Ever heard of hypno birth? Well, it’s one of many awesome ways to cope and work through your labor and birth. As you learn more about the process of giving birth, you may be interested in all of the options out there. You have control over how you prepare and welcome the Baby into the world, so having a flexible birth plan and goals can make all the difference for a positive birthing experience.
First off, you want to be in an environment where you feel comfortable when giving birth. Some options are:
- Hospital birth: If you feel safer with access to medical technology and excellent resources in emergencies, a hospital birth may be best for you.
- Home birth: Although only 1.3% of people in the US give birth at home, it is an option in some areas for low-risk pregnancies. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends discussing the risks and benefits of home birth with a healthcare provider before making a final decision. Curious? Read more details here.
- Birth center: This option provides more personalized attention from a group of midwives or nurse-midwives and is a setting for vaginal births only. Birth centers are generally only for low-risk pregnancies, and be prepared to get transported to a hospital if complications occur.
Labor and birth can also look very different depending on what coping methods you use and how baby is born:
- Vaginal birth: Most babies are born vaginally, sometimes with the help of forceps or a vacuum applied to baby’s head. Vaginal birth is generally considered to have lower overall risks for low-risk parents and their babies. It also typically has the shortest recovery time. Many people are concerned about coping with pain, but you can address this before or during labor with your healthcare provider.
- Water birth: Giving birth in a tub of warm water can be a more relaxing and less painful delivery option. ACOG states that immersion in water in the first part of labor can decrease pain or use of anesthesia but advises against the second stage of labor (pushing the baby out) underwater. More studies are underway on the safety and effectiveness of giving birth in water.
- Hypnobirth: This method is mostly a coping mechanism for pain since it helps with breathing exercises and the psychological effects of contractions. It can be done with a trained practitioner or be self-taught. Many people also use similar coping techniques like Lamaze or Bradley.
- Cesarean Section/birth: There are many medical reasons your provider may suggest a cesarean, either before you start labor or while labor is underway. Some people opt for a planned cesarean as well. Because a cesarean section is a major surgery, it’s important that the benefits of this type of birth outweigh the risks for you and your Baby. Cesareans can only be done in a hospital due to the increased risks and need for specialized equipment.
As always, your labor and birth should be a personalized process. The best thing you can do to prepare is to weigh the pros and cons of each method and location. Flexibility is always key, and a great birth plan has many additional options to choose from when or if you need them.
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Sources
- “Cesarean Section.” U.S National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus, n.d. Web.
- Committee on Obstetric Practice. “Committee Opinion: Immersion in Water During Labor and Delivery.” ACOG. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and American Academy of Pediatrics, 4/2014. Web.
- Madison Park. “HypnoBirthing: Relax while giving birth?” CNN. CNN, 8/12/2011. Web.
