Delivery Room Trends

BY AMANDA CIANI

In the past five years, I’ve given birth to three beautiful boys and each labor was unique and memorable.
From back labor with an epidural to induction with a birth ball and no meds, I am proud of each
experience, as they resulted in amazing new life being brought into this world. Also within the past five
years, there have been medical advancements in the field of labor and delivery. Whether you’re hoping
for a natural delivery or a planned Cesarean section (or anything in between), there are many emerging
options available!

FAMILY CENTERED/GENTLE CESAREAN SECTION

Cesarean sections are the most common surgery in the U.S. In fact, the CDC estimates one in three
babies are born this way. The goal of a gentle C-section is to make the mother’s delivery feel less like a
surgical procedure, and more like a birth. Doing so simply takes forethought. First, you can request a
clear drape, so you can see baby come into this world. Second, your labor and delivery team can place
medical equipment beside you, instead of on your chest, which will allow Baby to be placed on your
chest as soon as possible to promote bonding and breastfeeding, if desired. Other modifications include
minimizing medical chatter and having soft music playing to create a calm environment.

Laura Lewis, a local mother of two, was a high risk patient during her second pregnancy and a C-section
was recommended. Lewis and her husband discussed a gentle C-section with their obstetrician and he
agreed to it. “It was an amazing and healing experience,” says Lewis. “I didn’t feel like I missed out on
anything.” Music played in the operating room and Lewis saw her baby immediately after delivery. Lewis
held her baby in the operating room and nursed her baby in the recovery room. “It was all around a
happy, beautiful, and stress-free experience.”

HYDROTHERAPY & WATER BIRTHS

At least one local hospital now offers moms experiencing low-risk pregnancies the option to deliver in
water. Atrium Medical Center in Middletown currently offers two portable Jacuzzi tubs for moms to labor
and deliver in as well. This year, Atrium will open the Natural

Beginnings Birth Center. Their programs support women wanting to experience natural childbirth, and
will include the addition of two new birthing tubs.

LABORING TOOLS

With my most recent labor two months ago, I was focused on experiencing a labor without the
administration of an epidural. Thankfully, I was prepared to ask for laboring tools once I arrived to my
LDR room. Remember, if you do not see them in your room, that does not mean they are not available
for use — simply ask!

• Birthing Ball. Sitting and swaying on a birthing ball helps open up the pelvis. For me, the birthing
ball was a big help!

• Peanut Ball. Ideal for moms in bed due to exhaustion, choice, or epidural. This tool may help
shorten labor duration and help rotate babies who are in unfavorable positions. Women can use
the ball in a reclining position or on their side; there are a variety of ways to place the ball under
and between the legs to help baby move along.