Women are no longer expected to deliver their baby in a hospital bed with only the doctor and midwife present. The father of the child is now an active part of the birth and we are seeing more and more options for women to have a ‘team’ of people support them.
Obstetrician (Latin = to stand before)
An obstetrician is a doctor who specialises in pregnancy, labour and birthing, and particularly complications and illnesses that may occur during pregnancy and labour. If you choose a private obstetrician to support you during your pregnancy, they will be present at various times during your labour, but you will mainly be cared for by midwives. An obstetrician is a good choice for women who have a risk of pregnancy complications or require more specific medical care during their pregnancy and birth. Having an obstetrician is covered by private health insurance, so check with your provider regarding waiting lists and your level of required cover.
Midwife (derived from mid = “with” and wif = “woman”)
Midwives strive to help women have a natural birth experience and are trained to recognise any abnormal issues that may arise during pregnancy and birth so that intervention only occurs when necessary. In most cases midwifes and obstetricians work together to provide care to a woman in labour, however it is often the midwife that will offer the woman the longest period of support and encouragement. Midwives are trained to assist with breastfeeding and care of the newborn. In the public healthcare system there are several models of care with midwives available including the ‘continuity of care’ models known to have positive outcomes for both mother and baby.
Private midwife
Women can also choose to have a private or independent midwife who is specifically chosen by the pregnant woman and not assigned to her by the hospital she is birthing at. The private midwife will support the woman throughout the pregnancy and will be present for the full duration of the birth, whereas hospital midwifes are likely to change shifts during a long labour. Private midwives are also chosen when the woman decides to have a homebirth.
Father or other parent
It was only relatively recently that fathers were allowed into the birthing room and some obstetricians still believe that the father may be a hinderance to the labouring woman. However, for the overwhelming majority of women today, their closest friend, companion and person who knows them best is their partner. The father or other parent of the baby has shared with the pregnant woman her pregnancy, has attended doctor or midwife appointments with her, and has heard first-hand of her concerns or fears about the birth. It is one of the most important moments in a father’s life to witness the absolute strength and courage of their partner during labour, to see their baby being born and then to hold their baby moments after the birth...and in some cases actually deliver the child.
Doula (Greek = “woman’s servant”)
A doula is a woman that offers non-medical support to parents in pregnancy, childbirth and postnatally. She will often work with the medical staff if the birth is occurring at a hospital to ensure that the mother and partner are supported and their needs are being met. The relationship between the doula and pregnant woman is strongly established throughout the pregnancy as the doula prepares the woman for childbirth. Doulas may also be trained midwives or hold other professions such as yoga teacher, naturopath, or therapist.
Reiki practitioner
The birthing mother may decide to have a reiki practitioner at her birth who may have supported her throughout the pregnancy. Reiki is a non-invasive and gentle method of healing and offers the woman in labour natural pain relief and relaxation.
Reflexologist
Reflexologists specialising in pregnancy and birth are becoming a common part of the birth support team due to safety and non-invasive techniques of reflexology. Similarly to Reiki, reflexology can offer pain relief and relaxation and is best performed by someone the woman trusts.
Family
Traditionally, the birthing woman was surrounded by women in her family or tribe who had birthed before and who could offer her love, support and encouragement. Some women today choose to have their mother or sister present at their own birth as a key member of the birth support team. These women usually know the mother-to-be better than most people, what she is capable of and where her fears and concerns lie, allowing the birthing mother to be supported by people she feels most comfortable with.
Whoever you choose to have present at the birth of your child, it is important to feel completely comfortable, safe and supported otherwise your natural ability to give birth may be affected. You may choose a whole team of people, or simply just request the father and a midwife. Forming a trusting relationship with the people in your team during your pregnancy is important. Spend time with these people to communicate honestly how you would like to be supported and what your birth plan is.
Options of where to birth
Public hospital - Midwives and doctors on duty provide care and support to you throughout your birth at your local hospital. Your midwife may be someone who you have seen regularly throughout your pregnancy. The birth occurs in the hospital’s delivery or birthing suites.
Private hospital - If you have private health insurance then you are able to choose to birth your baby in a private hospital. You will usually have your own room and are often able to stay longer than in a public hospital if this is important for you.
Birthing centre - These look and feel more like a home than a hospital. You are cared for by midwifes and whoever else you would like present at the birth. Birth centres are for women with normal or low-risk pregnancies.
Home - This is an option for women with normal or low-risk pregnancies. The benefits of giving birth at home include being in a safe and familiar environment, and also a reduced risk of unnecessary interventions. It is important to have a midwife present, however if complications do arise, you will need a plan to get to hospital.
