Choices for delivery

• Hospital Birth Advantages

  • Highly trained staff and medical equipment if there is an emergency
  • More options for pain relief
  • Demands of mother are left at home
• Hospital Birth Disadvantages

  • Older siblings not apart of birth experience
  • Little privacy
  • Only two support partners allowed
  • Mother may feel more relaxed at home
• Home Birth Advantages

  • Mother is in a familiar surrounding
  • Older siblings can be involved
  • Mother is more likely to be looked after by a known midwife
• Home Birth Disadvantages

  • Transfer to hospital may be needed
  • Epidurals are not given at home
  • For women having their first baby chance of poor outcome increases.
• Domino Scheme

  • Involves a community midwife providing antenatal care
  • The mother has early stage of labour at home then travels to hospital for delivery
  • This is not available in certain areas.
• Private Hospitals

  • Have a better standard of provision than NHS.
  • If a family is famous they may choose this option as buildings are not public so their privacy is better protected
  • Very expensive - up to $9000 for delivery