Childbirth Options

Mothers today have more options than ever before when it comes to how they wish to
bring their bundle of joy into the world. Giving birth is a very personal matter and some may
want to make this experience to be all that theyve hoped that it would be. However, even with
several options available some mothers may be limited by certain factors. Circumstances such as;
what your insurance covers, where your provider practices, whether you have a high-risk
pregnancy, where you live and, of course, what hospitals are close by incase complications arise,
all need to be taken into consideration.
Once all these factors are properly discussed, expectant mothers can choose from several
options ranging from hospital births, where the preference between medicated and nonmedicated deliveries can be an option, home births, and in-hospital or freestanding birthing
centers. The first we will talk about is the most common in todays society, hospital births.
Hospital births
This option is very appealing to first time mothers who are hesitant and unsure about
what to expect, which is perfectly normal. Hospitals can give the comfort of knowing that there
are professionals within close proximity at all hours, should anything serious happen that
requires immediate attention. Staff is also there should you need any help after delivery,
including lactation specialists who assist mothers that are interested in breast feeding. With
seemingly few places for things to go awry hospital births may seem like the best option. In
order for hospitals to run smoothly, accounting for any possible complications, procedures are
put in place for every woman in labor, regardless of need. Procedures such as epidurals for pain,
induction if the birth isnt progressing as the doctors would like, and fetal monitoring,
sometimes against the request of the mother. Another controversial practice is the restriction of

food and liquid which researchers from the University of Liverpool in the UK say that this
procedure is unwarranted and further stated that our study found no difference in the
outcomes measured, in terms of the babies' wellbeing or the likelihood of a woman needing a Csection. There is no evidence of any benefit to restricting what women eat and drink in labor"
(Whiteman). Birth is a very natural occurrence and does not necessarily require any or little
intervention. Its for these reasons that many women are now favoring home births instead.
Home births
The most natural but generally neglected option is a home birth, which as the name suggests
happens in the comfort and familiarity of the mothers home. With careful planning, home births
can be an empowering and fulfilling experience. However, it is wise to keep in mind that life
threatening problems can and do occur during labor and delivery, often times without warning.
For this reason its the responsibility of the parents to obtain a midwife, or in some cases, a
doctor to help ensure the health of both the mother and child.
During the pregnancy the health care provider reviews a series of conditions that can occur
during pregnancy, as well as during labor, that would require treatment by the doctor and may
compromise the safety of a planned home birth. There may also be some challenges with home
births that the health care provider will review and how they, compared to hospitals, will handle
them and the possible health risks. During labor, the health care provider periodically monitors
the mothers temperature, pulse, blood pressure and the babys heart rate. After delivery the
health care provider examines the baby and determines whether they will need any additional
care. If everything checks out then the baby and mother are left to bond in the warmth of their
home.

There are several benefits to choosing a home birth. A woman experiences less pain at home
because her body naturally regulates the hormones oxytocin, the hormone that causes
contractions, and endorphins, the bodys innate pain relieving hormone. These hormones can be
hindered during a hospital birth because the mother may subconsciously feel insecure causing
adrenaline to lower both hormones which in turn causes increased pain. Home births also
experience less unnecessary intervention, one because home births are carefully screened for
safety beforehand and two because there is no need to have procedures in place to make sure that
the birth runs smoothly, as is the case in hospitals. Every intervention is useful to a small
number of women when used appropriately, but when applied to all women, they often cause far
more harm than good (Wickham 1999). Mothers also have more autonomy at home where they
are free to eat, drink, and move around as they please giving them the freedom to experience this
very natural and normal event.
Birthing Centers
There is one other option, birthing centers, that encompasses all the positive aspects of
both hospital births and home births. Birthing centers offer a more custom-made approach to
birth with the benefits of a hospital birth and the freedom of a homebirth all in one convenient
package. Unlike traditional hospital births, birthing centers are not affiliated with any particular
hospital and generally do not have any doctors on staff but they are housed near, or even attached
to, a hospital in case of emergencies. These centers offer state of the art care with nurses and
licensed midwives during delivery but without interference or restrictive policies typically seen
in hospitals. Birthing centers are also less expensive. However, most insurance does not pay for
the costs and many families are left to pay for the expenses out of pocket. For some families who
are willing to absorb the cost this is still a very appealing option for several reasons. At birthing

centers the mother has the ultimate control of her birthing experience and her birthing plan is
strictly followed, with the exception of when complications arise. Mothers have the freedom to
move about their room and are also encouraged to invite as many family members as they wish
into the birthing room, including their children. Within this comfortable and encouraging
atmosphere mothers say that the bonding experience is far greater and well worth the cost.
Indeed, giving birth is a profound experience and being as such every mother has their
ideal birthing plan. Whether you choose a hospital, a home birth, or a birthing center is
dependent on the individual needs of the mother and baby. Hopefully, whichever option you
choose, the end result will be snuggles with your new bundle of joy.

References
Conaway, Brenda. WebMD How Do You Want to Deliver Your Baby?
02, December 2012. http://www.webmd.com/baby/features/childbirth-options-whats-best
Crooks, Robert L., Baur, Karla. Our Sexuality Edition 12 (2014)
Mayo Clinic. Home Birth: Know the Pros and Cons. 20, June 2014.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/home-birth/art20046878
O. Erin. Keeper of the Home. Naturally Inspired Living for Homemakers. 26, February 2012. A
Comparison of Birthing Settings: Home, Hospital and Birthing Center Births.
http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2012/02/a-comparison-of-birthing-settings-homehospital-and-birthing-center-births.html
Whiteman, Honor. The Cochcrane Library. No Reason to Restrict Food and Drink During
Childbirth. 26 August 2013. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265206.php
Wickham, Sara RM, BA. Midwifery Today; the Heart and Science of Birth. Issue 50, 1999.
Homebirth: What Are The Issues?
http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/homebirthissues.asp