Childbirth is one of the most exciting things in this world. Childbirth methods have many and safe options for mothers with the advancement in technology. In the early 1900s, many births were not done in hospitals. However, from around the 1940s, many births started taking place in hospitals, with only about 1% taking place out of a hospital. Technology has made childbearing safer for mothers and children, with hospitals adapting to the various trends in childbearing. Every mother wants an easy birth and a well-planned birth at the same time. However, even with the best plans, things can suddenly change, making it important to always have alternative methods of delivery. At All Women’s Care in Los Angeles, we aim to give you the most joyous childbirth experience that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Delivery Options Offered

At All Women’s Care, we aim to give you a special experience where you feel like the most special and only delivery taking place. Our approach is personalized in all aspects. Our rooms are designed in such a way they bring comfort instead of a clinical feel. We believe each mother is entitled to the delivery experience they desire. We offer a variety of delivery options to pick from. Some of the popular options include:

  • Natural childbirth
  • Vaginal Birth
  • Planned Cesarean section
  • Unplanned Cesarean Section
  • Vaginal birth following a Cesarean section (VBAC)
  • Planned Induction

Natural Childbirth

Natural childbirth has been around since time began. If you desire to go through the natural experience of delivering your baby, we shall be with you through the journey and offer any support you may need. Every mother desires to have a healthy baby, and that is our goal as well. Even as you prepare, it is important to discuss the same with your provider and your doctor before labor comes. It is essential to remember that even with the best plans, childbirth is unpredictable sometimes. Babies equally have their plans, making it important to learn about the delivery process.

Where it starts

We encourage mothers to be to sign up for natural birth classes. These classes are offered by our experienced nurses/doulas to teach you all that you need to know about the process of natural childbirth. In the classes, you will learn various techniques that will help you when in labor. These classes are offered not only to mothers but also to their partners.

Our Friendly and Experienced Nurses

When you come to our center, you will meet our experienced nurses or doulas in the techniques of natural childbirth. Our staff will ensure you are comfortable and walk with you through the labor period until you give birth. Some mothers prefer to have their doulas present during delivery, this is acceptable to us, and we welcome them to work alongside our staff to give you a beautiful experience.

Movement

Natural birth comes with excruciating labor pains. Moving around seems to make the pain more bearable for most mothers. Changing positions is helpful and helps the mother feel more comfortable. At our center, we encourage mothers in labor to move freely down the halls, changing positions, or using the birthing ball to rock. Some mothers will also prefer using a squat bar for comfort, and we encourage that as well.

While going through labor, we carry out periodic telemetry or fetal monitoring to allow more freedom for the mother to move. Our center offers multiple options for a mother to use in changing their position.

Our Delivery and Labor Rooms

We have gone the extra mile to ensure that our delivery rooms are designed specially to give comfort and peace during this period. We allow our patients to bring what makes them comfortable such as music or wearing their clothes as opposed to hospital gowns.

Hydrotherapy Option

During natural delivery, water has been known to be helpful during labor. We have showers or immersion therapy. We have designed each labor room with a shower where a mother can sit or stand and enjoy the spray of warm water. Your doula, if any or a nurse is always next to you for comfort and help you where necessary.

Some mothers prefer to be soaked in warm water. We provide tubs for soaking on request for these mothers. The feeling of water can be comforting to mothers and makes labor more bearable. As a mother is soaking, a nurse or doula is present to offer support and comfort. Through all this process, constant monitoring of the child’s heart is done to ensure the baby is coping well.

The use of immersion hydrotherapy has many benefits to the mother and child. Some of these are:

  • The buoyancy of the water enables easy movement
  • A mother is able to relax better in between contractions
  • It is a safe way to manage labor pains
  • Hydrotherapy is ideal in reducing blood pressure during childbirth
  • A mother feels more in control because she has private and warm space for delivery
  • Hydrotherapy enhances cervical dilation.

Despite this, it is not always appropriate to do hydrotherapy in child delivery. Ideally, an assessment of the labor is carried out, and your doctor is notified. The doctor is also informed about the desire to have hydrotherapy in the tub. The doctor makes a decision depending on fetal and maternal factors. It is usually much better to discuss the hydrotherapy options before the time of delivery.

Immersion hydrotherapy is often safe and used anytime as the labor is progressing. Sometimes, it may be best to wait until one is well into labor before using the therapy. A first-time mother usually has to wait until their cervix is dilated between 4 and 5 centimeters, and is experiencing regular contractions.

However, there are situations that make it unsafe to use a tub for hydrotherapy. Should a doctor notice symptoms of distress from the mother or baby while in labor, the therapy is not allowed. If you were already undergoing hydrotherapy and distress symptoms are realized, the therapy session is terminated. It is also inappropriate to use a tub when:

  • You are under an epidural anesthesia
  • You have an IV infusion of medications
  • If you are under medication to manage the pain or to induce labor
  • You are continually under fetal monitoring, or your pregnancy is 37 weeks old or less

However, delivery is not allowed under the water. The nurses will keep monitoring you, and when you near delivery time, you will be removed from the water to the bad and deliver.

