Why choose a hospital birth?
Most first-time moms opt for hospital births because emergency assistance is there if something should go wrong. With a second baby, it isn't such a new and daunting experience, and you may feel confident enough to birth at home or under the care of a nurse-midwife at a birthing center.
If you suffer from any medical conditions, or are expecting twins or multiples, or a breech baby, a hospital birth will
probably be the safest option. You’ll have more choice when it comes to pain
relief and there will also be a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), so your baby can be given intensive care if she needs it.
You’ll also get some bed rest and help with breastfeeding and bathing your baby
for the first time. You’ll meet other moms if you stay in hospital, all of whom
will have just had a similar experience to you; and some may live close enough
to you to meet up after you take your babies home.
Do
bear in mind that you’re more likely to have medical interventions in a
hospital setting and while some of these might be necessary to ensure you and
your baby are safe, in a less formal birthing center with the care of a
nurse-midwife, you might get more of an opportunity to see if you and your baby
can cope without interventions. Also, if you live some distance away from the
hospital where your chosen OB-GYN or nurse-midwife has admitting privileges,
this could pose problems with a speedy second or third baby!
Hospital
births come with mixed emotions for your partner. On one hand, you’ll be in the
safe hands of the nurses, which will put him at ease. But he may feel like the
fifth wheel if you’re in a lot of pain. Ask your OB-GYN what hospital policy is
in regard to your partner staying with you overnight after your baby is born.
See
what to pack in my labor bag for a hospital
birth? and hospital birth.
The information in this feature is intended for
educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the
health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a
doctor or other healthcare professional.