Childbirth Choices Chapter 6 Section 3 Child Development

Delivery of the Baby Hospital, Home, or Alternative Birth Center Need to research and decide which option either before getting pregnant or soon after

Types of Medical Professionals  Obstetricians – specialize in prenatal and postnatal care of mom and baby  Family Doctors – Some deliver and provide care for mom and baby  Licensed Midwives – 2 types: Certified Nurse - registered nurse with special licenses Midwife – special training but no nursing degree

Hospitals Its only in the last 100 years that most babies have been born in hospitals Today, most births occur in hospitals Sanitary conditions, trained personnel, and special equipment make birth as safe as possible

Hospitals Offer a Variety of Services Classes for delivery and caring for an infant Programs for young children to get ready for a new sibling Programs for fathers in helping the mother through labor and delivery

continued Birthing rooms for comfortable labor and birth Options for mothers to choose the position for labor and delivery Plans allow for mother and baby to stay together for the hospital stay which is usually 48 hours

Alternative Birth Center Separate from the hospital Licensed Mid-Wives handle births Usually costs less than traditional hospital maternity care Stay is usually only 24 hours Option is only possible for women with uncomplicated pregnancies

Home Birth Licensed Mid-Wives handle births Usually costs less than traditional hospital maternity care No equipment so if any complications arise will have to wait for an ambulance to go to the hospital

Birthing Activity Create a pamphlet that could be provided to expectant mothers that describing the different delivery options: ◦ Hospital ◦ Birthing Center ◦ Home Include the advantages and disadvantages of each, who can deliver the baby, and other pertinent information.