Consider all the things you have to confront during the pregnancy. If it seems like a lot, it is, but there is even more to ponder; consider the birthing process and after the baby is born. Birth mother options for the delivery answer such questions as: in which way do you want to give birth, where do you want to give birth, what kinds of delivery are there available for you, which delivery position would be best suited to you, how can you relieve those labor pains, do you want your child put on your belly after the birth, what about cutting the umbilical cord-do you want your partner to do it, what about breastfeeding, what about filming the birth and is it okay for students to be present? These are all intriguing questions.
When it comes to the first option – how you should give birth – you have a lot to think about. Maybe you should consider a birth plan. How should labor be managed?
Okay so now when it comes to your birth mother options, think about where you want to give birth. Some women may be most comfortable doing this at home with natural birth. A midwife can assist you with your birth if you wish. Maybe the hospital is best for you, and you can have doctors or midwives help you out.
So what types of delivery could you consider? There is the normal delivery bed that is adjustable. Some women give birth in a beanbag chair. This is on the delivery bed and helps to give the doctor or midwife “a good working posture.” Some give birth in water. The mother sits or floats in a specialized bath once labor is established. Birthing pools are only used in cases where there are not any complications, and the baby is not in need of monitoring. Then there is a Caesarean section; done when necessary. Other options are available, just ask your doctor.
Your birth mother options include the delivery position. There is the commonly used position where a woman lies on her back. There is also half lying down, or sitting in an upright position. Consider that gravity helps here. Squatting is also incorporated at times. Watch for strain on your knees and back though. During the early stages of delivery, standing or walking is sometimes done. It encourages the contractions to become regular. You can also use a combination of positions.
You also want to consider relieving labor pains. Standard options here are: gas and air, transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, intramuscular injections such as Pethidine, and epidural, or spinal, anesthetic.
After the birth, wouldn’t it be nice to have your child placed on your belly? Bring it up. Do you want your partner to cut the cord? Do you want your partner to bring in a camera or videocamara for the birth? What do you think about student doctors being present? So much to think about. Check out information on the Internet to find out more about birth mother options.
By Laura Hogg