Expecting A Baby In Ireland - Where Should I Have My Baby?

1. What do you want your antenatal appointments to be like?

Quick. I'm really busy and want to get in and out as quick as possible. 5 - 10 mins is fine with me.

I want to feel like I have time to ask questions but expect to get most of my info from books and classes.

I want someone who will take the time I need to talk with me about things that worry me. I'd like not to feel rushed and have time to chat.

Expecting A Baby In Ireland - Where Should I Have My Baby? - Quiz

Public or private? Home, birth center or hospital?
It's a big decision and there's no single 'best' place to give birth. It's all about finding the best place for YOU. Long term satisfaction with the birth comes from finding a great match between... see moreyou and your care provider; shared philosophy, goals and expectations. So if you're a healthy woman expecting a normal birth the first step is to ask yourself what you want and then look for the options that best match your wishes.
(Not all options are available around Ireland)

This quiz can help you get started. see less

2. How comfortable are you in unfamiliar territory?

It's easy for me to adapt to new places and I'm comfortable anywhere including hospitals.

I'm feeling pretty confident about birth but I think hospital is the safest place for me.

I would feel safest with care providers that view birth as a natural life process not like a medical emergency.

3. How important is freedom to move around and to make choices in labour?

I'm not worried about limitations on what I can eat/do. It doesn't bother me to feel constrained. It's only one day in my life. I'd prefer that the staff make the decisions for me.

I like to have freedom and choices, but I can work with limitations if they're medically necessary.

I want to be able to move about, eat etc. I get stressed out if I'm restricted. I want to be involved in decision making.

4. Who will be at your birth?

I'm ok with the midwife I meet on the day and having my consultant arrive at the end if he's around.

I would prefer to have a known midwife with me from early on in labour. It's nice to have a familar face.

5. Would you like to use a birth pool during labour?

I dont care whether I use a tub or not.

I think it would be nice to have the option of labouring in water.

I would LOVE to labour in water and maybe have a waterbirth

6. What pain medication do you want to have?

I want an epidural available to me when I want it

I want an un-medicated birth and want to have people around me who know how to help me achieve that. I'd like to use complimentary therapies such as hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, hypnosis and maybe a doula.

7. Where do you stand on the Natural Vs Medical process continuum?

I am totally fine with whatever medical interventions will make birth quicker, eaier and less painful for me.

I want to have as natural an experience as possible, with as few routine procedures as possible.

8. How do you feel about having a cesarean?

I'm not concerned about how the baby comes out.

I really want to avoid a cesarean

9. What will immediate post natal care be like?

I look forward to being in the hospital and hopefully the staff will have time to help my baby and I.

I want to be home with my baby as soon as possible and have private post natal care at home with my midwife for the first week or so.