Childbirth Delivery Methods and Types:

 

Childbirth and delivery methods and types facts

 

• Childbirth delivery options include natural unassisted childbirth, assisted childbirth, and delivery by Cesarean surgery (C-section).
• Childbirth delivery locations include at home, in a birth center, or in a hospital.
• Vaginal births without medication can be less painful, and smoother if the mother and partner learn breathing techniques and other strategies in a birthing class. Lamaze Method or The Bradley Method are two common childbirth classes.
• The risks and benefits of each delivery method must be weighed along with the mother's preferences to determine what is right for her. 

• Nearly 4 million babies are born in the U.S. every year. Childbirth care in the U.S. is very good. Less than 600 women die annually due to complications during childbirth.

 

Is childbirth painful?

Every woman's experience is unique but most mothers would honestly say, yes, childbirth is painful. However, it is short-lived, and there are many types and methods to effectively reduce the intensity of childbirth pain. There are many choices in childbirth. Women can choose the method that makes them most comfortable, and that makes sense for their personal and medical situation.

What natural childbirth methods are available at home?

Natural childbirth at home was the normal (and only) childbirth delivery option until about 75 years ago. Natural childbirth emphasizes an unrushed, supported process, with minimal interference and less invasive monitoring. Women who prefer an unassisted childbirth often attend classes to learn what to expect and how to be prepared. There are a number of different childbirth classes to choose. In any class, you learn about the stages of labor, breathing and relaxation techniques, what happens to the vagina after childbirth, and how to be prepared for the delivery and new baby. The different methods are taught in different classes.

What is vaginal delivery with no medication?

A vaginal birth without medication benefits both mother and baby. The microbiome, or bacterial environment, is established by birth method². There is some research that suggests the development of the infant microbiome is associated with the likelihood of developing allergic diseases during childhood, but the association isn't clear.

Benefits of vaginal delivery

• Infants born vaginally tend to have fewer respiratory problems.
• Other benefits of vaginal delivery include a quicker recovery for the mother, and avoidance of abdominal surgery and the associated risks that come with a C-section.
• Vaginal childbirth has a lower rate of infection and a shorter hospital stay.

Disadvantages of vaginal delivery

• The disadvantages of a vaginal birth may include tearing of the perineum.
• Sometimes, a vaginal birth may not be recommended for medical reasons.

What is a home birth?

Only about 2% of women in the U.S. opt for a home birth. It can be a safe and relaxing natural childbirth delivery method for women with a normal, low risk pregnancy. Home births are vaginal deliveries with no medication, and a variety of mind-body techniques and preparation methods are used to reduce childbirth pain and promote an easy labor and delivery
Home births are attended by a certified professional midwife, a licensed nurse midwife or a naturopathic midwife. Sometimes a support professional called a doula attends home births. These birth professionals also work in birth centers.

Benefits of home birth

Many women find it relaxing and comforting to be in their own home environment. Other advantages include:

• Not having to worry about being transported to the hospital while in labor or being transported home after the baby's birth
• Having a baby at home means having all of the comforts of home, including snacks and changes of clothing readily available.
• The recovery and transition to breastfeeding can be easy because the environment is comfortable and familiar.
• The mother can invite whomever she wants to attend the birth.
• Many women feel more comfortable with home birth if they need to yell or vocalize.

Disadvantages of home birth

• If special birthing assistance, such as a water birth tub, is desired, this will need to be brought to the home and prepared in advance.
• If the home is very remote or weather is bad, it may be difficult for the midwife to reach the home in time (although it would be difficult to drive to the hospital in these same circumstances).
• If the birth plan does not progress normally, it may require transport to a hospital.
• Some women are not comfortable with a home birth, and it is not a good option unless it is a low-risk pregnancy, and the mother prefers it.