Practices... - Midwifery - Points To Be Aware Of

Points To Be Aware Of

When planning, it is important to be aware of potential obstacles that could change the way you envisioned your birthing process. Different hospitals follow different guidelines and what may be accepted in one setting may not be possible in another. In addition, you may choose to be cared for by a midwife but find at some point that you need to see the doctor. Several examples follow.

Water has been found to be very useful in labour to ease pressure and discomfort. Babies may be born into the water if certain procedures are followed, such as keeping the temperature within a specific range. Your midwife may be comfortable with the use of water for labour or delivery and can provide you with more information. On the other hand, many hospitals may not have a birthing pool or it may already be occupied and it is important to be flexible in such situations. In addition, it is thought that labour should reach a certain point before you enter the pool and some hospitals list certain birthing circumstances in which the pool may not be used. It is possible to either build or hire a birthing pool for use in your own home. This can be discussed with your midwife locally.