VENT: Lack of birthing options!

smcg0011

With more and more women opting for natural births, why is it that even brand new "State of the art" hospitals do not accomodate? I would love to do a water birth, but our brand new hospital (and all others in our city of 650,000 people) do not offer that as an option. In fact, the new one doesn't even have tubs for laboring in the L & D rooms (just showers and there's a "tub room" in that area for use, if desired). I don't see why there seem to be so few options: have a home birth with a mid-wife and water, if you want OR have a hospital birth with an OB and very FEW natural pain-relieving options available. I want my OB and I want the security of a hospital, but I am annoyed at the fact that they are not offering more options. Anyone running into this problem?

WriterChick24

I'm fortunate that the hospital my doctor uses has a natural birth center, but I am having trouble finding Bradley classes in my area, which I've found very surpising. I think your best bet is to talk to your doctor about your options - if water is definitely out at the hospital, you should still be able to determine a birth plan that will allow you to have an unmedicated birth. They can't give you anything you haven't okay'd.

Chrysallys

This is why when and if we ever do get knocked up, we'll be going to a hospital in the next county that does offer those things and to an OB/midwife that practices there.

It is a shame there aren't more options.

Mrs.H723

I feel very lucky that my town has a Birth Center attached to the local hospital (which was just built a couple of years ago).  DH and I took a tour this morning, and the majority of their regular practices are right in line with what was already in my birth plan.  I would consider a home birth if this wasn't the case.

emiliemadison

I h ad a hospital birth with a midwife and had a tub and birth ball and nurses that were trained and experience in natural pain relief methods etc. It was great. I know not all hospitals are as welcoming of "natural" births as mine, but that doesnt mean you dont have options. Yes, hospitals should offer more "luxuries" for women who want that experience, but you can be your own advocate, prepare yourself and be willing to stand up for what you want.

tifvolley

I have the same problem and spent many nights in tears over the fact that my hospital really doesn't support my natural birth plan.  I was looking into going to a birthing center instead, but now have pre-e so I absolutely must be in a hospital.

What can help is an OB who's supportive of what you want.  My hospital may be strict, but my OB has helped me come up with alternatives to them lacking birthing tubs, etc.  Have you thought of hiring a doula?  There have been many studies showing that they can be extremely helpful in assisting you with carrying out a natural birth in a hospital setting.  Good luck!

sweetfrogy

Having a water birth isn't the only route to a natural childbirth.  I think it's terrible that they're aren't more options out there, but you still have other methods of pain management available to you.  Have you discussed your options with your midwife?  They will have plenty of ideas for you on how to prepare.  Question though, if you have a home birth, not everyone has a jacuzzi tub and they set up their own as long as your floors can support the weight.  Would a hospital allow that?  I'm guessing that's a really stupid question as far as liability/clean-up goes, but maybe it's an option?

Mitzie

Try finding a midwife in your area and ask her where her patients give birth.

https://mana.org/index.html

https://www.acnm.org/


The closest birth center to me is quite a trek, so I am a little frustrated too. I'm crossing my fingers that the New Space (NYC) will be open when my time comes.