Chapter 5 preparing for birth Section 5-2 Childbirth Options

What is prepared childbirth? Prepared childbirth- involves reducing pain and fear during childbirth through education, breathing, and conditioning. Many expectant parents attend classes to help them prepare for labor (the process by which the baby gradually moves out of the uterus and into the vagina to be born) and delivery (the birth itself). Father (or someone else who can support mother during birth) functions as a “coach” for mother. Childbirth education classes offered by hospitals, healthcare providers, and private teachers.

What is prepared childbirth? (continued…) In addition to learning breathing techniques, participants learn: How the baby develops throughout pregnancy Warning signs that may indicate a potentially serious problem during pregnancy What to expect during labor and delivery, including stages of labor The role of the coach Breathing and conditioning exercises to make pregnancy, labor, and delivery more comfortable, including pain relief. How to make a birth plan for the labor and delivery. Birth plan tells medical staff what the couple would like to have happen throughout the childbirth process, including use of pain medication What to expect after baby is born

Who will deliver the baby? The following healthcare professionals are qualified to deliver babies: Obstetricians- specialize in care of mothers and babies both before and after birth, qualified to handle any emergencies or complications Family Doctors- some can provide prenatal care and deliver babies, if complications arise they may call an Obstetrician Licensed Midwives- trained to assist women in childbirth, 2 types- Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) and Certified Midwives- CNMs are registered nurses, both have advanced training in normal pregnancy and birth, both must pass certification exam

Where will baby be born? Only in last 100 years most babies have been born in hospitals Some women still choose home birth- only possible for women with uncomplicated pregnancies and low risk of complications during delivery No one can predict complications Newborns born at home twice as likely to die as those born in hospitals Mothers also at higher risk with home birth If mother chooses home birth, medical personnel should be notified in advance

Where will baby be born? (continued…) Some choose alternative birth centers (more homelike environment for labor and delivery), which are NOT part of hospitals Emphasize prepared, natural childbirth (do not offer pain medications during labor) Midwives generally handle births Most accept only mothers or low risk of complications A nearby hospital is on call to handle any problems that may develop Typically cheaper than hospital Time spent there is shorter (usually only 24 hours if no complications)

Where will baby be born? (continued…) Depending on health insurance and other issues, new mothers and babies may spend 2-3 days in hospital if routine delivery, and up to 1 week if complications (government requires insurance companies to cover at least 2 days in hospital for routine, vaginal birth) Trained personnel, sanitary conditions, and the presence of high-tech medical equipment make hospital births safer than home births. Hospitals may offer several types of services to meet the needs of expectant parents, including: Classes that prepare parents for delivery and infant care

Where will baby be born? (continued…) Programs for young siblings and expectant fathers Private rooms that provide soft lighting, music, comfortable furniture- Mothers and families can stay in these rooms for labor, delivery, and recovery unless complications arise- additional medical equipment is kept out of sight but ready for immediate use Option for mother and baby to room together during their time in hospital When making decision of where to have baby, parents should explore hospitals in area (many hospitals offer tours and will gladly discuss concerns and special needs) Options may be limited by insurance or which hospital their doctor uses. Couples should discuss benefits and drawbacks of each type of delivery with each other and their doctor.