Birthing options: I know it's early!!

Carebella

This is my first and I decided on a birth center that DH and I are both super excited about and fortunate to have access to. I had been attempting to do research on hospitals and doctors but between the lack of available information and the reviews I was getting frustrated. It didn't help that I was very specific about what I wanted, low intervention and as natural as possible. The last thing I wanted was to have to fight for this and have to call around to hundreds of doctors. So I started checking more into midwives and found the only birth center in our state. Not only was it highly rated with detailed reviews, they are very science based and three minutes from a hospital. They also ONLY take low risk pregnancies. We were very impressed at the orientation and relieved to have such a great option available to us. The key is researching your options and deciding what you are comfortable with.

BritneyAnn07

I read the book "Natural Hospital Birth" written by a doula and I really liked that because it doesn't scare you

MrsDL

It's a personal decision - with DS I knew I wanted to be in a hospital - to each her  own as far as home births and centers, but the fact that should something go south quickly, minutes and even seconds matter so I wanted to be in a location where I felt comfortable that if the worst did happen, I was in the best place with the most resources to produce the best outcome for my child. To me, that's a hospital.

As far as being bullied and providers not respecting birth plans, etc. - that's not the norm imo. You need to trust your provider and pick one you're comfortable with. If you tell your physcian you don't want drugs, or an episiotomy or don't want him/her to be "quick to cut" - you need to feel comfortable with the fact that they A) know what they are doing respect your input C) you need to trust their judgement.

You'll find anecdotal stories involving all types of things, including moms being so stubborn in wanting to stick to a birth plan that they push limits they probably shouldn't - eg pushing too long to avoid a c-section. You have to make an informed decision on what is best for you looking at all the improbable things that can happen. I didn't care about my experience, I was only concerned that DS be brought into this world as safely as possible.

For those who want to go med-free, I recommend reading up on hypnobabbies. Dragged DH to classes for 6 weeks - it was insightful and I do think it can work for some. I fully thought I could get through the birth with no meds using what I learned (and practiced).

That said, I also believe that you have to be free to change your mind so I wasn't stuck to my plan. After laboring at home for 48 hours, I woke DH up at midnight to get to the hospital because I full believed based on pain and contraction timing that I was so close I'd deliver in the car. I "hypontized" myself and was calm - then they check me out and told me I was 1/2 cm maybe 1 and it could take days, thought about sending me home. I immediately threw my med-free plans out the window and accepted something to "take the edge off" in a heartbeat, then refused pitocin until they gave me the epidural (the most fabulous invention in modern science imo). There is not shame in changing your mind ladies.

runningmama14

I have seen a CNM for a few years for my annual paps, exams and such.  I'll be using her for the birth at the local hospital's attached birthing center.  She is in practice with 7 OBGYNs.  I plan on going unmedicated.  It's nice to know that should problems arise, she has well-qualified backup and I'll be right where I need to be to get help.

Edit: removed remark about CPM vs CNM.  Checking my facts before opening my big mouth again

montella1064

My husband is a paramedic and as much as I'd love for him to deliver our baby at home, I will be delivering at a hospital where neonatal staff is on hand with proper equipment 'just incase' something went wrong.

CaneQueen

We are thinking of home birth also. I am not sure because we live in a small house with only one bathroom and we have a freestanding birth center nearby now that opened after our ODD was born. I had a hospital birth with her and ended up with several unwanted interventions when I really wanted an unmedicated birth. Do what feels right for you and don't let naysayers get you down.

CaneQueen

But I agree that absolutely everyone should watch the business of being born!! Changed my whole view on childbirth