Where Should You Give Birth? 5 Common Childbirth Places Moms In Thailand Are Trusting

2018.05.10 126

You may be advised to give birth in hospital if you have, or develop, certain medical conditions.You and your birth partner should have all the information you need before choosing where you have your baby. It’s your choice. That said, you can change your mind at any time. Your midwife will discuss the options available in your area, but you’re free to choose any maternity service if you’re willing to travel.

Here are some of the options available to you by HapppyMom.Life, including public and private care alternatives. The choice you make about where to give birth will depend on your needs and risks and, to some extent, on where you live. Whichever option you choose, the place should feel right for you.

Midwifery Units or Birth Centers

Midwifery units or birth centers are typically comfortable, and more like a home, than a hospital maternity ward. They’re run by midwives and are popular, so book in as early as you can. This is an option for women with normal or low-risk pregnancies. Birth centers aren’t suitable for women with a higher risk of complications, such as women who have heart or kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia or who have had complications in previous labors. Check with the birth center.

The advantages of giving birth at a birth center or midwifery unit include:

being in surroundings where you may feel more relaxed and able to cope with labor
you’re more likely to be looked after by a midwife whom you know well.

There are some things to think about if you’re considering giving birth in a midwifery unit or birth center:

You may need to be transferred to a hospital delivery suite if there are any complications.
You may not be able to have certain kinds of pain relief, such as an epidural.
Your doctor or midwife may feel that it’s safer for you to give birth in hospital.

You’re more likely to go home 24 hours after giving birth in a birth center, and receive follow-up care by midwives in your home.

Hospital Birth

Most Australian women give birth in a hospital maternity unit. If you choose to give birth in hospital, you’ll be looked after by midwives but doctors will be available if you need their help. You’ll still have choices about the kind of care you have. If there is more than one hospital in your area you can choose which one to go to; your midwife or doctor can help you make this decision.

The advantages of giving birth in hospital include:

You will have good access to obstetricians, anaesthetists (who give epidurals and general anaesthetic) and neonatologists (specialists in newborn care).
You can access other specialist services.
You can have a caesarean section immediately, if required.
Your baby can be transferred easily to a special care baby unit (or neonatal intensive care unit) if necessary.

Home Birth

If you have a straight forward pregnancy and both you and the baby are healthy, you may be able to give birth at home. However, if there are risks or complications during your pregnancy, home birth may not be a safe option. Your doctor or midwife may recommend that you give birth in hospital if, for example, you are expecting twins, if your baby is breech or if you have had a caesarean previously.

If you give birth at home, you should be supported by a registered midwife (see ‘Independent midwives’, below), doctor or obstetrician who will be with you while you’re in labour. If you need more help, or your labour is not progressing well, your midwife should make arrangements for you to be transferred to hospital.

Some hospitals like you to make a booking in advance just in case.

There are some disadvantages to consider with a home birth:

You may need to be transferred to a hospital if there are any complications during the labour, birth or afterwards.
An epidural will not be an option at home.

You Have A Private Health Insurance

If you have health insurance, you may be able to choose your own caregiver – such as an obstetrician, doctor or independent midwife – and to choose a private hospital or a public hospital with private wards.

You will need to check with your insurance provider to find out what is covered, such as accommodation, during your pregnancy, birth and postnatal period. Some health insurers provide rebates for services given by independent midwives.

You can also pay for private care out of your own pocket if you are not a member of a health insurance fund.

Private Obstetrician & General Practitioner

You can choose to receive care from a private obstetrician. In this case, you will have appointments with your doctors in their private rooms, which are like a doctor’s surgery or clinic. Some obstetricians employ a midwife who helps care for women during pregnancy.

With this option, you may be admitted to a private hospital or public hospital (as a private patient) of your choice. You will be cared for in labor by midwives employed by the hospital but your doctor will be updated regularly, and will usually be present at the birth.