What is the Right Choice? Your Options When it Comes to Giving Birth

“What’s the difference between a birthing center and a hospital delivery?”

“My doctor told me I am now of ‘advanced maternal age’, how does that change my pregnancy?”

“Midwives vs. OB/GYN, how do I decide between the two? And is a Doula right for me?”

“I had trouble breastfeeding with my first child; will it be the same with my second?”

“I am considering getting pregnant soon and have been told I am high risk by my physician. What types of genetic testing are available and where do I get them?”

“I am not sure if I want an epidural, what other pain options exist?”

“I had a C-section with my first child and am considering a v-back, what are the risks?”

The questions and concerns a woman has when going through the stages of pre-pregnancy planning, early pregnancy decision making, and up through delivery are endless! It seems EVERYONE has an opinion – from your best friend who recently delivered, to your mom’s advice about what she did when she had you, to your co-worker’s cousin’s sister that had a bad experience. So, where does one go for answers and help when thinking about getting pregnant to planning for additional children?

While there are a variety of resources available to women in our community to get these answers, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Research is important to get your questions answered and make an informed decision about what birthing options are right for you and your baby. And it’s not just for first time moms!

“It’s common for first time moms to have a lot of questions and uncertainty about what the birth experience involves,” explains Julie Stretz, a Certified Nurse Midwife from Westside Women’s Care. “Sometimes second time moms are more nervous than they were with their first delivery. With their first birth they didn’t know what to expect. With the second baby they have experiences to draw from. That can be empowering, but can also create some anxiety. Some women may have chosen an epidural for their first birth but now with their second they want to have an un-medicated delivery.” The world of choices continues to evolve, and what was right for your first delivery might not be right for your next. Some resources to consider include:

1) Talk to your primary care physician. They are usually good sources of information about the various practicing physician groups and hospitals that deliver babies.

2) Schedule a time with an Obstetrician (OB) Navigator and tour hospital facilities. Getting the first hand “feel” of what it will be like to deliver somewhere, and asking questions of the experts who deal with this day in and day out, is a great source of detailed information.

3) If you already have an OB/GYN or midwife, make sure you know the facilities where they deliver. Discuss with them your birth plan to make sure they are on board and can accommodate your requests.

Learn More

Thursday, April 27, 5:30-7 p.m. A PANEL of experts including an OB/GYN, midwife, maternal fetal medicine specialist, OB navigator, doula, and lactation specialist will discuss these topics and more and take your questions. To register for this FREE event go to lutheranmedical.org/the-right-choice or call 303-689-4595.