Does everyone want to have a baby in a hospital?

Question

I have never ever wanted to give birth infront of anyone but my husband. I just dont think I could go through so much pain with so many strangers around me. Do woman just get to the point in labour where they just dont care who touches them so long as the babies out? Or do people think that its 'just the done thing'. Back in the olden days woman would just squat in a field and deliver, nower days people want every doctor possible around them. I know its because people wouldnt want anything to happen to the baby, but if you knew nothing would happen to the baby then would you opt for a more private birth? And is it really more public in America than in England to give birth? (in the hall way of a hospital etc)

Answer 1

I had my baby at a 'birthing centre' run by midwives.
Its a home from home, very quiet, comfortable and relaxing. No doctors there to demand 'forceps' etc. But close enough to a hospital if any emergency did arise.
I did not want drugs, and did not want to give birth on a crowded ward. I opted for hypnotherapy and a water birth, which worked perfectly. (But was not provided by the hospital)
It is always the mothers choice, but in hospital the doctors are quicker to intervene, and not let nature take its course.
If you want the drugs, then yes hospital is for you. For a natural birth, i would avoid hospital.

Answer 2

I understand where you're coming from. I wanted to give birth at home with a midwife, but the state does everything they can to keep that from happening.

Believe me though, once you're in labor any modesty, or embarasment you though you had flies out the window. Women in active labor become VERY single minded, birth the child. Thats really all it comes down to. Who's looking at what, or who's touching where really doesnt matter at that point.

American hospitals are overwhelmed, so a lot of women share rooms, or end up in the hall, but durring birth they have an area, or room all to themselves. Finding a good hospital is crucial. I have to travel out of state to find good health care, and a safe birthing center.

I also opted for a midwife. Theyre priceless durring delivery. Men cannot understand, and often are too overwhelmed to know how to handle the situation safely and sanely. Even husbands who are nurses, and some even doctors, flip out when its their own wife and child involved. A midwife is there to help your body go through all the stages of labor as painlessly and easily as possible, and also to ensure the baby is delivered well. She does only this for a living, and its an art the way they know how and what and when to do something.

If you are not an at risk pregnancy, and are doing well up until labor, a midwife and home delivery very well might be right up your alley. But even if you have to opt for a hospital, choosing a midwife in the stead of an on call doctor can be a good choice. They will function throughout the delivery, unless and emergency arises and you need a doctor, (for a c section or something of that nature).

Answer 3

I had all 4 of my children in a hospital... and let me tell you - when you get ready to deliver that baby, you are not going to care if the entire state sees you! You can ask for a private birthing room - the only ones that will be there will be the doctor, shift nurses and your husband. It's more private than it seems, you will probably appreciate the comfort they give you.

You have to realize that the women "back in the day" didn't have the option to birth in a hospital with all of the technologies we have today. (You may have the perfect pregnancy and something could go wrong at the last minute) I'm sure, given the choice, they would have much rather birthed in the hospital vs. the corn field out back.

Answer 4

Even if someone told me that my baby would be fine and nothing would happen during labor, I would still want to have my baby in a hospital. They're very clean, for one, and everyone knows that a newborn's immune system is practically non-existant. Also, there would be that nagging suspicion in the back of my mind that something *might* happen that requires a doctor...you never know. True women delivered babies at home, in fields, etc. but the infant mortality rate back then was SO high. Also, I wouldn't trust my husband to deliver my kids. LOL He'd be so shocked from never having seen it before, he'd probably drop the baby or faint. When my first son was born, the nurse made him sit down in the chair next to my bed because he went white as a sheet when my baby started crowning. At the point when I was ready to push (and thereafter, honestly) I'd had so many people look at me, give me exams, do this do that, I didn't give a sh*t who was in the room. If you go to the hospital as a modest person, after you deliver your baby, all modestly will be gone. The doctors and nurses aren't there to "inspect" what you have...they're there to deliver your baby!

Answer 5

I feel you are going through the classic worries we all face when approaching labour + birth. But do alter your mindset to more positive an outlook. First of all pain, yes, some pain is of course inevitable but sadly so many of us are all primed to expect so much pain that we are focusing on that rather than anything else. Some ladies are lucky enough to have a speedy easy birth, others less so but by focusing on breathing and expectation of your child, you will surprise yourself what you can cope with. If anything gets too much to bear, the "strangers" in the hospital are there to help. Think of them as carers and assistants to this very important process. You do loose your inhibitions as to privacy as you just want the help and safe delivery of your baby. Though some ladies do opt for a home birth, most have a contingency plan if things don't go so smoothly. For most, the assurance of knowing help is immed at hand at the hospital is why it is first choice.

Answer 6

First, like everyone said you won't care, that was actually my biggest concern, not the pain. But I was pleasantly surprised, scout out your hospitals though, they are all different. I had my first in MN, I had my own "suite" (a lot of hospitals do that) It was seriously like a little hotel room, I had a sitting area and my own bathroom and shower and I gave birth right in there with only who I wanted in there, plus the doctor and nurse and at some point the prenatal team that showed up, I couldn't even tell you how many of them there were, maybe three and I couldn't tell you what they looked like because they were gone as soon as we knew my son was ok. Now I live in TX and I was once again worried about this. Then I found two hospitals in the area with "private labor & delivery" so that is where I am going.

But seriously once you are in labor you don't care anymore, if you are in labor for a while (I was 15 hours) you'll go through different nurses, (because of shift change) and I know I was like, "JUST TELL ME IF IT IS COMING OUT YET!" ha ha.

Hope this helps :-)

Answer 7

My mum had 3 out of 4 at home, the first one in hospital and said never again! The nurses were horrid and her baby caught an infection.

This was during the 60's and 70's but still. She gave birth to 3 of us at home, no drugs, no gas and air & she still don't know what all the fuss is about with girls having babies these days. She has no idea why they use epidurals!!

The olden ways are sometimes the best.

Answer 8

I understand what you are saying. I am very modest too. I dont like the idea of a bunch of people staring at my crotch.... with my first baby I was so scared... but with the pain medication, and when the time comes- you almost lose that feeling. Plus I told the nurse I was that way. So she was super sweet on helping me out. At least where I am at, the only people in the room during the pushing part is the nurse and whoever else you want. So you could have your husband and then the nurse ( which is usually a girl ). When the baby is ready they will call the doctor in to finish. Thats all I had. I didnt have anyone else. I dont know if that helps you out at all... but I totally understand what you are thinking. Im on baby number two and a week overdue and Im still like " here we go again!".

Answer 9

People in the hospitals have seen so many women I doubt they will even remember you when your done and out. (I think I had 2 nurses and a doctor in the room.)

I was uncomfortable with the idea as well but when it came down to the delivery all I was concerned about was the welfare of my baby and I. So having the doctors and nurses were a comfort for me in case something went wrong and I needed a C-section or the baby needed intensive care. The room I delivered in was so nice and comfortable too I almost felt like I was on vacation!

But whatever method you choose good luck and best wishes to you!

Answer 10

It would be nice to have a baby at home because it is more private and you can feel comfortable in your own surroundings. I wouldn't do it though, much as I like the idea. You hear all these stories about things going wrong and I would want to be in a place where my baby could be helped. I don't think anyone can know for sure that nothing is going to go wrong. Sure, the odds are that it won't, but would you be willing to take that risk with your baby's life?