DOCSLIB.ORG

Information for Patients

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Information for Patients Information for patients Planning for your Home Birth This section is for the patient to make notes if they so wish: Name: _______________________________ Who to contact and how: _______________________________ Notes: _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________ Diana, Princess of Scunthorpe General Goole & District Wales Hospital Hospital Hospital Scartho Road Cliff Gardens Woodland Avenue Grimsby Scunthorpe Goole DN33 2BA DN15 7BH DN14 6RX 03033 306999 03033 306999 03033 306999 www.nlg.nhs.uk www.nlg.nhs.uk www.nlg.nhs.uk For more information about our Trust and the services we provide please visit our website: www.nlg.nhs.uk Information for patients Introduction This information leaflet has been produced for women who are considering a home birth. It includes details on the benefits and risks of a home birth, what to expect, and what you will need in preparation for a home birth. If you decide to plan a home birth, your community midwife should support you in your choice and help you prepare for your birth (NHS, 2017). During a home birth, a community midwife will come to your home to look after you during labour and for a short while after the birth of your baby. There are community midwives on call 24 hours, so the midwife will come to your home to assess you when you think you are in labour (NHS, 2017). What are the advantages of having a home birth? • Women report feeling much more satisfied with their birth experience at home when compared to a hospital birth (NCT 2008) • Being in familiar surroundings – this may help you feel more relaxed and more confident in your body’s ability to birth your baby • Not having to worry about travelling to the hospital during your labour • Not needing to leave your children or organize child care (if you would like your children nearby during and after your birth) • Pain relief at home includes the use of a birth pool, tens machine, relaxation techniques and Entonox (gas and air) • Women who labour and birth at home report needing fewer drugs for pain relief (RCOG / RCM 2007). Women at home tend to be more relaxed, feel in control and are able to cope with the pain of their contractions (NCT 2008) • Not having to be separated from your partner or birth support after the birth. • Increased likelihood of being cared for by a team of midwives that you have met in your pregnancy • Lower likelihood of having an intervention, such as episiotomy, caesarean section or instrumental birth, than women giving birth in hospital • There is less risk of acquiring infections which may be present in the hospital (including Covid-19) For more information about our Trust and the services we provide please visit our website: www.nlg.nhs.uk Information for patients Considerations • If the midwife feels your labour is not progressing as it should or complications arise, she may advise a transfer to the hospital. This can cause anxiety for you and your family • Pain relief at home is limited to the use of a birth pool, tens machine, relaxation techniques and Entonox (gas & air). If you require anything further pain relief (such as opioids or an epidural), you will need to be transferred to the hospital • If you are not ‘low risk’, you will need to talk to your midwife and / or doctor about your wishes for a home birth • If you or anyone in the household is tested positive for Covid-19, this may affect your wishes to have a homebirth • The homebirth service may be temporarily stopped in some circumstances Who can have a home birth and is it safe? Any woman can choose to have a home birth, including women having their first baby. In England and Wales, just over 1 in 50 pregnant women give birth at home. For ‘low risk’ women, birth is considered generally very safe. A ‘low risk’ pregnancy’ is one where a woman is not identified as having particular medical or pregnancy factors before the onset of labour. The incidence of adverse and serious outcomes including intrapartum stillbirth, early neonatal death, neonatal encephalopathy, meconium aspiration syndrome, and specified birth related injuries are low (4.3 in 1000 births) (Birthplace Study, 2020) If you are healthy, having an uncomplicated ‘low risk’ pregnancy with a second or subsequent baby and planning to birth your baby at home, you will be delighted to know that birthing your baby at home is particularly suitable for you. It is actually as safe to birth your baby at home as it is to birth your baby on a labour ward or a midwife-led unit (NICE, 2014). In a recent Birthplace Study (2020), birthing at home was found to substantially reduce the odds of having a caesarean section, instrumental delivery or episiotomy in healthy women who were having an uncomplicated second or subsequent pregnancy. It was also found that only 12% of women required transfer to a hospital during labour or immediately after birth when complications arise. For more information about our Trust and the services we provide please visit our website: www.nlg.nhs.uk Information for patients If this is your first pregnancy and it is uncomplicated, planning to birth your baby at home is slightly less safe for your baby than a hospital birth. There is a slightly higher risk that the baby will be injured, become seriously unwell or die during or just after birth. These outcomes are very rare among healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies, and they can happen in any birth setting. Serious problems like these increase from 5 in 1000 in a hospital birth, to 9 in 1000 in a home birth. However, you are also more likely to have a natural birth and less likely to