More hospitals these days are offering options and choices in terms of environment and services for women seeking alternative approaches in labor and delivery. As women become more aware of their rights to these choices, even their birthing atmosphere and procedures during labor may be tailored to their favour.
The atmosphere during labor and delivery
Many hospitals have geared up to accommodate patients’ demands for comfort during labor. More and more hospitals are now allowing women to walk around during labor, and even deliver their baby in positions more comfortable for them — while squatting, sitting up and so on. While it’s becoming more acceptable now to make requests which you think will be more favorable to your birthing experience, these options may not be available at all hospitals and may vary too.
Procedures during labor
It used to be that hospitals practiced the same procedures on all women in labor, but many now show increased flexibility in how they handle their patients. Some examples include:
- Enemas. Popularly used to clean out the bowels, enemas used to be routinely administered when women were admitted. Now, you may choose to have one or to skip this procedure.
- Shaving the pubic area. Once routine, shaving is no longer done unless a woman requests it.
- Inducing a labor. At times, labor may need to be induced or sped up for medical reasons however, some practitioners these days are willing to give women the option of getting some help to move things along naturally, or giving labor a little more time to progress on its own.
How will you manage labour pain?
This is one of the most important parts of labor but unfortunately, many women don’t realize it till it’s too late. For instance, most women who think they will be able to withstand the pains of labor only end up changing their minds and asking for an epidural when they’re too far along in their labor. Pain management is something worth discussing carefully with your doctor while taking into account all the possibilities during labor. Be well-informed too of alternative forms of pain relief, including massage, relaxation, breathing, and hot tubs. Know your options and make your wishes known to your doctor or health provider.
Delivery
Slowly but surely, the days of giving birth in just one position, that is lying down with legs apart or on stirrups, are becoming passé. Many hospitals nowadays are open to allowing women to try a variety of more comfortable or favorable positions during labor, including lying on the side, squatting or sitting up.
Post-birth plans
Post-birth decisions to be made beforehand should include:
- Whether your partner is going to cut the umbilical cord
- Does your partner want to hold the baby upon birth?
- Do you want immediate contact with the baby, or would you like the baby to be cleaned off first?
- Would you like to keep the placenta?
- Do you want to feed the baby right away?
Episiotomies
Doctors perform episiotomies when necessary. (An episiotomy is when the perineum — the area of skin between the vagina and the anus — is partially cut to ease the delivery). You may need to have one in medical emergencies or if there are risks of tearing. If you are strongly against it, do discuss your preference with your doctor to see if there are any other options available.
Cesarean section (C-section)
Regardless of whether you already have a scheduled C-Sec coming up or just planning ahead of a possible emergency, this is one topic that will be worth discussing meticulously with your hospital. If you do have a C-Sec:
- Do you want your partner present?
- Do you want to view your birth?
