You’re pregnant! Congratulations! Me too!
And the number one question you’ll be asked (after “Do you know what you’re having”) is where are you having your baby?
And by where, most people mean which hospital. But did you know that here in Richmond, you have a number of options not only in where you birth but who you birth with?
We’re so lucky in Richmond to have OBs, hospital based midwives, home birth midwives and a Birth Center! You can birth in a hospital with an OB or a midwife, you can birth in a birth center with an OB or a midwife, you can birth in your living room with a midwife.
Most women stick with their OB/GYNs. You know them, they know you, they’ve seen you (you know what I mean). And I know, you’re overwhelmed enough by just having a baby that even beginning to think about the where and with who is the last thing you want to do, particularly if it means leaving your OB/GYN for someone else.
But just think about it: having a baby is probably one of the most important things you’ll do. Don’t you want it to be perfect? And by perfect I mean exactly what you choose to do, with someone you trust, connect with and you know wants the best for you. For each woman this means something different, which is why its so great to have a choice! To have options! And this is why Richmond rocks. Because you do. There is a care provider fit for everyone.
To choose a care provider you first need to consider what you are looking for in your birth. Do you feel most safe in the hospital, where all the technology is available at the drop of a hat should anything go wrong? We have so many good hospitals in the area. Would you prefer to birth in a more home-like setting but still have the all medical within an arms reach? Check out The Complete Care Center for Women. Would you rather just birth at home? Talk to a home birth midwife, there are two in Richmond. Start from here. Then consider what else you want.
Do you want a completely natural birth? Longer, less rushed appointments? You can get this in the hospital with a hospital midwife. Are you high risk or just more comfortable with the medical interventions? Check out the OBs around town. Are you having multiples? Looking to have a VBAC? Every mother, pregnancy, labor, birth and baby are different. That’s why it’s important to feel your care provider is on your side and familiar and supportive of what you want in your birth. And when you are looking for a care provider (yes, you CAN and should shop around) consider asking them the following questions (from the CIMS website):
-Who can be at my labor and birth?
-How do you allow for cultural differences and beliefs?
-What happens during a normal labor and birth in your setting?
-Can I walk and move around during labor? What positions do you suggest for birth?
-Can you help me find people or agencies in my community to help before and after the baby is born?
-What things do you normally do to a woman in labor?
-How do you help mothers who want to breastfeed?
-How do you help mothers stay as comfortable as they can be? Besides drugs, how do you
help mothers relieve the pain of labor?
-What if my baby is born early or has special needs?
You may also want to ask about your OB’s c-section and episiotomies rates if that is something you want to avoid. C-section rates for most OBs in the area are available at Virginia Health Information.
We put so much thought into what we’re wearing today, having for dinner, even watching on TV, isn’t it important to put the same (more) thought into who is helping us deliver our babies? And if you aren’t happy with your original choice – you can always switch! We are allowed to change our minds, especially when it comes to something like who is helping us have a baby!
Options in Richmond:
Memorial Regional, St.Francis Medical Centers and St. Mary’s Hospital (Bon Secours)
Henrico Doctors Hospital (HCA)
The Complete Care Center for Women
Home Birth Midwife – Nancy Giglio
Additional resources: Birth Matters Virginia – Richmond
