Types of Birth

Home Births and Birthing Centers

If you are having a low-risk pregnancy, you might be interested in having a more natural type of birth at your home or a birthing center. These types of births employ the help of licensed midwives who will help you have a healthy and natural birth experience. Obstetricians and other professional medical staff should be on-call should an emergency arise.

Birthing centers are attractive to some mothers because they facilitate not only the mom-to-be, but members of her family, friends, or other children and more than one person may be present during the birth. Mothers often report feeling like an active participant rather than a patient when opting for a birthing center or home birth. However, these types of birth can result in delayed professional medical attention if an emergency arises.

Hospital births are also available to mothers who must have cesarean sections, or if you simply prefer the medical attention of a doctor. Benefits for hospital deliveries include immediate medical attention and advanced technology to monitor you and your baby's vitals.

Birthing Method

Types of birth also include the method you'd like to use to give birth. Your condition and how your labor progresses will determine if you can have a water birth, must have a cesarean section, or if your doctor needs to induce labor. Overall, which type of labor you pursue will depend on your personal preferences, medical history, and current condition.

Back