have interventions such as an episiotomy, a caesarean or instrumental birth. Women who choose to birth their first baby at home have a higher probability of 45% of requiring a transfer to the hospital during labour or immediately after birth (Birthplace study, 2020). If you are at increased risk of complications you are likely to be advised against a home birth by your midwife and / or doctor and recommended to have your baby on a labour ward. You can discuss your wishes with your midwife and doctor and if you still wish to birth your baby at home, an enhanced birth plan can be made to manage these risks and consider factors to increase safety. What are my coping and pain relief options at home? Once you are in established labour, the midwives, who will stay with you, will be helping and supporting you to cope whilst in labour. You will have discussed with your midwife your chosen method of coping / support in labour at your birth plan. There are lots of options for pain relief for your labour and birth (NHS, 2017). You may wish to consider self-help and natural techniques of pain relief such relaxation and breathing, aromatherapy, hypnobirthing, being active and changing position regularly and the use of a birth pool. All of these methods are completely natural. Your birth partner is very important when helping you cope in labour by supporting you in positions, emotional support and the use of massage. Water Birth - You can have a home water birth, but you will need to hire or buy your own birthing pool and have it ready for your labour. Pool hire may be available locally – ask your midwife for more details. Being submerged in water in your labour can help you relax and make the contractions seem less painful. It also allows you to mobilise more easily due to the water buoyancy making you feel weightless. The water will need be kept at a comfortable but warm temperature. TENS Machine - You may also wish to purchase or hire a TENS machine. The use of a TENS machine involves taping electrodes on to your back which are For more information about our Trust and the services we provide please visit our website: www.nlg.nhs.uk Information for patients connected by wires to a small battery-powered stimulator. Holding this, you give yourself small, safe amounts of electrical currents through the electrodes. You can move around while you use TENS but cannot use it in the bath or birth pool. TENS is believed to work by stimulating the body to produce more of its own natural painkillers, called endorphins. It also reduces the number of pain signals sent to the brain by the spinal cord. Entonox - You will have access to Entonox (gas and air), which is brought to your house by the midwife. Opioid drugs and epidurals are not available at home, should you wish for stronger pain relief you will need to be transferred into hospital. Who will be at my home birth? During your home birth, midwives (usually two) will attend your home and care for you in labour and after you have birthed your baby. Student midwives may also attend if you consent to this. You should also choose one or two birth partners who will be able to support you during labour and birth. When should I call my midwife? All women should contact the Maternity Unit immediately if they have any concerns or anxiety at any time in their pregnancy or if you think you are in labour. Your maternity unit is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and a midwife will always be ready to take your call. Call your maternity unit if… • Your contractions are strong and regular and 5-10 minutes apart. Second babies often arrive more quickly than the first, so you may need to contact the Midwifery Unit sooner • Your waters have broken or have any unusual vaginal fluid loss, with or without contractions.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Role of a Midwife in Assisted Reproductive Units
    Clinical Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine Research Article ISSN: 2059-4828 The role of a midwife in assisted reproductive units O Tsonis1, F Gkrozou2*, V Siafaka3 and M Paschopoulos1 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Greece 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, university Hospitals of Birmingham, UK 3Department of Speech and Language Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Greece Abstract Problem: The role of midwifery in Assisted Reproductive Units remains unclear. Background: Midwives are valuable health workers in every field or phase of women’s health. Their true value has been consistently demonstrated and regards mainly their function in labour. Infertility is a quite new territory in which a great deal of innovating approaches has been made through the years. Aim: The aim of this study is to present the role of midwifery in Assisted Reproductive Units based on scientific data Methods: For this review 3 (three) major search engines were included MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE focusing on the role of midwives in the assisted reproductive units. Findings: It seems that midwives have three distinct roles, when it comes to emotional management of the infertile couple, being the representative of the infertile couple and also, performing assisted reproductive techniques in some cases. Their psychomedical support is profound and, in this review, we try to research their potential role in the assisted reproductive units. Discussion: In the literature, only few scientific articles have been conducted in search of the role of Midwifery in Infertility. Their importance is once again undeniable and further research needs to be conducted in order to increase their adequate participation into this medical field.