Virginal Birth

Virginal birth is similar to natural childbirth. When you experience symptoms of labor and come to the center, you will be assessed to ensure that you are experiencing active labor. Once this is established, you will be taken to the delivery suits where more monitoring is done until you have a successful delivery. For your comfort, we allow you to play your soft music, change the lighting in the room, or use warm showers or tub to make the experience more joyous. Our nurses will always be by your side to ensure you are comfortable during the process.

A childbirth experience is personal and must be tailor-made to suit your needs and those of your child. At All Women’s Care, we aim at fulfilling these requests by offering a variety of delivery options and features to assist through the labor and delivery.

There are women that prefer having an epidural medication is optional and can be requested at any point in labor. Some mothers opt to experience labor naturally before deciding to have an epidural. Whatever decision a mother makes, we ensure you get the birth experience of your choice.

Should a mother decides to get an epidural, it will be administered when the mother is ready. We have anesthetists and anesthesiologists available every hour of the day and every day of the week. However, if your decision is to deliver without any pain medication, your decision is supported.

Planned Cesarean

Some mothers may prefer to go through a cesarean section to deliver their child instead of a natural method. At our center, we are also supportive of this decision. We, however, have various things that are important to understand before you undergo your planned cesarean section.

According to the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG), a planned cesarean section should not be carried out before the completion of 39 weeks of gestation. However, if it is medically recommended by your doctor, then this changes. When you make a decision to have a cesarean beforehand, it is important to call our center beforehand to have yourself registered.

A few days prior to your planned cesarean section, a member of our birthing team will call you to go through the instructions on pre-admission. These instructions will include:

  • You should stop eating at least 8 hours before your planned cesarean section
  • You should not take water at least 3 hours before undergoing the cesarean section
  • If you are not diabetic, it is encouraged that you drink at least 16 ounces carbohydrate drinks like Gatorade or apple juice that is pulp-free three hours before surgery
  • You should use antibacterial soap for showering just before the day of your surgery
  • You are encouraged to take out all your jewelry and piercings before taking the shower
  • Avoid shaving 24 hours before getting to the hospital
  • Discuss with your physician for the surgery day instructions, especially with regard to any medication routinely taken and is on prescription.

Instructions for Arrival

  • We encourage mothers to arrive a few hours before their planned time of delivery
  • Look for the special parking spaces reserved for expectant couples to avoid congestion with other visitors or patients to the center
  • At the reception, you will be required to register, and a nurse will then take you to your room
  • The nurse assigned to you will start your start on your admission and assessment of your history
  • To get ready for your surgery, the nurse will begin by giving you an antibacterial cleaning or wipe and shaving the hair underneath the belly button and pubic hair. The nurse will also insert an IV and administer preoperative medications. You will receive a visit from an anesthetist to discuss various options available. Any questions you may have regarding the procedure will also be addressed prior to going to the operating room. Before entering the operating room, you will have a surgical hat placed on you as well.
  • If your birth partner wants to be involved, he or she will be required to wear scrubs before entering the operating room. A surgical hat, shoe covers, and mask will also be provided to them.

What to Expect in the Operating Room

  • To undergo a cesarean birth, spinal anesthesia is administered to the mother to be in the operating room. Additionally, a catheter will also be placed to ensure your bladder is drained of urine.
  • Your lower legs will also be applied stockings to encourage blood circulation and prevent clots from forming
  • The nurses then prepare your abdomen in readiness for delivery
  • Once the surgery begins, it usually takes about an hour if there are no complications experienced
  • After the childbirth procedure is completed, your child is placed on your skin to encourage bonding, and together you are moved to the recovery room.

Recovery

  • The approximated recovery time is usually two hours after surgery
  • During this time, a mother is encouraged with the help of the nurses to place their child on them directly to their skin. Skin to skin contact promotes the baby’s temperature and its levels of glucose. This contact also enhances the feeding behavior of your baby and creates a bonding opportunity between mother and baby.
  • The nurses during this time will help to initiate the first feeding of your baby as they monitor you and your baby keenly.
  • As you go through the recovery period, your friends and family are allowed to visit you. As you continue recovering, you will be transferred to another unit for mothers and babies for the rest of your time.

Unplanned Cesarean Section

Circumstances during labor may change and alter your delivery expectations. It, therefore, becomes necessary to have a cesarean birth to ensure the safety of either or both the mother and child. Your team and doctor will explain when cesarean becomes a necessity and prepare you for the surgery. Even when facing an emergency cesarean section, we are committed to ensuring the experience is friendly for the family.

