I am going to be a single parent, and the father will not be present at the birth. Is it absolutely necessary to have a birth coach? Will the labor and delivery staff instruct me when its time to push? I'm not really nervous about giving birth alone, but the logistics of getting to the hospital and getting home are a little daunting. Any advice?
2007-01-15 12:40:20 · 11 answers · asked by tangyterp83 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
no- birth coaches are not necessary. the hospital staff will help you- its what they do. but is sure does feel a little more comfortable, therefore safer, to have someone you know with you, even if its just to pass the time with. ask a friend maybe? as a last resort, call an ambulance to take you to the hospital. the hospital social worker will help you get home. its better for your peace of mind to get it set up ahead of time though. again, ask those friends. good luck!!!
2007-01-15 12:47:30 · answer #1 · answered by shar71vette 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You'll have a mid-wife there during the birth and of course everyone present at the birth will tell you everything you need to know when to push when to stop etc with gettin to the hospital and home have you got any friends or family to help if so im sure they would be more then happy to help you out in anyway you need help all you have to do is ask!!
2007-01-15 12:48:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband is an old fashion Italian. He did not want to be in the delivery room, and I was okay with that. My mother was there for moral support, but my Midwife was the only "coach" I needed. She was GREAT. she told me what to do every second, said how great I was doing over and over again, and helped be give birth to a beautiful baby girl with NO devices (vacuum, forceps, etc). She was so good, I would request her again.
So, no.....you do not need a formal coach.....but you WILL need someone to get you to the hospital and back home again. You cannot drive for 6 weeks (approx) after birth and you physically cannot drive while in labor.
Good Luck!
2007-01-15 12:45:45 · answer #3 · answered by ShellyLynn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A birth 'doula' or labor doula is always a good idea for any woman delivering in a hospital. When you look locally, try and find a labor doula who is still working on her certification, as she will charge less than a certfiied doula. Maybe you can talk with her about helping you get to the hospital and get home as part of her services.
2007-01-15 12:47:34 · answer #4 · answered by motherhendoulas 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend a doula regardless of hospital staff!!! Check out this Book: The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth By Henci Goer!! I didn't have one at my first birth, but I will at all of the next ones with out a doubt!
2007-01-15 13:46:19 · answer #5 · answered by Boppysgirl 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No it is not absolutely necessary to have a birth coash... But, it is always good to have one. Just so that you know that you are not alone. Yes the staff will intruct when its time to push and also to do everthing else. When you think that it is time, call up a close friend or a parent and ask them could they take you and pick you up. But if you decide to do that I suggest that you ask the ahead of time though!! Good luck and Congrats!! :)
2007-01-15 12:50:33 · answer #6 · answered by 2Cute09 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a birth coach will not help you get to the hospital or home either. ask a friend or a relative for that. my hubby was at the birth, but since he almost passed out, he wasn't really of much use. the doctor and the nurse are extremely helpful and will tell you what to to.
2007-01-15 12:45:48 · answer #7 · answered by redpeach_mi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you don't need a labor coach. They are just there to give you support and the nurse will do this if no one else is there. have you considered having a close friend or a sister or mom being with you. this person can drive you to the hospital when the time come and close friends or mom would be honored to stay with you and be your support.
2007-01-15 12:51:59 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ya know, I had my fiance at both of our sons births, but I truely believe that the nurse helped me out most. She will be there by your side, as will the doctor. If you really think you want a coach, ask a friend, sister, your mom, etc... Good luck and Congrats hun!
2007-01-15 12:46:03 · answer #9 · answered by michaellandonsmommy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many women give birth without coaches, and the MD will tell you when to push, they just may not be as supportive as a coach would be. If you are around here, I will give you a ride! (Good luck, I live in the boonies!)
2007-01-15 12:46:33 · answer #10 · answered by makin_the_same_mistakes 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