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Bringing a new life into the world is an incredible journey filled with excitement and anticipation. One of the most crucial decisions you'll make during this time is where to give birth. It's a choice that can profoundly impact your birthing experience and ultimately shape the beginning of your baby's life. Did you even know that you had a choice? In most cases, you are not obligated to turn up to the nearest hospital and you may find travelling a little further to a Birth Centre or having a home birth better suits your needs.
So, let's take a closer look at the various local birth place options available and what each entails!
Home Birth: There's something inherently comforting about the idea of bringing your baby into the world in the familiar surroundings of your own home. If you're considering a home birth, it's essential to discuss this option with your midwife to see what provisions are available in your area.
Research indicates that for low-risk pregnancies, planned home births can be just as safe as hospital births, particularly if you've given birth before. However, it's worth being aware that transfers to a hospital may be necessary, especially for first-time births. https://www.bmj.com/content/343/bmj.d7400
For instance, NHS Lothian boasts an exceptional team of midwives dedicated to home births, providing specialised support for women during birthing at home. This approach often ensures enhanced continuity of care throughout the antenatal period, fostering familiarity with the midwife attending your birth.
Additionally, NHS Lothian have creatively named their 40 home birth kit boxes after inspirational women, adding a cool touch to the experience!
Midwife-Led Unit or Birth Centre: Midwife-led units provide a welcoming and homely environment for labour and birth. These units are staffed by midwives and offer amenities like birth balls and pools to support active labour. Whether they're located alongside a hospital maternity unit (The Edinburgh Birth Centre and Midwife-Led Unit at the Victoria in Fife) or rooms that have been specifically designed to facilitate a more active birth (St Johns, Wishaw or Forth Valley) these areas prioritise a less medicalised approach to childbirth.
Forth Valley Royal Midwife Led Room
Studies have shown that for low-risk pregnancies, planned births in midwife-led units result in fewer interventions and are just as safe as hospital births.
Wishaw General Active Birth Room with Pool
Hospital Birth: Hospitals provide immediate access to medical support and enhanced pain management, which can offer reassurance, especially for first-time parents or those with medical conditions. Although it's generally advisable to remain at home until labour is well underway, do not hesitate to reach out to the hospital if you have any concerns.
It's still possible to experience a positive and relaxed birth in a medical environment. Often, you can utilise birth balls, experiment with different labour positions, listen to music, use aromatherapy and do what you need to support your body, mind, and your positive labour hormonal balance.
Discussing strategies to enhance oxytocin levels (the primary labour hormone) and maintain relaxation is a key component of all my antenatal courses.
St Johns, West Lothian
So How do I Choose?
Consider Your Options: Researching local facilities and discuss your preferences with your midwife are crucial steps in making an informed decision. Take advantage of an antenatal courses and virtual tours to familiarise yourself with your chosen location. It's also helpful to consider factors such as the distance you'll need to travel to reach the birthing facility and the availability of specialist medical care if needed.
Questions to Ask: From pain relief options to postnatal care services, make sure to inquire about everything that matters to you. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident and prepared as your due date approaches. Additionally, don't hesitate to seek advice and guidance from other parents who have experienced childbirth in different settings. I have some birth stories on my website
The B.R.A.I.N. acronym can be a really useful tool when it comes to asking questions and having conversations with your care team.
Flexibility: Keep in mind that it's entirely normal for your preferences to evolve throughout your pregnancy. If you find yourself reconsidering your birthing options, remember that it's okay to change your mind at any point. Your comfort and peace of mind are paramount, so trust your instincts and make decisions that feel right for you and your baby.
Sometimes, circumstances may mean that you are recommended a particular place of birth, if that is the case, find out how you can make it as personal to your needs as possible.
If you are interested in changing your place of birth, speak with your midwife who should be able to get the ball rolling.
How I can support you: By dedicating time to explore your choices and gather information, you'll be better prepared to navigate the childbirth journey confidently. I've supported expectant parents through births in various settings - from enchanting home births to gentle caesarean births and everything in between.
My goal is to empower you to make informed decisions about all aspects of your maternity care, labour, birth, and feeding preferences by offering evidence-based information in an enjoyable and interactive way.
This is the guiding principle behind Birth Prep with Joy, whether you join an in-person antenatal course in Livingston EH54 or Larbert FK5 or cosy up at home for an online workshop.
IN PERSON ANTENATAL COURSES
LIVINGSTON, WEST LOTHIAN & LARBERT, STIRLINGSHIRE
& EDINBURGH
ONLINE ANTENATAL WORKSHOPS
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