When it comes to choosing your birth location, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons and take into account your personal preference.
I was 28 weeks with my first child when I made a shift in providers. Both providers delivered in a hospital setting, but for me, it was what the first hospital allowed/didn’t allow during my labor and delivery that ultimately led to this decision. As a first-time mom, I found it overwhelming, but I’m so glad that I kept asking questions – once we had our baby, I was thankful that we had made the change.
So, what type of birth location are you looking at? You may be dead set on one or the other, but if you’re still questioning, OR if you haven’t asked many questions, read on for information and questions I’d suggest working through with your provider.
Birthing at a Hospital
This type of birth is held within a personal room at a hospital with an obstetrician, nurses, and surgeons if needed. In some cases, hospitals do have a team of midwives in this setting.
What are the benefits of having a hospital birth?
Some of the top reasons include:
• 24/hour care,
• access to monitors and technology,
• assistance with breastfeeding,
• pain management options.
Additionally, some women feel more comfortable knowing that they are close to medical professionals. There are also some risks associated with hospital births, including:
• increased chance of interventions,
• less ability to labor/move around as your body leads you,
• higher risk of infection,
• less personal attention.
Birthing at a Birth Center
A birth center is a location that is dedicated to birth only and usually has a less formal feel than a hospital. It’s not home, but it feels more comfortable than a hospital room.
What are the benefits of a birth center birth?
• Fewer interventions,
• More personal attention,
• Lower chance of infections.
There are also some drawbacks to birth centers. One is that they do not have the same level of medical care as a hospital. So, if there are any complications with your birth, you will need to be transferred to a hospital.
Another drawback is that not all insurance plans cover birth center births.
Before you decide on a birth center, make sure to check with your insurance plan to see if it’s covered.
Birthing at Home
What are the benefits of a home birth?
A home birth may be a good option if you are low-risk, have a supportive birth team, and feel comfortable giving birth at home.
Some benefits of a home birth include:
• a more relaxed and intimate setting,
• continuous support from your birth team,
• and no risk of exposure to hospital germs.
What are the risks of a home birth?
• the need for emergency medical transport,
• increased risk of infection,
• and increased risk of hemorrhage.
It’s important to remember that every birth comes with some inherent risks. You should discuss the risks and benefits of any birth with your doctor or midwife to see if it is the right choice for you.
No matter what choice you make for your birth, know that I am here for it! Choosing your birth location is extremely personal and there is no wrong place to give birth. Every birth is beautiful and why I have a passion for documenting them.
Interested in knowing more about hiring a birth photographer/videographer? Reach out! I’d love to chat!
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