    [Show full text]
  • Report Title: Celebrating Birth – Aboriginal Midwifery in Canada
    Report title: Celebrating Birth – Aboriginal Midwifery in Canada © Copyright 2008 National Aboriginal Health Organization ISBN: 978-1-926543-11-6 Date Published: December 2008 OAAPH [now known as the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO)] receives funding from Health Canada to assist it to undertake knowledge-based activities including education, research and dissemination of information to promote health issues affecting Aboriginal persons. However, the contents and conclusions of this report are solely that of the authors and not attributable in whole or in part to Health Canada. The National Aboriginal Health Organization, an Aboriginal-designed and -controlled body, will influence and advance the health and well-being of Aboriginal Peoples by carrying out knowledge-based strategies. This report should be cited as: National Aboriginal Health Organization. 2008. Celebrating Birth – Aboriginal Midwifery in Canada. Ottawa: National Aboriginal Health Organization. For queries or copyright requests, please contact: National Aboriginal Health Organization 220 Laurier Avenue West, Suite 1200 Ottawa, ON K1P 5Z9 Tel: (613) 237-9462 Toll-free: 1-877-602-4445 Fax: (613) 237-1810 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.naho.ca Under the Canadian Constitution Act, 1982, the term Aboriginal Peoples refers to First Nations, Inuit and Métis people living in Canada. However, common use of the term is not always inclusive of all three distinct people and much of the available research only focuses on particular segments of the Aboriginal population. NAHO makes every effort to ensure the term is used appropriately. Acknowledgements The original Midwifery and Aboriginal Midwifery in Canada paper was published by the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) in May 2004.
    [Show full text]
  • Statement on Unassisted Birth Attended by a Doula
    Statement On Unassisted Birth Attended by a Doula _______________________________________________________ Definition Unassisted childbirth – the process of intentionally giving birth without the assistance of a medical or professional birth attendant – is a decision made by a very small percentage of parents. DONA International certified and member doulas provide physical, informational and emotional support. Any type of medical or clinical assistance is outside the scope of practice agreed upon by DONA International certified and member doulas. DONA International opines herein on the considerations a doula must make when accepting clients planning an unassisted birth. Introduction Unassisted childbirth (UC) refers to the process of intentionally giving birth without the assistance of a medical or professional birth attendant. UC is also sometimes referred to as free birth, DIY (do-it-yourself) birth, unhindered birth and couples birth. In response to the recent growth in interest over UC, several national medical societies, including the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canadai, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologistsii, and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologistsiii, have issued strongly worded public statements warning against the practice. Professional midwives' associations, including the Royal College of Midwivesiv and the American College of Nurse-Midwivesv also caution against UC. Those who promote UCvi claim the practice offers mothers-to-be a natural way of welcoming their child into the world, free from drugs, machinery and medical intervention. They also note that UC allows a woman to listen to her body's signals rather than coaching from an outsider. The women who are choosing UC may do so because they do not feel supported and respected in the obstetrical care facilities available in their areas, or they are unable to afford or obtain home midwifery or physician support, which is more in line with their philosophies.
    [Show full text]
  • Midwifery: a Career for Men in Nursing
    Midwifery: A career for men in nursing It may not be a common path men take, but how many male midwives are there? By Deanna Pilkenton, RN, CNM, MSN, and Mavis N. Schorn, RN, CNM, PHD(C) Every year, faculty at Vanderbilt University School of there are so few men in this profession. In fact, these Nursing reviews applications to the school’s nurse- conversations often lead to the unanimous sentiment midwifery program. The applicants’ diversity is always that men shouldn’t be in this specialty at all. Scanning of interest. A wide spectrum of age is common. A pleas- the web and reviewing blog discussions on this topic ant surprise has been the gradual improvement in the confirms that it’s a controversial idea, even among Eethnic and racial diversity of applicants. Nevertheless, midwives themselves. male applicants are still rare. It’s common knowledge that the profession of nurs- Many people wonder if there’s such thing as a male ing is female dominated, and the challenges and com- midwife. There are male midwives; there just aren’t plexities of this have been explored at length. many of them. When the subject of men in midwifery is Midwifery, however, may be one of the most exclusive- discussed, it usually conjures up perplexed looks. The ly and disproportionately female specialties in the field very idea of men in midwifery can create quite a stir, of nursing and it’s time to acknowledge the presence of and most laypeople don’t perceive it as strange that male midwives, the challenges they face, and the posi- www.meninnursingjournal.com February 2008 l Men in Nursing 29 tive attributes they bring to the pro- 1697, is credited with innovations fession.
