Giving birth is one of the greatest miracles of life. It happens every day but shows just how amazing the human body can be. If you are preparing for this moment in life, you have a few different options of where to give birth: hospital, home, or birthing center. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. Here is what to know about the three different options.
Hospital
The most common place for people to give birth, of course, is the hospital. If you give birth at the hospital, you will have nurses and doctors all around you. This is especially important if you have any complications during the birth or if you have a high-risk pregnancy. Also, the hospital staff will be able to administer pain relief to make the process more comfortable for you. The staff will also be able to keep the baby safe and help the mom with aftercare.
They’ll take the baby to another room for their first check up, vaccines, and other procedures. Some new parents aren’t troubled by this, but some prefer to keep their newborns nearby in the days after the birth.
Home Birth
Some people don’t like the atmosphere of a hospital setting. A home birth gives the new mother the opportunity to control the smell and feel of the room when she gives birth. You’ll also have access to all of the things you normally have at home, such as food and drinks.
Many people who choose to have a baby at home will get assistance from a midwife. Midwives are people trained in childbirth, and they can help in the case of a medical emergency. Since midwives don’t have the same tools as a hospital, a home birth is not recommended for high-risk births.
Birthing Center
A birthing center is a comforting location with midwives there to help you give birth. It’s similar to a home birth except you go to the midwife instead of the midwife coming to you. You will be able to bring the things that make you the most comfortable. You’ll have a private area, and your birthing team will only come around when needed. This will allow you to do what you want to do in between contractions.
Most birthing centers take insurance, and many of them position themselves close to hospitals in the case that something does go wrong during the birth. In this eventuality, you’ll be transported to the nearby hospital for care.
You have many options when you give birth. Some parents prefer the safety blanket of having doctors, nurses, and epidurals on hand. Other expecting parents prefer a less clinical setting and more natural birthing practices. As the time for giving birth comes closer, do your research and choose which option might be best for you and your expanding family.