Women used to have relatively few options when it came to labor and delivery. But fortunately for us, those days are long gone (and we aren’t sad to see them go!). These days, you can choose from a ton of different birthing methods, from a C-section with an epidural to a waterbirth sans pain relief.
Choosing how you want to give birth can be overwhelming at first — and while there’s no one right answer, it’s important to be informed of your options. Let’s dive in.
Where Should I Give Birth?
One of the first things you should decide is where you want to give birth. While over 98% of births in the United States take place in a hospital, they aren’t your only choice. Another option includes delivering at a freestanding birth center or a birth center unconnected to a hospital.
Birth Centers
Delivering at a freestanding birth center has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Many women feel that they are more attentive, personalized, and private. They offer the comfortable feel of an at-home delivery while still providing basic equipment and transport to a nearby hospital in case of complications.
Delivering at a freestanding birth center is often much more affordable than a hospital delivery. That’s because birth centers outside of a hospital aren’t equipped for the more expensive labor and delivery procedures, such as providing pain management epidurals or other types of anesthesia, performing cesarean sections, or handling other complications during delivery.
Because of this, freestanding birth centers typically won’t consider patients carrying twins, triplets, or breech babies. They also are likely to refuse patients who have previously had a cesarean delivery. If you’re considering a natural childbirth and are interested in delivering at a birth center, talk to your Ob/GYN or another healthcare provider to determine whether it’s the right option for you.
Hospital Stays
Hospital deliveries are popular for a reason. Obstetricians–gynecologists (certified by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists are qualified to perform cesarean sections.
They are also adept at performing assisted deliveries like vacuum extractions when a baby is struggling to move through the birth canal. Doctors may also perform an episiotomy, a surgical incision in the perineum. A baby’s head can be surprisingly large!
While there are personal and medical reasons for assisted births, vaginal deliveries are also common in a hospital setting. Your doctor can help guide you through vaginal births, including vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).
A few reasons women might opt for a hospital birth include:
- Having high blood pressure or other medical conditions
- Carrying a very large baby
- Are lower risk but prefer a hospital anyway
Natural Childbirth: Is It for Me?
Chances are you know someone who chose a natural or unmedicated birth. Maybe she describes it as the best choice she ever made — or maybe she’s vowing never to do it again. Either way, it’s got you wondering: Is a natural birth right for you?
For most of human history, an unmedicated birth was the only option. Our ancestors might call us crazy for turning down the possibility of pain relief, but there are benefits of delivering without an epidural, including:
- Ability to walk around or switch positions between contractions
- Labor may be more efficient and faster
- Some women feel a sense of accomplishment and pride
On the flip side, an unmedicated vaginal birth can be much more painful than a birth with an epidural. The pain can increase your stress and exhaustion and make it harder to push as time goes on. This can also take away from the birth experience in general.
What About Water Births?
A water birth is another birth option to consider. While experts disagree on the safety of delivering in water, they tend to agree that laboring in warm water is safe and can improve relaxation as the cervix dilates, improve blood flow, and decrease stress. Some hospitals have even begun providing water births.
Not every pregnancy is an ideal candidate for a water birth. If you’re interested in this birth option, talk to your healthcare provider to determine whether it’s the right choice for you.
Whatever delivery method you want to be part of your birth plan, remember that there’s no right answer here. And sometimes, even the most carefully-planned vaginal delivery can change at the last minute. Medical interventions can change what type of delivery you might have been planning.
Only you (and your doctor) can decide what birth plan is best for you — and we’ll be here supporting you either way.
Labor and Delivery Essentials
So you’ve figured out your birth plan, and it’s the eve of your due date. What should you bring to the hospital?
The experience of going into labor, or having your water break, can be super exciting — and super hectic. Putting together a hospital checklist or go-bag before your due date is a great way to keep yourself organized and ensure you have everything you need once the moment arrives.
For all the due date essentials, check out the Hatch to Hospital Box, filled with every maternity luxury you’ll need on the big day, including:
- Full-coverage bamboo briefs without elastic or labels, AKA no irritation against sensitive skin
- The softest, coziest bamboo nightgown, complete with a nursing-friendly henley neckline
- A matching bamboo robe — this box is all about being cozy!
- Italian-sourced gray socks by HATCH x Maria La Rosa
In addition to these cozy luxuries, you’ll also want to bring your toiletries, hair ties or scrunchies, and several pairs of socks and underwear (those first few days postpartum can be pretty messy!). You’ll also want a going-home outfit for your newborn, a baby carrier, and a baby seat to transport them home.
Everything You Need Postpartum
Aside from your labor and delivery essentials, it’s also a good idea to invest in some cozy postpartum fits. Those first few days home from the hospital can be tough, and you’ll want uber-comfy duds to relax in while you recover from the birth like a champ.
As far as relaxing goes, we’re kind of obsessed with the Ultra Soft Jersey Short PJ Set. This dream set of shorts and a button-up top are cut from our luxe jersey fabric and feature easy nursing access, a loose fit, and an elastic waistband — everything you need for maximum comfort.
Or maybe you want sort-of PJs, sort-of real clothes for your first few forays outside the house after delivery. In that case, check out the 24/7 Feeding Jumpsuit — the super-soft cotton comes in a pretty pointelle pattern with huge pockets, breastfeeding access, and a flattering wide-leg fit. Yeah, we won’t be changing out of this one for a while.
Supermom-To-Be
No matter how nervous or overwhelmed you may be to give birth, know that you’re taking exactly the right first steps: Figuring out your options and being prepared. Knowledge is power, and the best birth plan for you is the (informed) plan made between you and your doctor.
You got this. We’ll be cheering for you the whole way.
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