I think I always wanted to have the experience of having a baby at a birthing center but I am too nervous about the what ifs and feel more comfortable delivering in a hospital. What does everyone else plan on doing? I think it would be cool to have a midwife or doula experience or a water birth, but alas I will probably deliver in the hospital! On a side note, I do not know much about midwifery, can someone explain?
Re: Hospital or birthing center
If I had the option of a birthing center I would choose that in a heart beat. Unfortunately, my town only has the option of a hospital
Have you watched "More Business Of Being Born"? It can answer your midwife question very, very well.
Haven't heard of it but now I want to watch, where can I find it? Is it like a YouTube thing or do I have to buy it?
A doula is someone who advocates for you during birth and assists you as needed, they go wherever you go hospital or birthing center. An OB is a surgeon, a MW is not.
I am trying for VBAC (hopefully), so since that comes with it's own set of risks I'll be in a hospital. Even before I knew I needed a c/s I was all about the hospital with an OB.
Thanks! I had an idea of what a doula was but didn't realize a midwife is like an OB minus the surgeon part!
Do you have Netfilx?
The first one is "The Business of Being Born". The second one, with tons of really good information, is called "More Business Of Being Born".
No Netflix:. I will see if I can find a friend to let me use their Netflix! Thanks!
Well, that and an OB is a medical doctor and a MW is not. Which sometimes translates to OB's are quick to suggest medical interventions while a MW is more likely to suggest natural interventions (when it comes to birthing).
From my last birth I remember someone saying you could get all your prenatal apps at the birthing center. Wonder if that is a midwife or doc there. I kind of prefer a medical doctor for some reasons and made a midwife for others. I would have prayed to have the help of a midwife while I was having trouble BFing because my OBs solution was to stop. Not okay in my book!
That is nice the hospital was mostly hands off, that is not usually the case. My hospital was very hands off too for the most part.
Aw, that is crappy, I'm sorry
Most hospitals will have a lactation consultant, they are there to help! I had a hard time at first too, but thankfully I had support from friends and here on TB. And my DD's pedi oddly enough! Better luck for us this time!
I am definitely going to deliver in the hospital again, as I will need a repeat c-section. It is worth doing some research about different hospitals- some have birth centers, birthing tubs, etc. in the hospital and many have doulas and midwives on staff. Some are definitely more friendly towards non-intervention than others.
A doula is a support person during labor, delivery, and post-partum. They can help with breathing, different labor positions, and help advocate for you. They are not medically trained, and experience can vary.
Midwives are nurses who get a masters in midwifery and have a lot of additional training in ob/gyn. They can provide medical care under the supervision of a physician, like a nurse practitioner.....at least this is my understanding from birth class with DS#1.
I used a midwife and birth center but after 32 hours of labor I got stuck at 9.5 ins and needed pitocin to fully dilate & deliver. Off to the hospital we went (10 mins away but the worst car ride of my life) and the midwife joined us there roughly 30 mins later; she stayed through the birth acting as a doula/L&D nurse and for about 45 minutes afterwards. I'm planning to try the birth center again -- hopefully this time will go much faster but my mom needed pitocin with all 3 of her deliveries so we'll see.....
I recommend the Business of Being Born documentary (didn't see the 2d one) to help make your decision. For actually preparing for the birth experience read anything by Ina May Gaskin -- I wish I'd read her books earlier in my first pregnancy and am planning to read them again beginning next week.
Whatever you choose, make sure you are comfortable with your decision and avoid conversations about your choice with anyone that won't support YOUR decision.
They did an interview with her for the second one. It was amazing! She is an awesome woman!
My OB practice has certified nurse midwives as well as OB's and DO's. I haven't decided on whether I will use the midwives or my usual OBGYN. She is pretty even keeled, and I don't think she would pressure me into medical interventions I am not comfortable with.
We will be delivering at a hospital, as there are no birthing centers anywhere near me. I think I would probably deliver in a hospital anyway.
As for The Business of Being Born . . . it was very interesting and informative. But keep in mind that it has a bias. They are trying to convince you to have natural home births. While that seems like a wonderful experience, I think you need to be critical of any film or book that paints one side or the other (traditional medicine or natural midwifery) as the "bad guy."
I think people that go into this type of field have to love it.
2 years, 2 surgeries, 2 clomid fails, 2 IUIs, 1 loss, IVF #1 - 10/25/10 = BFP!, DS is now 3.5yrs!
TTC #2 - 6/12 surgery #3, FET #1 & 1.2 = BFN, 12/2012 FET #2 = BFP! DD is 1.5 yrs!
Surprise! 12/16/14 BFP, loss #2 12/31/14
I can't wait for the "im getting a divorce" post in 5 years or so because your husbands were fed up with your disgusting chair asses from playing on the knot all day and getting fired 4-5 times for not doing any work. you guys are all winners!! ~ Laur929
I am using a midwife but will be delivering in a hospital since I'm hoping for a VBAC. The midwifes can only deliver VBACs at the hospital rather than the birth center because of the risks of complications.
We will also be hiring a doula in hopes of having a natural birth.