While a women can’t always choose when to give birth, today,
more than ever before, she can choose where to have her baby – in
a hospital, a birth center or at home. The two most popular options
are hospitals and birthing centers. Because there are distinct
advantages and disadvantages to each of these options, your decision
should be based on which factors are most important to you and
your partner.
Hospital Advantages:
It’s almost universally agreed that hospitals are the safest place
to give birth. If complications arise, a hospital is fully equipped to
deal with them.
More pain relief options
Many hospitals are introducing birth facilities that allow women to labor,
deliver and receive postpartum care in the same room.
Hospital Disadvantages:
Hospital atmosphere is often cold and sterile
Hospital policies limit your control over the birth process
Hospital delivery is more expensive.
Birth Center Advantages:
Birth centers provide a relaxed atmosphere where you
can wear your own clothing, eat when you like and have family and friends
present during the birth.
Statistics indicate that you are less likely to have
a cesarean section in a birthing center.
If you have unexpected complications, you will have to
be transferred to a hospital.
The time required for transfer could affect the health
of both you and your baby.
Birth centers are not equipped to handle high-risk pregnancies
Most birth centers are unable to offer prescription pain
relief.
Some insurance companies refuse to cover the cost of
birth-center deliveries.
If you or your child struggle with a birth injury such as Cerebral
Palsy during the labor and delivery process, you have the right to
seek legal compensation for the lifelong costs of raising a child with
special needs.
