Birthing Options
You’re pregnant, congratulations! After the news has sunk in and the initial celebrations are over, it’s time to make some decisions about your antenatal care and where you would will give birth. As well as taking into account the options available in your area, you also need to consider:
– Is your pregnancy classified as ‘high risk’?
– Who do you want at the birth?
– What kind of birth are you hoping to have?
– Are postnatal rooms private or shared and is this an issue for you?
– Will you see the same caregiver during your pregnancy and birth?
– What costs are involved and does your private health insurer (if you have one) cover these?
Antenatal Clinic
Most public hospitals will offer an Antenatal Clinic. When choosing this option , you will visit the hospital for all of your appointments and will generally be reviewed by different midwives and doctors at each visit. When you go into labour, your baby will be delivered by the staff rostered on at the time.
One of the benefits of attending a hospital Antenatal Clinic is you will also have easy access to specialists and other clinics such as high risk units and diabetes education clinics if required during your pregnancy.
Private Obstetrician
A private obstetrician can offer you continuity of care during your pregnancy and depending on your Doctor, you may be able to give birth in a private or public hospital. Prior to choosing an Obstetrician, it’s important to investigate their policies on birth options, hospitals they deliver at, interventions they favour and any out of pocket costs you may incur.
Shared Care
The majority of hospitals across Australia are involved in this scheme, where you are looked after by both your General Practitioner (GP) and local hospital or birth centre. This is a good choice for Mums who don’t live close to a hospital. The majority of your antenatal appointments will be with you GP, but you will generally have an appointment with your hospital early in your pregnancy and then begin to see them more regularly as your due date approaches.
Midwife Clinic
Many hospitals now offer midwife clinics as an alternative to their antenatal clinics. If your pregnancy is relatively low risk, you can participate in a midwife program, where you will be seen by just a small team of midwives during your pregnancy, and one of these same caregivers will also deliver your baby.
The biggest advantage of this option is you will be able to develop relationships with the people who will be delivering your baby.
Birth Centre
Birthing Centers are an alternative to standard hospital care. In most instances, they are attached to public hospitals, although there are also a few privately owned centers throughout Australia.
Women who are aiming for a natural or water birth often choose a birth centre. When choosing a centre, it’s important to remember birthing centers attached to hospitals, have the added security of having obstetric services close by if any issues arise during your labour.
Independent Midwife
Independent Midwives provide both antenatal care and assist with the birth for women who want to give birth at home. It’s important to note Medicare does not cover any costs, however some private health funds may provide limited coverage.
Family and friends are always a great place to seek caregiver recommendations, however it’s essential you speak with your Doctor to discuss your pregnancy and which antenatal and birthing option is best for you.
What kind of antenatal care did you have during your pregnancy? Where did you give birth?
Writers Bio:
Lauren Matheson Google +.
