Choosing a place of birth.

Why is choosing a place of birth one of the most important maternity decisions I will make?



Early in your pregnancy, when you are deciding about your maternity caregiver, it is also important to make a thoughtful decision about where you plan to give birth, or your place of birth. These major decisions can influence:
the care that you receive and the effects of that care
the quality of your relationship with your main and other caregivers
the amount of information you receive
the choices and options you will have, particularly during your labor and birth
the degree to which you are involved with decisions about your care.If you are a well and healthy childbearing woman (as are most pregnant women in the U.S.), you can consider giving birth in a hospital, an out-of-hospital birth center, or in your home. Our section titled Your Options for Choosing a Place of Birth will help you learn about these three choices, and learn about differences that you may find from hospital to hospital or birth center to birth center. This and other pages in this section can help you find the birth setting that is right for you. It may take some time and energy to find the right place of birth and caregiver. These important decisions are well worth the effort.

www.childbirthconnection.com