Childbirth is a transformational experience, one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. It’s normal to wonder what that day will look and feel like, and many women want to have a plan in place as their delivery date nears.
The team at Interior Women’s Health, led by Karl Baurick, MD, and Doris Heilman, MD, is happy to provide an overview of your childbirth options. If you have more in-depth questions or concerns, you can schedule a visit to the Fairbanks, Alaska, office to learn more.
A birth plan simply outlines how you would like your childbirth experience to play out. It’s a set of guidelines that include your preferred method of delivery and your preferences regarding anesthesia.
Every woman deserves the chance to plan her labor and delivery experience. The Interior Women's Health team prioritizes aligning this day with your unique needs and desires. Of course, labor and delivery are dynamic processes that can change quickly.
Many women want to welcome their child into the world in the most natural way possible. Although women have been delivering children naturally for tens of thousands of years, today’s technology makes natural childbirth far safer and easier than in previous generations.
In general, natural childbirth refers to a vaginal delivery without anesthesia. There are numerous ways to ease pain without medication, and you’re encouraged to explore options like the following:
Natural childbirth is about allowing you to guide your own childbirth experience, free from induction, medication, and rigid instructions on when and how to push.
An operative vaginal delivery integrates forceps or a vacuum device to help move the baby’s head through the birth canal. While no one plans for this approach, it can be the best way to deliver your little one safely.
Here are some of the circumstances that can lead to the need for an operative vaginal delivery:
In many situations, an operative vaginal delivery can prevent the need for a cesarean procedure.
A cesarean delivery, often called a cesarean section or C-section, is a surgical procedure to remove your baby from your uterus. It involves making an incision in your belly and some form of anesthesia, often an epidural.
Obstetricians perform cesarean deliveries in the event of:
Some women know they’ll deliver via C-section, while for others, a surgical delivery is a deviation from their preferred method. If you need a cesarean delivery, rest assured that you’re in the best hands at Interior Women’s Health.
This option is for women who’ve had a previous cesarean delivery but want to attempt a vaginal delivery for a subsequent birth. When you have a cesarean birth, scar tissue develops in your belly and uterus. There is a possibility that this remodeled tissue can open or rupture during the labor and delivery process.
If you’d like to try to deliver your next baby vaginally, your obstetrician will work closely with you to determine if this approach is right for you and your little one. Here are some of the factors that will influence your decision:
At Interior Women’s Health, we’re here to help you shape your childbirth experience according to your preferences. If a vaginal birth after C-section is your goal, we’ll do everything possible to support you.
When you’re ready to explore your options and create your birth plan, contact the Interior Women’s Health specialists to schedule a visit. You can always call the office during regular business hours or visit the online scheduling page to find a time that works for you.
