How do you wish to deliver your baby?

Where do you want your baby to take his or her first breath when they arrive in this world? Deciding on the best childbirth option for you is a very personal decision. The birth experience you ultimately choose has many things to think about, as well as pros and cons. The day your little bundle arrives will be one of the most defining moments and the memories of the experience will last a lifetime.

“Should I give birth in a high-tech hospital? Or a more family-focussed birthing centre? Or in the comfort of my own home? Maybe the best option is to give birth in water, or positioned on my hands and knees? Maybe I should squat? Would I like background music playing during delivery? Do I want total quiet or loved ones around me? Lights on or dimmed? Should I even have a birth plan?”

There are so many questions (enough to make your head spin) you may be asking yourself already, and if you find yourself hyperventilating, take a deep breath. Options available to you have a lot to consider, this is true, but it’s not nearly as overwhelming a decision to make as it may seem at first. We’ll help break it down for you so that you can get to the part where you look forward to welcoming your little one into this world and begin being a new mom.

Nowadays there are a variety of different options a mom-to-be can choose from, as well as narrowing down the little details that will help to make the experience a favourably memorable one. There may be some limiting factors to consider, but overall, you have far more control in the decision-making process of your experience than generations of women had before.

Some limiting factors may include:

• What your health insurance covers
• Where your doctor practices
• Whereabouts you reside and what medical facilities are nearby
• Whether or not you have a pregnancy that is classified as high-risk

Even if you have some limiting factors at the starting block, which pre-determine the big decisions, there’s still plenty to consider when it comes to enhancing the experience for yourself. No matter your limitations, you can still plan to make the moment you welcome your baby and hold him or her for the first time the experience you’ve always dreamed about.

So, where do you start?

Nip panic in the bud before all of your questions and thoughts overwhelm you. One of the best ways to make a big decision is to start by researching. Do some homework. There’s plenty of information at your disposal, which you can delve into on your own and discuss with all of your healthcare providers. As with anything that exists ‘in the unknown’, once you have a clearer idea about what you’re dealing with, the easier it will be to make the right decision about which method is best for you.

• Look into the options available: You may like to start with the big one – “how am I going to deliver my baby?” Once you start researching the different birthing options, you may find that you are already favouring one over the other. The next question may be “where would I like to give birth?” Research these options a little, and start considering pros and cons. Before you set your heart on any method, you should talk to your partner (if you have one or involve a loved one who is on this journey with you) and weigh-in their thoughts too. Then consult your doctor and talk about the various options regarding how and where. If your doctor is comfortable with your favoured means of delivery, it’ll be easier to settle on making a decision. A high-risk pregnancy for example, may rule out being able to make these decisions for yourself and already pre-determine the safest way possible to deliver and where. Your doctor will assist you with what is safest for you and your baby, as well as what’s most practical. Take their advice and recommendations to heart, and discuss your concerns. If there are things you are unsure or worried about, your doctor is best to talk to and ensure that you understand all you need to know clearly.
• That said, you’ll need to prepare yourself for possible alternatives too: The ‘best laid plans’ can change, and for a variety of different reasons. The sooner you prepare yourself for this possibility, the better. A change can happen (i.e. become necessary) at any stage of your pregnancy, labour or even during delivery. You needn’t feel discouraged. Ultimately the best birthing experience is one that ensures a safe delivery, and healthy mom and baby. And that, you won’t have any regret about.