by Rachel Kingsbury

Created on: August 30, 2006   Last Updated: May 10, 2007

As many expectant parents find the prospect of childbirth brings many questions. Will I be able to have a natural childbirth? Will I be able to have my loved ones with me? Will I have any say in what is happening to my baby and me? Unfortunately not all of these decisions are the parent’s to make. If an expectant mother is being cared for by an ob/gyn chances are they will be giving birth in a hospital setting. The mother to be will be monitored, medicated as deemed necessary and confined to a bed for most if not all of her labor. This method of caring for the mother-to-be has its benefits. In case of an emergency medical staff is mere seconds away to rush in a perform life saving action. However, the cost of such security can be high. Just because a hospital can take certain measures to ensure safety doesn’t mean everyone wants them. To some parents the idea of having their child naturally is very appealing. If you wish to avoid superfluous intervention perhaps a natural birthing center is right for you. In such centers expectant mothers will be cared for by midwives instead of ob/gyns at their prenatal visits. The center itself is often a converted house or clinic made to feel as homelike as possible. All the comforts of home are provided in addition to the trained midwives to assist in the birth. They are trained to recognize the signs of an emergency and can safely transfer the mother to be to a hospital if needed. If a parent chooses to have their child in a hospital setting but wishes to avoid any unnecessary medical interventions they need to do their homework! Both parents if present should become as well versed in their options as possible before going to the hospital. They should know their rights and what they can refuse to do if they choose. However it is advisable to listen to healthcare professionals in most cases as they have training in such matters that most parents do not have. Parents can help themselves to have the best chances for a natural childbirth by researching relaxation techniques and reading as much as possible on various situations that can arise during childbirth. With a little planning and a lot of preparation parents can walk into this life altering experience equipped with the knowledge to make their own decisions about the birth of their child.

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