What are your birthing options in Sudbury
Choosing a location to give birth can be an important and sometimes challenging decision for expectant parents. When trying to decide where you want to give birth so many peoples opinions and personal experiences can muddy the water when you are trying to make a truly authentic decision. I get it, I was influenced by small remarks and comments when I was deciding and ultimately influenced me into making a decision that I later on didn’t feel was best for me. I am here to give you an unbiased overview of the birthing options in Sudbury Ontario so that you feel informed as possible when making your decision.
The First step is knowing what type of medical provider you will have at your birth. In the Sudbury area there are Obstetricians, Midwives, and Medical Doctors. Knowing your provider will bring you to your next decision. Where do you want to birth?
MIDWIVES:
If you are a patient of the Sudbury Community Midwives, you have options in your birthing location.
HOME: With the Midwives you have the option of a Home Birth if you are considered to have a low risk pregnancy. This consists of options in your own home, such as birthing pool, bath tub, or your own bedroom.
CLINIC: If you are with a Midwife team you are also able to access the Birthing Clinic which is a birthing suit in their offices off Paris street (3 minutes from the hospital). If you are cosidered low risk and the Midwives feel that you are a good candidate for a clinic birth that is an option for you.
HOSPITAL: With the Midwives you also have the option of birthing in the hospital. Some common misconceptions are that if you are with a midwife team, you don’t deliver in hospital and you can’t access epidurals. Both of which are completely untrue.
OBSTETRICIANS:
When going with an OB you are delivering in Hospital in one of 6 Labour & Delivery Rooms at Health Sciences North. You will be assigned a Nurse to be with you throughout and the on-call OB will attend the delivery of the baby. In the case of spontaneous labour, you will receive care from the on-call OB and not from yours (in-case they happen to be on-call). Otherwise if you are scheduled to be induced it is often on their day in the hospital.
PHYSICIAN:
There are a few local physicians who deliver babies in the hospital. If you have a physician as your medical provider, they will attend your birth in the Hospital.
When making your decision do your homework and make sure that you call your provider early on in pregnancy to ensure you can recieve care from the one you want.
Weighing the Pros and Cons: Once parents have identified their options, they may weigh the pros and cons of each. For example, a hospital birth may offer access to medical interventions if needed, but may be less personal and involve more medical staff. A home birth may be more intimate and comfortable, but do not have access to medical pain management options.
Considering Personal Preferences: Expectant parents may also consider their personal preferences for giving birth, such as the desire for a natural birth or the desire for pain management options. They may also consider factors such as the availability of a midwife or doula, and the policies and procedures of the chosen location.
Discussing with Partners and Care Providers: Choosing a location to give birth may involve discussions with partners and healthcare providers. Partners may have their own preferences or concerns, while healthcare providers can offer guidance and recommendations based on the mother's medical history and pregnancy.
Navigating Insurance and Costs: Depending on the chosen location, expectant parents may also need to navigate insurance and costs, such as checking whether their insurance covers the costs of the postpartum private rooms vs ward style rooms.
Managing Stress and Anxiety: Making decisions about giving birth can be stressful and anxiety-provoking, especially for first-time parents. Expectant parents may experience stress and anxiety as they navigate the decision-making process, and may need support from a Doula to make these decisions.
Overall, choosing a location to give birth can be a complex and personal decision that involves weighing a variety of factors, preferences, and concerns. It can be helpful for expectant parents to do their research, seek guidance from healthcare providers, and take time to consider their options and personal needs.
