Choosing a Caregiver

The decision of where to have your baby and choosing a caregiver is a very personal decision and should be made as early as possible. How do you make such a decision? Do you choose a hospital delivery just because that’s all you know? Do you want to go to the hospital because that’s where all of your friends and family went? Like I said above, this is a very personal decision. I just want you to know you do have choices and it’s up to you to do the research and make decisions based on what YOU want, not what your family tells you. Personally I did have a hospital delivery, but I also had in my mind that this was MY birth experience and I know that I did have choices, being educated about the birth experience gives you more power to ask for what you want knowing that you do have a say in how things proceed. Yes, hospitals do have rules about some things. For instance, rules about having an IV or at least a heplock, but if you have a good relationship with you doctor, you can have a good hospital delivery. I have more information on this in the Hospital Delivery section.

Birth centers are great ideas for some Mom’s. Giving birth at a birth center does give you more choice over how your labor proceeds. You must do your homework on your local centers and feel comfortable with your decision. Ask for your local birth center’s statistics.

Homebirthing is an option also, a woman choosing this must be totally dedicated to this decision. There are so many resources for learning more about homebirths.

Do you know what a doula is? She is like a birth assistant to you help with labor. Click on doula to learn more.

I urge you to do the research into any and all of these choices. Remember that you are planning on having the best birth experience, one that you will remember and re-tell to your little one over and over. Again, remember, being educated is your best tool.

Hospital Delivery
Birthing Center
Homebirth
Doulas

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This is a great article on "mother friendly" birth settings

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