Vaginal Birth Options

Vaginal Birth Options

Women today have more options for giving vaginal birth compared to mothers had just a few decades ago. Just a little more than 3 decades ago, a woman in labor was flat on her back for whole the duration of labor and often even put to sleep completely. The father was not admitted access to the delivery room. He had to stay nervously in a waiting room until someone came to tell him he had a baby boy or a baby girl.

Fortunately these times are gone and giving birth is much different. Gone are the days of the dad not being with his wife when she is in labor. There are 3 main options for a normal vaginal birth nowadays.

Traditional Hospitals

Traditional hospitals are still the number 1 place where babies are born. The traditional hospitals have come a long way in personalizing the birth process. Fathers/Dads-to-be are encouraged to be actively involved in the birth of their children. Even additional support persons (friends, family) are allowed to be present if the parents decide they want the additional help. Moms are encouraged to move around during the long times of labor and to walk or squat or to take a shower/bath if that is more comfortable. Birthing balls, special labor chairs and other equipment is often available. Modern delivery rooms are equipped to allow a woman to spend the entire time of labor, delivery, and recovery in the same room. These rooms are more and more designed to look like a room at home and to have enough space for significant other. Of course, cesarean births still require that mom be taken to an surgery room, but the partner or doula is usually allowed to scrub up and give mom company and support. After birth and recovery having the baby stay by mom is becoming standard.

Birthing Centers

Another option now available to many moms are so-called birthing centers. These birthing centers usually only accept women at low risk for complications and that have had pregnancies without any problems. Birthing centers are very similar to hospitals, but are made to feel mom much more comfortable and give the "feel like home" touch. Many women feel birthing centers are more relaxed than a hospital. For emergency situations birthing centers are usually close by hospitals and work with a specific hospital. Birthing centers offer better options for existing families with kids so that mom and dad can concentrate on the new arrival and have their other kids around.

Homebirth

A growing group of women is giving birth to a new baby at home. Homebirth provides some benefits compared to a birth in a hospital or birthing center.. Homebirth can be chosen because mom and dad believe that their home is the most appropriate place for a new baby to arrive and to join their family. Some moms choose the homebirth because they want to control the overall circumstances of the birth. Homebirths should only be considered if no complications have to be expected. Access to medical emergency personnel is limited and in case of emergency a delay until an ambulance arrives can be significant.