A “natural” childbirth refers to refraining from use of pain
medication. Our birthing center staff will do everything to support this decision
Episiotomies are rare. They are used when the physician feels the baby
needs more room
Occasionally, deliveries may been to be assisted with vacuum extraction
or forceps. These are not common occurrences, but if necessary, the equipment
is ready for you and your baby.
Cesarean sections are sometimes planned and sometimes unexpected. A variety
of situations can arise during labor that indicate a need for a cesarean
birth, even if you aren't planning on it.
At Washington Hospital, we have two operating rooms located on the same
floor as the birthing center, used exclusively for deliveries.
Recovery from a cesarean section can take several weeks. Most women will
feel significantly better after 7 – 10 days. Moms may experience
fatigue, gas and shoulder pain following a C-section. While feelings of
disappointment are understandable, moms need to remember that the important
thing is a healthy baby
Vaginal birth after a cesarean (V-BAC) is possible and should be discussed
with your obstetrician
Are enemas the norm? - Used to be that the "welcome" you got
when you arrived at the hospital to give birth was an enema. Health care
providers routinely prescribed them to clear out the rectum and give the
baby more room.
Cesarean section recovery: What to expect - Recovery from a cesarean section
takes several weeks. You may experience fatigue, gas, shoulder pain and
constipation as well as feelings of disappointment.
Cesarean sections are necessary in some situations - A variety of situations
can arise during labor that indicate a need for a cesarean birth, even
if you aren't planning on it.
Delivery may need an assist from vacuum extraction or forceps - In about
one in 10 deliveries, forceps or vacuum extraction are still used to help
deliver the baby in difficult situations. While there is some risk involved,
that risk is generally outweighed by the risk of not using the devices.
Episiotomy: Medical providers and mothers reassess the procedure - To keep
a woman from tearing during birth, some doctors prefer to perform an episiotomy,
a type of incision, though the practice is becoming controversial. Healing
from an episiotomy can be painful, though there are steps you can take
to get more comfortable.
Natural childbirth has many advantages - Having a baby without the use
of pain medication or interventions can be extremely fulfilling for the
mother and healthy for the baby.
Pain relief techniques vary - There are a variety of medications used to
relieve pain during labor and delivery.
Why try for a vaginal delivery if you had a cesarean? - Many women who
previously had cesarean can go on to deliver vaginally. There are health
benefits to doing so.