The Labor and Delivery Experience
Each and every labor and delivery event is a singular and special life experience. Pregnancy is an experience most women have at least once in their lifetime, and labor and delivery is the conclusion of the pregnancy—the birth of a new life into the world. Even though a woman may give birth to more than one child, every labor and delivery experience can be very different and unique.
For example, an expectant mother and her husband or partner plan on having the baby delivered by their doctor at the local hospital, and she has decided on an epidural for pain control during delivery. But, her water breaks a couple of weeks early while at their cabin on the lake, and her partner delivers the baby before the paramedics arrive. Although not as planned, everything turns out well. This is a birthing story that will follow that child into adulthood! This particular birth will never be duplicated. It is their inimitable story, yet similar labor and delivery experiences are had by many others.
Things to Consider
There are many things to consider before the time of the expected delivery. You should, of course, feel comfortable with your doctor, and have support for your birthing choices. If you want to have the most control over the birth of your baby that is possible, you'll want to have a birth plan in place. This will allow you to dictate what type of labor and delivery experience you want and expect to have, for example, if you want pain medication, an IV, or an epidural.
You may desire a natural birth with no pain medications and as little medical involvement as possible. That can be stated in the birth plan as well. You can and should include your wishes for the time of labor, such as who you want to be there, what comforts you would like to have available, and alternate choices if complications arise and under what circumstances you agree to have them carried out.
You'll Have Support
The actual delivery itself can be frightening because of all the unknowns. However, your doctor is there to inform you and your partner, and offer support, from the discovery of pregnancy, to the labor and delivery. This will help alleviate any anxiety that you may have and keep you positively focused.
As a rule, the mortality rate for mothers and infants is very low. The labor and delivery ends successfully in most cases with the birth of a healthy baby. After all those months of planning the nursery, attending prenatal classes, and doctor’s visits it’s time to celebrate the labor and delivery experience...with baby!
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