Giving birth at birth canters and midwifery units: Birth centers and midwifery units are home-from-home places where you can go to have your baby. These units can be part of a general hospital maternity unit, in a smaller community hospital or completely separate.
The advantages of giving birth at a midwifery unit include the following:
• You can give birth in surroundings where you may feel more relaxed and able to cope with labor.
• You are more likely to be looked after by a midwife who you have got to know during your pregnancy.
The things you should consider include the following:
• You may need to transfer to a hospital if there are any complications.
• Epidurals are not available in a midwifery unit.
• Your doctor or midwife may recommend that it is safer for you and your baby to give birth in hospital.
Planning a birth at birth centre or midwifery unit
Midwifery care is available at home, in a midwifery unit and in hospital. Ask your midwife if there are any midwifery units or birthing centers in your area. There may be others that you can use if you are prepared to travel.
Here are some of the questions that you might want to ask:
• How long would it take if you needed to be transferred to hospital?
• Which hospital would you be transferred to?
• Will a midwife be with you all the time?
• Can you visit the unit before you give birth?
• What facilities are available? Are there birthing pools, for example?
No comments:
Post a Comment