Your Birthing Place

If you are pregnant for the first time, you may not know what your options are. You, as did I, thought that birth was a one way street traveled by everyone. I assumed that you do what the doctor tells you because they are the professionals.

All of this changed dramatically when I finally became pregnant and began to do my research. I realized that pregnant women do have options, depending on your situation, concerning your birthing place.

3 Birth Place Options

• Hospital Birth

This is the most common choice in America. Many people are comforted by this option because it makes them feel safer because birth can be a scary process for many women. If you choose this option, you will have to comply with medical personnel. Every hospital has policies and procedures that you are required to follow at some degree. 

With a hospital birth medications for pain relief are available and if an emergency occurs you will have immediate access. 

Keep in mind that hospitals have a certain way they prefer a labor to progress and if your body is slow to adapt, they may recommended inductions of labor or a c-section.

I am having a hospital birth. Not because that is what I wanted but because I am limited in my geographical area. After much research I realized that it was important for me to find a physician that agreed with my birthing style and birth plan. Check out my post on my birth plan.

• Birthing Center

If you choose a birthing center you will be using a midwife. 

1. Hospital Birth Center

There are some hospitals that have birth centers in or around their facility. If you use a hospital birth center you will still have to comply with hospital policy. However, the rooms have a more homey look to them. 

At a hospital birth center you will have immediate access to the hospital staff if you need them. Keep in mind that women that us the the birth center are striving for a natural birth. A midwife can not administer medications. 

This is the option that I had originally chosen for my birth but for insurance purposes I had to switch to a hospital.

2. Off Site Birth Center

You also have the option of an off site birth center. This is a wonderful option for women that are looking for a very natural process. You will be delivered by a midwife and the center has a homey feel to it. 

A midwife is a good judge of when to transfer a patient if a problem arises. They are not certified to administer certain pain medications and procedures. However, they can give a little Pitocin and IV. 

This is my ideal birthing situation but I don't have one available in my city.

• Home Birth

This is the options that many people still use outside of the US. If you choose this option you will have a midwife come to your home. You will get the same treatment as at a birth center with the availability of transport; but you will be in the comfort of your own home.

Many people don't believe this is a safe option but some women swear by it. There are even some women that go for an unassisted home birth, meaning no midwife.

The key to finding your ideal birthing place is to do what is most comfortable for you. Don't feel pressured by others that are not informed but speaking out of fear. 

I never considered home birth because my husband and I like in a small apartment. I couldn't do the unassisted home birth because I think I would be to freaked out.

Do your research and see which option is best for you. If you have any questions or feedback please comment. And share this blog with others.