Where should I give birth?
During the early stages of pregnancy, many women will have been asked the question ‘which hospital would you like to have your baby in?’.
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his often makes women believe that hospital is their only option, which in many cases is not the case. |
Before you decide, you need to be aware of the influence both the birth environment, and those around you can have on your labour.
The hormones that make birth happen are the same hormones that make babies happen. These include oxytocin (the love hormone), adrenaline and endorphins (feel-good hormones). When you conceived your baby was it somewhere private, comfortable and cosy? If so, oxytocin and endorphins would have been flowing in abundance, as you felt relaxed and able to ‘let go’. The same environment is needed to help labour progress smoothly.
Now imagine you were in the middle of making love and someone walked in on you. What would have happened? Most people would feel unable to continue and would have had a surge of adrenaline, stopping the flow of oxytocin. This also happens to women during labour, particularly after the car or ambulance journey to hospital, and examinations by the midwife or obstetrician.
Studies have shown that women who are supported by their partner, a female friend or relative who have experienced straightforward birth, have a better experience of labour.
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Someone who is calm and confident will help you to feel the same.if you have someone who fits this description, think about asking them to be with you too.
Home Birth
“We support home birth for women with uncomplicated pregnancies. There is no reason why a home birth should not be offered to women at low risk of complications and it may offer considerable benefits for them and their families. Ample evidence shows labouring at home increases a woman’s likelihood of birth that is both satisfying and safe, with implications for her health and that of her baby”.
(Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists joint
statement with the Royal College of Midwives: 2007)
Home birth might not be ideal for everyone, but if you and your baby are healthy, and homebirth is planned, it is a good option to consider.
What if something goes wrong?
When you book a homebirth your midwife will be monitoring both you and your baby throughout the labour. If at any point, either she or you feel that it isn’t going to plan, you can transfer to hospital to be cared for. Common reasons for transfer can include labour that is progressing slower than expected, or the mother requests more pain relief. Midwives do carry a variety of drugs and equipment in the event of an emergency, but these are rarely needed. |
