Women today have many more options for giving vaginal birth than their mothers had. Thirty years ago, a woman was flat on her back for the duration of labor and often put to sleep completely. The father paced nervously in a waiting room until someone came to tell him he had a son or a daughter.
Traditional Hospitals
This is not the scene today. Traditional hospitals have come a long way in personalizing the birth process. Fathers are encouraged to be active participants in the birth of their children, and other support persons are allowed to be present. Women are encouraged to move around during labor and to walk or squat or lean on the wall if that is most comfortable. Instead of being shuttled from one room to another, women often spend the entire stay?labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum?in the same room. These rooms are frequently made to look homey and to have room for your partner. Of course, cesarean births still require that the mother be taken to an operating room, but one partner or birth attendant is usually allowed to scrub up and come along. Rooming in, or having the baby stay by your side or in a nearby crib, is becoming routine. (If it is not routine at your hospital, ask for it.)
Birthing Centers
Another option now available to many women is a birthing center. These centers, which usually only accept women at low risk for complications, are similar to hospitals but are made to feel much more comfortable. Most women find these centers more relaxed than a hospital; in case of an emergency, though, birthing centers are usually affiliated with and close to a hospital. Birthing centers often allow other children to watch the birth of their sibling and even to stay overnight with you.
VBAC
Another option that your mother didn?t have was that of a vaginal birth after a previous cesarean, called VBAC. If you have had a cesarean, it may be possible for you to deliver subsequent children vaginally, depending on the reason for your cesarean. Talk with your physician about this option.
To be successful with VBAC, however, you will need to be supported by a physician or birth attendant who is experienced in VBAC. It is very important that you and the people around you during labor believe that you can deliver your next baby vaginally. With knowledgeable support, you have a 75%-90% chance of a vaginal birth. Without this support, your chance is about 20%. Seek out a VBAC-friendly physician and a VBAC-friendly birth setting, join a support group, and do your homework.
Be sure to talk to your physician about these birth options, so that you can arrive at the one that's best for you and your baby.
