How Do You Want to Deliver Your Baby?
The birthing team at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale (MHC) believes in giving women choices for their birthing experience. This philosophy is based upon that of the International Childbirth Education Association, whose motto is “freedom of choice based on the knowledge of alternatives.” In an effort to meet the desires and needs of the mother, MHC offers a variety of birthing choices.
Whether a mother chooses to have epidural anesthesia or desires a more natural method, it is always important to investigate the options. Each birth is unique and it may be hard to predict whether any given delivery will be fast, slow or more painful for some than others. The important thing to remember, however, is not to feel badly if the pain becomes more than you can tolerate. Do not be afraid to ask us for help.
At MHC, there are essentially three categories of pain management: natural pain-relief, pain-controlling medications and epidural anesthesia.
Natural Childbirth
There’s no question, childbirth is a natural event and some women prefer to ease discomfort using more natural techniques. Every woman’s labor is different. During natural childbirth women may use different positioning, breathing techniques and other natural, soothing methods to make them more comfortable. The staff at MHC makes every effort to accommodate the mother’s wishes. With their years of experience, the nurses can recommend different birthing positions and provide different devices to help with positioning. Such devices might include the birthing ball or the squatting bar. Mothers may also walk during labor letting gravity assist the birthing process.
Pain Medications
For some mothers, the use of medications during labor may be the best comfort measure. Different types of medicines are used during the different stages of labor and the doctor or nurse-midwife will help determine which is best. During early labor, medications are generally used to help the mother rest and relax, rather than to alleviate the pain. During active labor, medication is given to help “take the edge” off, raise the pain threshold and reduce the level of pain. One thing to know about this form of relief is that it affects the entire body and certain side effects, such as, drowsiness are possible.
Epidural
MHC also offers epidural anesthesia, which is becoming the choice of many women and their physicians. In fact, nearly half the women who choose to deliver at MHC request this form of pain relief. During an epidural, a catheter is carefully inserted between the vertebrae in an area called the “epidural space,” which is just outside the spinal canal. After the initial dose of anesthesia, the catheter is connected to a pump. This pump allows the mother the ability to apply controlled, doses of anesthesia to herself if needed. The anesthesia does its work from the waist down, allowing the mother to be fully awake, but able to relax during contractions and deliver with reduced pain.
Planning for the type of birth to have usually starts with choosing a physician or midwife. Talk with your physician or midwife about the type of pain measures available during labor. Mothers may also discuss with their physician or midwife about making a “birth plan.” It provides an outline to the MHC staff about the mother’s desired birthing techniques.
Depending on the desires of the mother, planning the delivery of a baby can take a little or a lot of research, but either way it can be a lot of fun. Besides talking with a doctor or midwife, consider attending some of the free classes offered at MHC. Call 866-744-2468 for a class schedule or to make an appointment. Remember, the more knowledge of alternatives, the more you can make the best decision for the baby’s birth.
Physicians providing services at and admitting patients to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, Herrin Hospital and St. Joseph Memorial Hospital are not employees of the hospitals. Physicians exercise their own independent judgment regarding medical care and treatment and the hospitals are not responsible for their actions.