Labor & Delivery

In the past, women took a less active role in their labor and delivery. It never would have entered their mind to ask their practitioner about specific delivery requests. But now, due in part to the number of available resources on pregnancy and childbirth, women are more educated on the topic than any generation before.

How much do you know about your options when it comes to labor and delivery?

Hospital

Delivering in a hospital is the most popular option. To keep laboring moms happy and comfortable, many facilities have created L, D & R suites, where a mother labors, delivers and recovers all in one room, saving dad from toting mom’s stuff from room to room. Extra amenities such as jetted tubs and DVD players are now the norm. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, a hospital with specialists and an appropriate level of neonatal intensive care unit should be your only choice.

Hospital Affiliated with a Midwifery Program

Another unique choice is delivering in a hospital using the services of a certified-nurse midwife. This option allows you to direct your birthing experience, but when more intervention is needed, the hospital is equipped to handle it.

Birthing Center

These non-hospital facilities are most frequently operated by Certified Nurse Midwives. For true family-centered care where you have a lot of input about what goes on during birth, this is a good choice. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or any known complications, you should consider a hospital with the appropriate facilities to ensure your safety and the health of your new baby.

Doula

Often defined as a private labor coach, a doula’s goal is to help a woman have a safe and satisfying childbirth, as defined by the woman. Most doula services begin with a prenatal visit to your home to discuss your birthing plans and desires. Once you have been admitted to the hospital or birthing center and active labor has begun, your doula will help keep you relaxed and focused during contractions and help you manage your pain. A doula is present to help give you physical and emotional support; she will not perform clinical tasks. For more information on the doula option, visit www.dona.org.