Making A Choice Of Your Hospital Or Birth Center

Choosing a particular hospital or birthing center is paramount as one of the tasks a pregnant woman should bear in mind. Pregnant women do need a trained care giver during the birthing cycle. Access to medical care have prevented both moms and babies from untimely deaths. Tour the facility you're considering and make sure it feels good to you. Once you choose your venue, you'll be able to find a care-giver who works there. In order therefore to make a wise choice of a specific hospital for delivery, there are certain options to consider and all these will be highlighted and discussed in the succeeding pages below. [nextpagelink][/nextpagelink] Is Home Birth Safe? If you've had a low-risk, full-term pregnancy, home birth is not only as safe as a hospital birth, it leads to fewer medical interventions. True, if there are complications you'll have to move to the hospital, but your midwife will know when that's necessary -- and it rarely is. Especially for women who had an easy first birth, and who live near a hospital if medical intervention becomes necessary, home birth with a midwife --and, always, a physician backing her up -- can be a fantastic option. If you're considering a home birth, begin by speaking with a midwife in your area who is very experienced in delivering babies at home and asking a lot of questions. To find a midwife, including one who does Home Births, try the American College of Nurse-Midwives. For the next option . check the next page< [nextpagelink][/nextpagelink] Are Independent Birthing Centers Safe? Not as convenient as staying home, of course, but independent birthing centers do offer more peace of mind than a home birth if you've never had a baby. Much of the flexibility and comfort of a home birth, but with medical equipment at the ready, and of course MDs backing up the midwives in case complications arise. You should be aware that epidurals are usually not available. Probably most important, Birthing Centers only handle the lowest risk births, so about 12 percent of women laboring in Birth Centers do end up being transferred to the hospital for prolonged labor or other reasons, although the vast majority of these transfers are not emergencies. [nextpagelink][/nextpagelink] What Should I Know about Birthing Centers in Hospitals? Hospital birthing centers can be the best of both worlds, but only if they are actually birthing centers run by midwives, not just OB wings redecorated with cute curtains and rocking chairs. Some hospitals now have autonomous units run by midwives (backed up by MDs), usually with tubs for water births, and flexible woman-friendly policies that result in fewer interventions. The great thing is that if the need arises -- and it rarely does, interestingly -- you or your baby can be wisked into the elevator and down a few flights to the operating room or neonatal unit. To be sure this isn't just a spruced-up OB unit, ask questions about their policies: Do I have to be hooked up to an IV or monitor? Can I eat and drink as I prefer? Can I labor and deliver in the same room? Read more, Check Here Photo Source: Jon Ovington