Looking at Birthing Options – What’s Best for you?
Are you pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the future? Have you considered your birthing plan? There are a number of birthing options available and this article aims to give you a brief overview of some of the birthing methods that you may wish to consider.
Hospital Birth
The traditional hospital birth is still the most popular option despite there being quite a variety of birthing options available nowadays. Many hospitals create a homely environment in the birthing suite, making the cold and clinical surroundings a thing of the past.
These rooms are generally presented in warm, soothing colors that create a nurturing environment and, despite the presence of medical staff, they help the mother to feel at ease.
The pros of hospital birth are the availability of medication during labor. the ability to monitor the fetus during the birthing process, and the availability of specialized staff such as obstetricians and specialist nurses.
Some women require anaesthesia or epidural pain medication during childbirth and these are readily available in a hospital setting.
Home Births
Homebirthing is by no means something new. Throughout history, women in many cultures have been giving birth at home for centuries and consider birth to be an integral part of family life.
Women who plan on having a home birth usually go into labor naturally and give birth with the assistance of a midwife. For some mothers, the option of being at home in familiar surroundings provides great comfort and reassurance. For others, there may be concerns that more technical medical assistance isn’t available. With a skilled midwife, homebirth is often considered to be a safer and more natural option.
Often, the main support is from the husband or partner with the midwife’s assistance. Other family and friends are often present for encouragement and the birthing process is seen as a family event and feels very natural.
Freebirthing
Freebirthing, or unassisted childbirth, involves giving birth without any medical intervention at all. There is no midwife present and the birth normally takes place within the home environment.
The difference between freebirthing and home birth is the absence of a midwife. Often, the mother subscribes to the belief that unassisted birthing is a natural process and should be allowed to happen naturally and peacefully. They generally see any form of medical intervention as unnecessary.
Proponents of freebirthing believe that women have been giving birth without assistance since the beginning of the human race. It is an option that is commonly adopted by women who are living an alternative lifestyle.
They are often disillusioned with traditional medicine and believe that medical intervention during childbirth does more harm than good to the mother and to the baby.
Water Birth
Water birth is typically practiced by an experienced midwife who, over time, gets plenty of practical hands on birthing experience with many women. Midwives have the skills to make you feel comfortable and can help with some minor medical situations. And if they aren’t comfortable helping you, they are usually very quick to refer you to a local doctor or hospital. In some complex situations, like giving birth to twins, midwives don’t do the delivery without a doctor.
Throughout the whole birthing process, waterbirth is very gentle on the mother’s body as well as the baby’s. The warm water tends to help mothers calm down and relax. Water supports the mother’s weight and provides a lack of gravity which makes the mother feel more at ease. The large tub and freedom of movement helps the mother change positions quickly to allow faster descent of the baby. In many instances, waterbirth can lower the need for drugs both for pain control and for labor stimulation.
Orgasmic Birth
Orgasmic birthing is a sensual experience as the name suggests. Both partners are involved and the mother climaxes, or comes close to climaxing, as the baby moves down the birth canal.
Many women would see childbirth as anything but sensual or pleasurable so this form of birthing is less well known than other options. However, it allows women to give birth in an environment of serenity and loving touch.
Many believe that the experience of hospital birthing is too clinical and involves the use of too many drugs to fully experience the beauty of giving birth. Orgasmic birth allows a totally different experience shared by both parents and ending in a blissful event.
The couple is surrounded by caring family as well as medical caregivers such as doctors and a midwife. Proponents of this type of birth say that it is the easiest, safest, and most pleasurable way to give birth.
Hypno Birthing
Hypnobirthing is a safer and easier method of childbirth achieved by combining trust in the body with the effectiveness of self hypnosis, deep relaxation, visualization, breathing techniques, and tension releasing techniques. Hypnobirthing teaches mothers-to-be how to follow the lead of their body and how to use their own natural birthing instincts.
They learn to channel their energy to help deal with contractions and they achieve a dreamlike state that helps them to deal with birthing pains. As well as traditional prenatal classes, these women also learn the techniques of self hypnosis during their pregnancy.
These pregnant mothers-to-be are taught to use their body’s natural endorphins to eliminate birthing pains and the need for traditional medication. It is believed that when the mind and body are in harmony, nature is free to function naturally.
In hypnobirthing classes, women are taught to release all prior programming about childbirth and to trust their body and to follow its lead. They also learn how to let go of fear so that they may concentrate fully on the experience of giving birth in a relaxed manner.
Regardless of which option you choose for giving birth, it is imperative that you do your homework first. Find out all you can about the pros and cons of each option and consult your health provider to see if it is suitable for you.
Remember, not all options are suitable for all mothers-to-be. For instance, if you have certain medical conditions or if the baby is in a breech position, some of these options may be dangerous for both mother and child.
About the author
In addition to an interest in babies, Ryan can show you How To Do Magic Tricks and Mentalism (like you see performed on TV).Tags: birthing methods, Birthing Options, pregnant