    [Show full text]
  • First Birth at Home Or in Hospital in Aotearoa/New Zealand: Intrapartum Midwifery Care and Related Outcomes
    FIRST BIRTH AT HOME OR IN HOSPITAL IN AOTEAROA/NEW ZEALAND: INTRAPARTUM MIDWIFERY CARE AND RELATED OUTCOMES by Suzanne Claire Miller A thesis submitted to the Victoria University of Wellington in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Midwifery Victoria University of Wellington 2008 Abstract A woman’s first birth experience can be a powerfully transformative event in her life, or can be so traumatic it affects her sense of ‘self’ for years. It can influence her maternity future, her physical and emotional health, and her ability to mother her baby. It matters greatly how her first birth unfolds. Women in Aotearoa/New Zealand enjoy a range of options for provision of maternity care, including, for most, their choice of birth setting. Midwives who practice in a range of settings perceive that birth outcomes for first-time mothers appear to be ‘better’ at home. An exploration of this perception seems warranted in light of the mainstream view that hospital is the optimal birth setting. The research question was: “Do midwives offer the same intrapartum care at home and in hospital, and if differences exist, how might they be made manifest in the labour and birth events of first-time mothers?” This mixed-methods study compared labour and birth events for two groups of first-time mothers who were cared for by the same midwives in a continuity of care context. One group of mothers planned to give birth at home and the other group planned to give birth in a hospital where anaesthetic and surgical services were available.
    [Show full text]
  • Consensus Statement: Alcohol and Pregnancy
    Consensus Statement: Alcohol and Pregnancy The New Zealand College of Midwives recognises that there is no known safe level of alcohol consumption at any stage of pregnancy. Therefore parents planning a pregnancy and women who are pregnant should be advised not to drink alcohol. Rationale: • Women’s drinking does not happen in isolation. It is shaped by their social, environmental and cultural context. In New Zealand, this context includes the normalisation of alcohol consumption within our culture, particularly at social events. 1,4 • Alcohol passes freely through the placenta and reaches concentrations in the fetus that are as high as those in the mother. 1,2,3 • Alcohol is a teratogen – a substance that may affect the development of a fetus. 1,2, 3 • Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause the baby to be born with a range of alcohol-related birth impairments known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) 1,2,4. o FASD is an umbrella term for a range of lifelong physical, cognitive and behavioral impairments of varying severity including Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). • Drinking alcohol during pregnancy also increases the risks of miscarriage, prematurity and stillbirth. • Risk of alcohol harm to the fetus is proportional to the amount of alcohol consumed. Damage to the fetus is more likely to occur with high blood alcohol levels. 1,3,4 • There is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy 1,3,4 • There is no known safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy. 1,2,4 Practice Guidance: Midwives have a role in advising women against alcohol consumption during pregnancy, explaining the potential consequences and supporting women to address their alcohol use during pregnancy.
    [Show full text]
  • Home Birth in Saskatchewan
    Home Birth in Saskatchewan Childbirth is a life-changing experience. Many expectant parents may want to take some time to research, explore, and think about their choices for childbirth and the type of birth experience they want to have. There are personal, cultural, religious, medical, economic, and other reasons why some women may prefer one birth setting over another. Both home and hospital births are valid, well-researched options. When considering a home (out of hospital) birth, some women may consider an unassisted home delivery, also known as a “freebirth”. This is when women choose to birth at home without a licensed prenatal care provider (i.e., family physician, registered midwife, or obstetrician). Instead, they give birth by themselves or with other unlicensed birth attendants, such as doulas, friends, or their partners. All women want to have a positive birth experience and a healthy baby. It is possible for women to plan for the childbirth experience they want, while still working with a licensed prenatal care provider. It takes open and honest communication between women, partners, and healthcare providers. This resource is designed for pregnant women who are thinking about having a home delivery unassisted by a licensed prenatal care provider. It highlights the importance of having a licensed prenatal care provider present. This resource also outlines the potential risks of having an unassisted home delivery. Women can use this information to make informed decisions about their childbirth. It is important for women to know that if they birth at home without a licensed prenatal care provider, both they and their babies are at an increased risk of poor health outcomes.
