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Delivery Methods

  • Vaginal deliveries are the most common
    • 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.
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