Alternate Birthing Methods Erika Mueller Halley Haider

Questions to ask yourself before choosing a birthing method 1.Ask relatives, friends and colleagues for suggestions and referrals 2.Discuss your options with your health-care provider 3.Make a list of things that are important to you and then look for the method that fits those priorities 4.If you’re interested in a particular method, call the organization directly or check out the Web site 5.Interview the instructor by telephone or, preferably, in person. 6.Check out the class size 7.Don’t procrastinate! (

Bradley Method (a.k.a Husband- Coached Method) Women are encouraged to give birth naturally Learned during a 12 week course –Learn about labor and birth, cesarean sections, breastfeeding, nutrition and how to reduce or avoid the likelihood of an episiotomy or cesarean section Builds the woman’s self confidence to prepare her emotionally for the birth She is also encouraged to listen to her body instead of trying to focus on something other than the labor

HypnoBirthing (Mongan Method) Self-hypnosis, to accomplish total relaxation 12 hours of courses with an instructor, as well as self-hypnosis exercises The use of hypnosis during labor and delivery can eliminate the pain, according to the supporters No drugs are used Woman is focused on the birth, as she would if she was watching a movie or reading a book Babies are not “delivered,” they are “birthed” through the “birthing process,” not “labor.” And moms do not “push” their babies out. Rather they “breathe down” their babies. (

According to the Founder: There is no pathological reason for pain in childbirth. There is nothing that actually malfunctions. It’s tension and fear and interventions that cause the malfunctioning,” says Marie Mongan, founder of HypnoBirthing and author of HypnoBirthing: A Celebration of Life. (

Lamaze Controlled breathing The woman’s inner wisdom will help her through the birthing process Emphasizes movement during labor Includes the woman’s partner in the birthing process Epidurals aren’t encouraged, but techniques to use in conjunction with an epidural are taught

Water Births The woman labors in a tub of water ( degrees) Some choose to deliver in the water, others choose to only labor in the tub Helps mother’s muscles to relax Much more comfortable and easier to reposition in

Water birthing (cont.) In 1991 water birthing facilities were available in just 2 American hospitals and a handful of birth centers. Today nearly 250 US hospitals and 70% of all birth centers now support water births

Home/Birth Center Births *Commonalities between the two options: Good option for mothers who have low risk pregnancies –Both mother & baby in good health Most natural method, but can become risky if complications arise Free of medical interventions such as IVs and fetal monitors

Birth Centers Prenatal visits take place at the center Provides a safe and comfortable setting, very family friendly as well The woman is also allowed to eat and drink during their labor, unlike the routine at a hospital The woman can go through labor and birth her baby in any position that is comfortable for her Very private setting, usually only 3 women having babies at the same time

Birth Centers (cont.) Birth centers are often very close to a hospital, making it a good alternative to home birthing Episiotomies are not done unless completely necessary. A warm compress and oils are used to help make the are more elastic Midwives are most likely to run a birth center –A midwife is a trained professional –Either through an apprenticeship (direct entry midwife) or training done after becoming a nurse (certified nurse midwife)

Home Births Women are able to relax in a comfortable and familiar place, which helps them give birth easier Women who have diabetes or high blood pressure should not have home births due to complications Women who go into early labor are also advised against giving birth at home Midwives are also used in home births Some women also choose to have a water birth at home, with an inflatable pool (these are most sanitary)

Any questions about the methods or settings?