Different options/types of childbirth explained
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After about 9 months, you are now preparing yourself for giving birth. The first thought that comes to our mind when we think of giving birth is either a normal delivery or a C-section. But there are other childbirth options that you may find interesting. Childbirth can be an exciting experience. But pushing a human head down your lady part can be a bit of a traumatizing experience for some moms-to-be. With celebrities like Cindy Crawford, Mayim Balik and Jennifer Connely opting for a home birth, continue reading to see which might be the best option for you.
Vaginal Birth
Babies born via vaginal birth are usually at low risk of respiratory issues (1). It also helps in the quick recovery of the mother. You don’t have a knife going through your abdomen or the risks that come with C-section. It also has a lower infection rate. What’s more? The stay at the hospital would be short, which is what all moms want after giving birth.
Vaginal birth can tear the perineum. And, at times, this type of birth is not suggested because of medical reasons.
Caesarean Delivery
Normal delivery may not be always an option if there are complications in your pregnancy (2). In such cases, a cesarean surgery is opted for the safety of both the mother and baby. A few complications like if your baby is not in the head down angle, or the baby is distressed, or if the baby is too big to pass through your pelvis can make vaginal delivery unsafe for you. Your doctor will determine if there’s a need for C-section only after the labor begins in most cases.
Home Births
Women with normal, low-risk pregnancy can choose this method for a safe and relaxing childbirth experience (3). They are vaginal deliveries, but with no medication. A number of mind-body techniques and preparation methods are performed to ease the pain of childbirth and labor.
Home births are assisted by a midwife who is either a certified professional, a licensed nurse, or a naturopathic midwife. At times, doula, a support professional, also attends the home birth. The transition to breastfeeding can be simple in home births. Also, they don’t have to worry about transport to the hospital during labor. Although, if the birth plan does not progress as expected, they may be taken to the hospital.
Water Birth
Water birth is just like you thought – giving birth in water using a portable tub (4). The mother can deliver the baby either underwater or above the water by changing their position. Women choose water birth as it is less painful to deliver the baby in the water. It also helps them to relax. You can get the birthing tubs from birthing centers. The partner can get into the tub to help the mother with the delivery. Make sure that the water is fresh and clean to reduce the risk of any infections.
Vacuum Extraction
It is an assisted form of delivery where a soft cup is attached to the infant’s head while he/she is still in the birth canal (5). The suction created by a handheld pump helps in facilitating the delivery. It is done if a complication occurs during childbirth.
Forceps Delivery
Forceps-assisted delivery is done using curved instruments to facilitate the process of delivery (6). It cannot be used if it is a breech baby. But it is an option if the mother is really tired. It is also used if the baby needs to be delivered quickly.
VBAC
VBAC refers to Vaginal Birth after C-section. Women who have delivered through C-section before now have an option to attempt vaginal birth in their subsequent delivery (7). However, not all women have that option.
There are many women who consider giving birth at a birthing center. It is a win-win game where you get the relaxing surrounding and all the options such as home and water births, and even a doula available at your service. Except for the C-section, all the other labor and delivery options are available in case of a complication. If you need a C-section, you will be taken to the hospital. Women don’t always know all the options that may help them with childbirth. We hope now that you have some information about the different options out there, you can choose the one that appeals to you the most. Also, talk to your doctor or midwife to know more before making a choice.
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