The labor nurse assigned to you will assist you to take out your jewelry, shave you and wipe you with an antibacterial wipe. The anesthesia specialist will come and discuss with you the options available. In case you had an epidural already, the dosage can be increased to help you during the cesarean delivery. If you had none, a general or spinal anesthetic can be administered to you.

However, do not be scared. Very few births end up like this, and when they do, we handle them with skill and still give you a memorable childbirth experience. Before going to the operating room, your partner will also be prepared. He or she will be given scrubs to wear, among others.

Virginal Birth after Cesarean Section (VBAC)

Virginal birth after cesarean is where a mother previously had delivered through surgery due to various reasons and now wants a chance at natural virginal birth. At All Women’s care, we have obstetricians that monitor and manage their patients that prefer to undergo a VBAC.

Our team is comprised of experienced VBAC staff with many successful VBAC deliveries. We have nurses well trained in this and anesthesiologists as well as other specialists. We proudly offer this delivery option to mothers to be that need it. Our overall goal is to help mothers experience childbirth in a way that brings them joy.

Why Should one Consider VBAC?

According to the ACOG, a VBAC is a safe option for mothers that have had a cesarean birth before. As compared to a cesarean option, a VBAC gives various advantages that include:

  • The likelihood of complications is rare with a reduced risk of getting an infection or blood loss
  • The recovery time is significantly shorter as well as the time the mother stays in the hospital
  • The mother will be able to participate more during childbirth as well as being able to hold and breastfeed their child sooner than those that undergo cesarean section
  • In case you are planning a big family, a repeat VBAC is much safer and gets easier each time compared to the complications of repeat cesarean section births.

Establishing if You are a Suitable VBAC Candidate

For a woman to be considered for a VBAC delivery, the following criteria must be met:

  • You should have gone through a single cesarean section delivery and have no other uterine surgeries or incisions
  • Your current pregnancy must be problem-free and healthy. However, the most important reason why you delivered through a cesarean section does not apply with the current pregnancy
  • Your labor should preferably start naturally either on the due date or before.

Always keep in mind that each case is different, and talking to your obstetrician is the best way to determine if you are suitable to have a VBAC as an option for delivery.

Planned Induction

Induction in a simpler language is forced labor or artificial labor. When a mother to go past her due date and both baby and mother are ready for delivery, a doctor can schedule to have an induction. This involves taking medication to initiate labor. The day when the induction will be carried out, you are admitted to the delivery suite. Your doctor and nurses will work to administer the drugs through an IV while connected to a monitor to keep track of the baby’s heartbeat.

A hormone used to induce labor known as Pitocin is administered through the IV. Once it is in your system, you begin to experience contractions immediately after, and they will keep increasing gradually. Eventually, you will reach the point of active labor where delivery will begin.

Induction is always carried out after the due date. But, should there be a medical reason that calls for earlier delivery, such as the child’s health or mother’s, induction can be considered.

How to Prepare for an Induction

  • Before going for your induction, it is advisable to eat a small meal, never stuff yourself. A little food will give you the energy you need, but having a light meal will help you avoid nausea as your labor.
  • Always call prior to the induction to ensure your scheduled time and avoid any delays. Sometimes there could be more women in need of induction, so booking prior to your coming in is essential.
  • If you have items that increase your comfort like a pillow, you are encouraged to come with them
  • Expectant parents are allocated special parking spaces. Ensure to park there and avoid unnecessary stress
  • At the reception, you will have to register, and a nurse will then take you to the delivery suite assigned to you
  • Always as you go to the hospital, never forget to bring your card for insurance cover and an ID. After the successful delivery, you will be moved to the section set up for mothers and babies where your friends and family can visit as you recover.

Fetal Monitoring

As earlier stated, the health of the mother and child is most important. To ensure that you deliver well to a healthy baby, all through the labor period, fetal monitoring is maintained. Because of the need for mothers to walk around, change positions, or go for hydrotherapy, mobile devices for monitoring the heart of the baby are used.

The device is fitted to the mother that will monitor the child’s heart continuously, even when on hydrotherapy. Intermittent monitoring of the child’s heart can also be an option. All this is done to monitor the strength of the baby’s heart and notice any symptoms of distress. The goal is always to ensure the mother has a safe delivery, and the baby is healthy.

Find an Los Angeles Obstetrician Near Me

One of the greatest concerns for a mother to be is to find an obstetrician that will help them through the journey of childbirth. This is in addition to a hospital that is accommodating to the various delivery trends available today and willing to personalize the experience for the mother. These aspects are important to the mother because they give her confidence of a safe delivery. At All Women’s Care in Los Angeles, we pride ourselves in keeping with the latest methods and having the most experienced staff. For consultations and appointments, you can reach us at 213-250-9461, and let us be your partner in your most precious journey.