My Doctor & Hospital

Choosing a place to give birth is one of the main concerns of an expecting mother-to-be. Is it safe? Are they equipped to handle an emergency? All these questions and many others will need to be asked before deciding on the right place for you to give birth. Below are some guides that could assist you in making your decision:

 

 

 

 

 

Type of Facility Pros Cons General Hospital Would normally have the medical facility and expertise to handle emergency medical cases (if you are in the high risk category). Doctors are well trained and experienced. Relatively cheaper. Little or no privacy. Longer waiting time as the number of patients are quite high. You might be assigned to doctors that you are not familiar with. In some hospitals (university hospitals), student doctors or nurses will be present during childbirth – making your birthing process more stressful and with no privacy. Private Hospital More comfortable, relaxing and more private. Doctors are well trained and experienced. You will be dealing with a specialised doctor that is assigned to your case – own personal doctor that you are familiar with. Better postnatal care. Might not be fully equipped to handle emergency cases – do a background check first. High cost. Maternity Clinics / Birthing Centres Smaller and cosier environment. Less intervention and familiar faces. More freedom to move around to reduce stress and pain during labour. Less equipped and not prepared for medical emergency situation. You need to know – how and where they will transfer you in case of emergency. Cost – Quite moderate. Better postnatal care.

Notes:
1. Ask around – Word-of-mouth is a GOOD way to gauge the performance of a hospital.
2. Do research – Search through the Internet, magazines, brochures, articles or even make site visits to find out more about the facilities, equipment and postnatal services and other services that the hospital/medical centre has.
3. Some hospitals/medical centres allow husbands to be present during childbirth, while others don't. Choose one that suits your need.
4. Try to choose a hospital/medical centre that is close to your house. Convenient for visitation during pregnancy, fast and easy access when rushing for delivery and is convenient for post delivery care and medical treatment.

Making a Birth Plan & Delivery Options
A birth plan is a guide for both you and your caregivers during the labour process. It enables better management and engagement during childbirth according to your preference and expectations. Some of the things that you could list down in a birth plan are:

Type of Delivery Option Delivery Position Vaginal Delivery   Normal Vaginal Birth Recommended for healthy mother and baby. Mother lying on their back with feet up or lying by her side in a C-Position (more comfortable). Sitting Down Position Recommended for healthy mother and baby. A restful position that conserves energy and maintains body-wide relaxation. Gravity will also aid the delivery process. NOT many hospitals have this facility. Freestyle Labour Recommended for healthy mother and baby. On hands and knees position that enables mother to move their pelvic in a rocking motion. Great for delivering a large baby. NOT many doctors practise this method of delivery. Water birth Almost non-existent in Malaysia. But is a great delivery option that has been practiced for centuries. Bradley Termed as “Husband Coached Childbirth”. Focus on breathing, pain management during childbirth and even through pregnancy habits and postpartum care. Breathing Techniques (Lamaze) Most widely known childbirth method. Distraction of pain by focusing on something else. Caesarean (C-Section) (more info at My First Childbirth page) C-Section Childbirth through surgery. Recommended for delivery with complications. Relatively safe but still carry risks.

Other options that you should consider in your birth plan would include:

No. Options Notes 1. Labour Delivery Recovery Postpartum Rooms (LDRP) Some hospital/medical centre provides LDRP, meaning you won’t have to be transferred to another room after delivery. It is more comfortable and equipped for postpartum recovery. 2. Pain Relief You can ask for pain relief drugs if need be. Consult with your doctor first. (More info at My First Childbirth page). 3. Induced Labour Will be administered on special cases with complications or if the delivery has not begun after 42 weeks. Your doctor will advise you accordingly. 4. Aromatherapy A natural pain relief method through scented aromatherapy. Not many hospitals allow this practise. 5. Shaving A common practise believed to reduce the possibility of infection. However, the recent practise is to swab the crotch area with antiseptic against shaving (unless you are required to do a C-Section). 6. Enemas Encourage bowel movement before delivery. Not recommended as it is confusing to mother and may cause discomfort. 7. Episiotomy A surgical enlargement of the vagina opening during labour (a cut between the vagina and anus). Meant to reduce risk of pelvic tissue tear and ease childbirth. If you are not comfortable with this method, discuss with your doctor.