Having a baby is a normal part of life. We should all be able to choose the type of care that we wish to receive during our time of pregnancy, giving birth and after the birth. There are several birthing options available when it comes to your caregiver and your chosen place of birth. These options may vary from country to country, so it’s wise to check out what is available in your local area.
The following is a list of some of the possible options you may have available. Decide which option suits your needs the most and then see if you can find something similar in your local area. Shop around until you find what works best for you. Having a baby is one of the most special events in your life. It is therefore essential that you feel comfortable and at ease with your caregivers and your surrounding environment.
Private Hospital with a Private Obstetrician
If you choose private care in a private hospital, the obstetrician of your choice will care you for throughout your pregnancy. They will attend your birth and usually do follow-up post-natal care with you. You will have a private room with an en-suite bathroom.
Public Hospital with a Private Obstetrician
You can choose to have an Obstetrician of your choice but go to a public hospital if you wish, as long as the Obstetrician works there, or has visiting rights. In this case the same will apply as for a private hospital with your caregiver. However, at a public hospital you may not get a private room after the birth. Most rooms are on a share basis, as well as the bathroom facilities. This is a slightly cheaper option if you are not on top hospital cover with your health fund.
Public Hospital Care
If you choose public hospital care, midwives and doctors who specialize in obstetrics at the hospital will care for you during your pregnancy. You will give birth in the hospital and you may have to share a room with one or more other new mothers during your stay.
Shared Care
Shared care is an arrangement between your doctor and the hospital to care for you. During your pregnancy you go to your own GP on a regular basis, visiting the hospital more frequently towards the end of your pregnancy. You give birth in hospital, and whether you share a room or not may depend on if you are a public or private patient.
Birth Centre
Birth centers offer a home like environment for women who have a low risk pregnancy. Birth Centers are available at a few public and private hospitals. There are also some freestanding Birth Centers. During your pregnancy midwives will care for you. The room you give birth in is the room you stay in and, in some cases, your partner can stay overnight with you. There is a high demand for places, so you should book early in your pregnancy.
Homebirth with a Private Midwife
If you choose a homebirth, the midwife of your choice will care you for during your pregnancy. The midwife will be with you during the labour and birth in your own home, as well as do all of your post natal follow-up checks.
Homebirth with a Community Midwifery Program
Some cities offer a government-funded program for homebirth. This is free of charge usually, except possibly for a small booking fee. Your care will be exactly the same as for a homebirth with a private midwife, except you will need to choose your midwife from those that are available and are linked in with the program. There is a big demand for this option (& limited places), so you need to book in as soon as possible to get a place. You must have a low risk pregnancy to qualify.
To read the full article on ‘Birth Options’, just follow this link: http://www.soulbirth.com/birth_options.66.html
Filed under: Articles, Uncategorized | Tagged: birth centre, birth options, hospital, midwife, obstetrician
