There is a lot of pressure on pregnant parents to make all the "right" decisions.
During your pregnancy, it's normal to feel anxious, but what's important is being equipped with all the information you need to put some of those worries to rest.
From prenatal classes to figuring out your birth plan, knowing what to expect during your pregnancy can make all the difference.
It is up to you and your spouse to choose the best birth plan for the arrival of your child. One thing is certain, you will have plenty of advice and anecdotes from mothers who have experienced the birthing process before you.
It is important to understand, however, that the choice of birth plan options will depend on three key factors: Your health, your baby's health, and your financial situation.
But most importantly you need to remember you are the one in charge of your body and only you will know the best option for you when it comes to birthing your baby.
Vital Baby, a leading baby product range, has highlighted a few of the childbirth delivery methods to consider for your birth plan:
- Natural, unassisted birth at home.
- Assisted childbirth at home or in a private birth centre.
- Natural or assisted birth, including caesarean surgery at a public or private hospital.
Hospital births
It's essential that you get the appropriate medical insurance for the birth of your child because it may necessitate many doctor appointments.
It is estimated that giving birth in a public or private hospital will cost between R10,000 and R50,000.
Healthcare insurance provides access to the best medical care and support, including antenatal classes, pregnancy monitoring, and ultrasound scans.
In addition, receiving hospital care entails seeing an obstetrician, also known as a pregnancy specialist, in cases of high-risk vaginal births or elective or non-elective caesarean sections.
It also entails seeing a midwife, a nurse who specialises in childbirth, as well as an epidural anaesthetist for emergency monitoring and postpartum pain relief. Episiotomy care, which is more frequently provided for hospital births, is part of postpartum care for new mothers.
Alternative birthing options
You must first decide which alternative is ideal for you and your baby if you don't have medical aid, dislike hospitals, or have decided to save money for your own preferred birthing method.
Further it’s also essential that you attend antenatal classes that will teach you and your spouse about various pain management and relaxation techniques to get you ready for labour and the delivering process.
They will also assist you in understanding and creating your own birth plan and preparing you for what to anticipate.
A midwife can save you a lot of money and provide your family with a more natural, relaxed birthing experience if you have a low-risk pregnancy.
Professional support at home
In one of the most intimate and eventful experiences of your life, you want to be sure you feel comfortable and safe with your coach.
Start early on finding a suitable midwife, doula (a modern-day birthing coach) or birthing specialist so you can find connection and trust with them and discuss your needs.
A midwife or doula will first examine you and your unborn child before providing you with helpful information to ensure a healthy pregnancy, such as dietary and activity recommendations.
The most crucial thing is that they will be there to talk to you about your options and alternatives for your treatment, labour and delivery, and the health of your newborn after delivery.
Home birth
A home birth will be a more intimate childbirth experience without medical assistance. Instead, you receive support in the form of all-natural painkillers like water, massage, reflexology, and aromatherapy.
You can also pick the position that is most comfortable for you to give birth in while employing breathing techniques like the Lamaze method.
Another method that aids new mothers in relaxation and labour preparation as well as lowering their level of fear, anxiety, and discomfort during delivery is hypnobirthing.
Water births
Given that it might be soothing and less painful, some mothers prefer to give birth in water.
Some people think that the newborn is less stressed when delivered into an environment comparable to where it spends the first nine months of its life—the fluid-filled amniotic sac. You have two options for delivery: underwater or out of the water in a different position.
Water birth is not appropriate if you have herpes, since it can be transmitted through the water; if your baby is in the breech position, if you have excessive bleeding, an infection, or high blood pressure or if you are in preterm labour.
This article was originally published on IOL.
