Labor & Birth > FAQ Who can be at my birth? How do you feel about children attending births? Do you allow all birth plans? Can I eat during labor? How do you monitor the baby during labor? Do you cut episiotomies? Will I be confined to a bed during labor? How involved can the father be? Can I get pain medication or an epidural when I’m not in the hospital? What position will I be in for the delivery? What happens after the baby is born? Who can be at my birth? You can share your birth with anyone that you choose. Some families choose to include their other children, supportive grandparents and other family and close friends. Many hire professional Doulas to assist them. Others prefer a very quiet birth with only the father and the midwives. It’s your birth! Back to Top How do you feel about children attending births? The wonder and joy on a child’s face as they see their sibling born is priceless. It’s my experience that even small children do great at births. I think it’s important to interact with your children throughout your prenatal care so they are familiar with me by the time you have your baby. Also, I have books and videos to help you prepare them for the birth. Back to Top Do you allow all birth plans? Yes, but my clients don’t usually feel the need to do so. Many of the things you’d have to special request and negotiate at the hospital are routine care at Ancient Paths Midwifery. I will take the time to help you understand all the choices available for a positive birthing experience. You will be encouraged to tell me how I can make your birth special and I have a birth choice worksheet that you can complete to help me remember your hearts desires. Back to Top Can I eat during labor? Yes, if you're hungry we encourage you to eat. Your body is working hard and needs energy. Back to Top How do you monitor the baby during labor? I use a handheld Doppler to listen to the baby’s heartbeat during labor. This is called intermittent auscultation. Research shows that listening intermittently is equally as effective as continuous electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) in identifying problems during labor and delivery. In fact, studies show that intermittent auscultation results in lower rates of c-sections with the same neonatal outcomes. If you are in the tub I can listen to the baby using an underwater Doppler so you don’t have to get out. Back to Top Do you cut episiotomies? Although I am trained to cut episiotomies I rarely ever have the need to do so. Instead, I encourage gentle pushing as the baby is crowning and provide perineal support using warm compresses and oils during birth. This eases the passage of the babies head, thereby minimizing tears. If you do have a tear requiring sutures I will repair it using a local anesthetic. My episiotomy rate is less than 1%. Back to Top Will I be confined to a bed during labor? Certainly not! Moving about during labor actually helps with your comfort level and improves the labor process. You are encouraged to walk around and change positions, even to go outside for a breath of fresh air or to so sit in your patio. That’s the beauty of out-of-hospital birth – YOU are in control of what you do during your labor! Back to Top How involved can the father be? As involved as he wants to be. Most fathers cut the cord and join with the mother in announcing the sex of the baby to everyone else at the birth. Some fathers even want to help "catch" their babies. I support your choices. Back to Top Can I get pain medication or an epidural when I’m not in the hospital? No, I do not carry any narcotic drugs or have anesthesiology available. But I do have something that helps most moms not even think about needing pain meds – the loving support of a midwife and the freedom to labor at your pace in a comfortable place. Since research shows that stress hormones increase pain and slow labor, I try to make things as low-stress as possible for you. During labor I take my cues from mother and her family as to what they need. Some just need a hand to hold, eye contact and reassurance. Others need “Verbal Anesthesia” - talking them through the contractions, reminding them to breathe, reassuring them and praising their work. I also encourage mobility and frequent changes of position, rhythmic and repetitive movements, making noise, aromatherapy and homeopathies. Of course, nothing compares to an “Aqua-Dural” (using deep water immersion). Back to Top What position will I be in for the delivery? There is no one perfect position in which to deliver a baby. Some women prefer to sit or recline on the bed, the birth stool or on the floor. Others stand up or squat down, kneel or lay on their side. Many choose to deliver in the birthing tub. We may suggest positions which may help you to be more comfortable, or enhance your delivery. Your perineum will be supported with counter pressure, warm compresses and oil. This usually feels good and helps you relax your bottom. Back to Top What happens after the baby is born? As soon as the baby is born he will be placed right into your welcoming arms. You'll have as much time as you want to nurse and bond with your baby and you can have anyone you want touch or hold her. I won't separate your baby from you but continue to discreetly monitor you both. After you’ve had plenty of time for cuddling I will do a newborn baby exam on the bed right next to you. I make sure that you have had something to eat, assist you with getting to the bathroom, check your bottom for tears (and suture if necessary) and discuss your postpartum care with you. Back to Top