    [Show full text]
  • May 30, 2017 Prenatal Genetic Testing
    May 30, 2017 Prenatal Genetic Testing: What Midwives and Clients Need to Know People seek genetic counseling or prenatal genetic testing for a variety of reasons, including a family history of a genetic condition or to learn more about factors that contribute to a higher chance for certain types of genetic conditions. While the personal beliefs and values of clients will ultimately determine their decisions regarding prenatal genetic testing, having timely access to accurate information regarding the purpose and types of testing available should also be part of their informed decision­ making. Midwives have an important role in providing basic Source: National Human Genome Research information about prenatal genetic Institute testing options and making referrals to genetics counselors when indicated. However, midwives' knowledge and utilization of genetics counselors and antenatal screening varies across the country, often influenced in part by whether midwives have integrated or streamlined access to the necessary services. The NACPM webinar, Genetic Testing in the Community Context, features Melissa Cheyney, PhD, CPM, LDM, and Jazmine Gabriel, PhD, MS, who will cover the basics regarding the various screening tests, the false positive rates, chance of miscarriage with diagnostic testing, and the utility of genetic information for pregnancy planning and improving birth outcomes. They will also report on their recent study of utilization of genetic counseling and antenatal testing among midwives in Vermont with a focus on the clinical and socio­political implications of this work. The webinar is offered live this Thursday, June 1, 2017 from 2:00 to 3:30 pm Eastern time and will be available as a recording the following week.
    [Show full text]
  • PRECONCEPTION and HEALTH Research & Strategies
    PRECONCEPTION and HEALTH RESEARCH & STRATEGIES PRECONCEPTION and HEALTH research & strategies Best Start: Ontario’s Maternal, Newborn and Early Child Development Best Start: Ontario’s Maternal, Newborn Resource Centre and Early Child Development Resource Centre 180 Dundas St., West, Suite 1900 TORONTO, ON M5G 1Z8 www.beststart.org 2001 $&.12:/('*(0(176 The Best Start: Ontario’s Maternal, Newborn and Early Child Development Resource Centre would like to thank the many people who helped develop this resource. Their input was invaluable in ensuring accurate and up-to-date content and a practical format. Susan Taylor-Clapp conducted the literature review, under the direction of the working group. “Preconception and Health: Research and Strategies” was prepared by the Perinatal Partnership Program of Eastern and Southeastern Ontario in collaboration with the following individuals and organizations: (OL]DEHWK%HUU\2QWDULR0LQLVWU\RI+HDOWKDQG/RQJWHUP&DUH -DQHWWH%RZLH+DOWRQ+HDOWK8QLW :HQG\%XUJR\QH%HVW6WDUW2QWDULR·V0DWHUQDO1HZERUQDQG(DUO\&KLOG'HYHORSPHQW5HVRXUFH&HQWUH .DWK\&URZH&LW\RI2WWDZD+HDOWK'HSDUWPHQW .DUHQ)XQJ.HH)XQJ2WWDZD*HQHUDO+RVSLWDO &ODXGHWWH1DGRQ&LW\RI2WWDZD+HDOWK'HSDUWPHQW 3DWULFLD1LGD\3HULQDWDO3DUWQHUVKLS3URJUDPRI(DVWHUQ 6RXWKHDVWHUQ2QWDULR $QQ6SUDJXH3HULQDWDO3DUWQHUVKLS3URJUDPRI(DVWHUQDQG6RXWKHDVWHUQ2QWDULR 6XVDQ7D\ORU&ODSS3HULQDWDO3DUWQHUVKLS3URJUDPRI(DVWHUQDQG6RXWKHDVWHUQ2QWDULR 5RELQ:DONHU&KLOGUHQ·V+RVSLWDORI(DVWHUQ2QWDULR %DUEDUD:LOOHW%HVW6WDUW2QWDULR·V0DWHUQDO1HZERUQDQG(DUO\&KLOG'HYHORSPHQW5HVRXUFH&HQWUH 0HUU\.0RRV'LYLVLRQRI0DWHUQDO)HWDO0HGLFLQH8QLYHUVLW\RI1RUWK&DUROLQD
    [Show full text]
  • Midwives' Role in Providing Nutrition Advice During Pregnancy
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Research Online University of Wollongong Research Online Faculty of Social Sciences - Papers Faculty of Social Sciences 2017 Midwives' Role in Providing Nutrition Advice during Pregnancy: Meeting the Challenges? A Qualitative Study Jamila Arrish University of Wollongong, [email protected] Heather Yeatman University of Wollongong, [email protected] Moira J. Williamson University of Wollongong, [email protected] Publication Details Arrish, J., Yeatman, H. & Williamson, M. (2017). Midwives' Role in Providing Nutrition Advice during Pregnancy: Meeting the Challenges? A Qualitative Study. Nursing Research and Practice, 2017 7698510-1-7698510-11. Research Online is the open access institutional repository for the University of Wollongong. For further information contact the UOW Library: [email protected] Midwives' Role in Providing Nutrition Advice during Pregnancy: Meeting the Challenges? A Qualitative Study Abstract This study explored the Australian midwives' role in the provision of nutrition advice. Little is known about their perceptions of this role, the influence of the model of care, and the barriers and facilitators that may influence them providing quality nutrition advice to pregnant women. Semistructured telephone interviews were undertaken with a subsample (n=16) of the members of the Australian College of Midwives who participated in an online survey about midwives' nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and their confidence in providing nutrition advice during pregnancy. Thematic descriptive analysis was used to analyse the data. Midwives believed they have a vital role in providing nutrition advice to pregnant women in the context of health promotion.
