OB/GYN at Lakewood Health System

Water birth – this is the process of giving birth in a tub of warm water. Some women choose to labor in the water and get out for delivery. Other women decide to stay in the water for the delivery as well. The theory behind water birth is that the baby has been in the amniotic sac for nine months and birthing into a similar environment is gentler for the baby and less stressful for the mother.

Vaginal birth after C-section – (VBAC) is an option an expecting mother and her physician will discuss. Although the mantra used to be “once a Caesarean, always a Caesarean,” advancements in C-section surgical procedures now allow for women with previous C-sections to try a vaginal delivery.

 

If you have a vaginal delivery, you will stay in your private birthing suite during delivery and recovery. If it is necessary for your doctor to deliver your baby by C-section, you’ll be taken to the operating room for the procedure.

During labor, we’ll help you achieve the comfort level you desire. Some women give birth with mild pain or discomfort, controlled by comfort measures, relaxation and breathing techniques. Others prefer medication to control pain.

Our labor and delivery nurses are trained to assist you with various techniques, such as use of birthing balls, warm showers, massage, position changes and relaxation. If you desire pain medication, such as analgesics or epidurals, our anesthesia provider is available 24 hours a day to meet your needs for pain relief.

Lakewood also offers nitrous oxide as a pain relief option for women in labor. Commonly referred to as ‘laughing gas’, nitrous oxide is considered safe to use during labor and can be beneficial for both pain relief and anxiety relief. It also has a quick onset and quickly exits both the mother’s and baby’s system. While it doesn’t take away all the pain during labor and delivery, it helps the mother relax and feel less tense during contractions. Talk with your provider to see if this option is for you.