment out of sight, but ready for use if necessary

Mother and baby to room together, optional

Hospitals Offer

A facility that provides a more homelike environment for

labor and delivery

Food and drink offered

Emphasized on prepared, natural childbirth

Do not offer pain medication

May offer large beds for both mother and father

Music and friends usually allowed

Alternative Birth Center

Birthing tubs for water birth

Midwives usually handle births at a birthing center

Hospitals and obstetricians are on call

Cost is less

Time spent at center is shorter

Leave within 24 hours if no complications

Alternative Birth Center Continued

A document that outlines their preferences for the

management of labor, delivery, and postpartum care.

Prevents mother from having to communicate wishes while in labor if caregivers change at last minute.

Caregiver ChoicesA. ObstetricianB. Family PractitionerC. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

The Birth Plan

1. Where?

A. HospitalB. Birthing CenterC. Home

The Birth Plan – Step 1

2. Who Will Be There?

A. Spouse/fatherB. MomC. SisterD. Other kidsE. In-lawsF. Best friendG. DoulaH. Two or more people – consider birthing center

or home

The Birth Plan – Step 2

3. Child Birth Choices

A. Lamaze • Special breathing techniques• Mental focus on eternal object• Open to pain medication during labor

B. Bradley• Normal breathing• Inward focus on self• Pain meds discouraged• 12 – 2 hour classes

C. Hospital or Birthing Center• Methods taken from a range of birthing approaches

The Birth Plan – Step 3

4. Pain Relief

A. Natural • Massage• Acupressure• Water: Jacuzzi, Shower, Bath

B. Medicine• Epidural – blocks nerve paths• “Walking” epidural - permits mobility• I.V. Pain killers - Demerol

The Birth Plan – Step 4

5. The Big Moment

A. Who cuts the cord?• Dad? Mom? Caregiver?• Cut right away? (Allows for cord blood banking) • Wait 5 minutes, when the cord stops pulsing? (Some

people believe that getting all of the placental blood will supply baby with more oxygen while it is learning to breathe on it’s own)

B. Baby’s first stop?• Baby can be placed on your chest immediately, giving

bonding time• A chance for your baby to nurse before routine tests begin

The Birth Plan – Step 5

Cord Blood Banking

What: Newborn’s blood from umbilical cord and placenta is collected at delivery and frozen.

Why: Abundance of stem cells, which could help baby (or even another family member) in case of future illness.

Cost: $300 - $1,000 for collection; $100 - $150 for yearly storage fee

Can donate to a public collection bank.

The Umbilical Cord Blood

Your own clothes vs. hospital gowns

Music and dimmed lights

Clear fluids vs. ice chops for hydration

Continuous vs. intermittent monitoring of baby

Medical vs. non-medical pain relief

Birth Plan Issues

Position for pushing

Episiotomy vs. natural tearing

Emergency contingencies

Shared vs. private hospital room – Insurance may not cover private room

Birth Plan Issues Continued

C-Sections account for 23% of US Births

Epidurals are used – mom stays awake

General anesthesia, which is fast acting, is used in emergency C-Sections (Mom is asleep)

Medications for incision will not enter the birth breast fluid baby drinks (Colostrum)

But once regular breast milk comes in fully a couple days later, you should not take any pain meds without consulting your doctor.

C-Section Pain Relief

Birthing Plan Assignment

Assignments

How can a mother be prepared for childbirth?

What are the options for who can deliver your baby?

Where can you deliver your baby?

What is a doula and what do they do?

Summary Questions