    [Show full text]
  • Alcohol Guidelines for Pregnant Women Barriers and Enablers for Midwives to Deliver Advice
    August 2019 Alcohol guidelines for pregnant women Barriers and enablers for midwives to deliver advice Lisa Schölin, Julie Watson, Judith Dyson and Lesley Smith ALCOHOL GUIDELINES FOR PREGNANT WOMEN: BARRIERS AND ENABLERS FOR MIDWIVES TO DELIVER ADVICE Alcohol guidelines for pregnant womeN Barriers and enablers for midwives to deliver advice Authors Lisa Schölin, Julie Watson, Judith Dyson and Lesley Smith. Acknowledgements The authors would like to dedicate this report to Pip Williams, member of the stakeholder group, who sadly passed away before this study was completed. Pip was a strong advocate for FASD birthmothers and those living with FASD themselves and worked incredibly hard to raise awareness of the issues women with lived experience of addiction face. She was an inspiring, strong, dedicated, and compassionate woman and her legacy will continue to inspire people in the field. We are deeply grateful for the input she had in this study and we will miss her. We would also like to acknowledge all midwives who took part in this study, who we know are working under increasingly demanding pressures and still took the time to share their knowledge and experiences of this topic. Finally, we also want to acknowledge the stakeholder group who helped shape this study, supported recruitment, and will help share the results. The authors would also like to thank Professor Linda Bauld, University of Edinburgh, and Clare Livingstone, Royal College of Midwives, for reviewing the report. Image credit: MachineHeadz / iStock. Funding The report was
    [Show full text]
  • Pregnancy Guidebook: Simple Steps to Your Healthiest
    1 THE ULTIMATE ATLANTA PREGNANCY GUIDEBOOK: SIMPLE STEPS TO YOUR HEALTHIEST PREGNANCY 01 MUST HAVE PRACTITIONERS EXERCISE AND PHYSICAL HEALTH OB/GYN - Benefits - Chiropractor - Prenatal Yoga - Midwife BIRTH OPTIONS AND LOCATIONS - Doula - Home Birth - Massage therapist - Hospital Birth - Nutritionist - Birth Centers DIET AND NUTRITION ULTRASOUNDS - Vitamins and supplements - Why? When? How many? - Proper diet BIRTH PLAN - Cravings 02 MUST HAVE PRACTITIONERS Pregnancy and the birth experience is best when it becomes a team effort. Your birth team is a vital component of a healthy pregnancy journey. Your team can be customized to your needs and birth plan desires. Team members include personal support (spouse, family, etc) and practitioners. The focus of the team of health care providers is to ensure optimal well being of mother, baby, and family. There are many options in Atlanta to consider what practitioners to include on your team. Thankfully there are plenty of options; however, the birth team draft selection can be overwhelming. Understanding the roles, benefits, and purpose of each practitioner can help in the decision process. Ahead, is a quick guide on who and what to expect during your birth, along with key qualities to assess when adding to your birth team. OBSTETRICIAN An Obstetrician (OB) is a medical doctor who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, and surgical procedures, such as cesarean sections. OBs are highly trained in the management of the female reproductive system, gynecological related conditions, and surgical care. Extended training and education of OBs can be obtained for further specialities including perinatology and maternal-fetal specialities. A Perinatologist such as Dr.
    [Show full text]