Your physical health can affect how your providers will approach childbirth. Your age, whether you are carrying multiples, and conditions including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy, asthma, and opioid use can impact the choices of birthing options and protocols that are safer for you and your baby.

You may be referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist if you have a preexisting medical condition prior to pregnancy, develop a medical condition during pregnancy or experience issues during delivery. The team of specialists at Norton Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine will partner with you, your OB/GYN and other care professionals to provide specialized care for both mother and baby.

The health of your unborn baby, or fetal health, is key when considering your childbirth options. A detailed birthing plan with a team of providers is necessary. Monitoring the baby’s development during pregnancy and labor is critical for a safe delivery. Norton Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine collaborates with different types of specialists to provide multidisciplinary neonatal care for many fetal health conditions, including congenital heart defects, pulmonary conditions, neurological conditions and conditions requiring multiple specialties, such as spina bifida and more.

Past childbirth experiences may determine how you approach your birthing options during your current pregnancy. Certain health conditions also may dictate the safest childbirth options available to you. For example, if you previously delivered via cesarean section, you may consider if you are eligible to attempt a VBAC or vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (C-section). You also may want to deliver your baby in the same way. Consult with your provider to determine which options are best for you.

You should feel empowered to explore choices for childbirth options, and personal preferences are important when determining your personalized birth plan. These considerations can range from a desire for natural birth instead of the use of medication to manage pain. Although it’s important to be flexible, your birthing choices should align with your values and comfort. These decisions also include whether to involve a midwife or doula, where you would like to give birth and the overall atmosphere you prefer during labor and delivery.

The health and safety of you and your baby will be of utmost importance during your childbirth experience. Check with your provider for guidance on the birthing options that are available to you, based on your unique health circumstances and your baby’s. Safety and health considerations, health risks and your individualized care plans are all considered when making choices for your childbirth. Your birth options are important decisions, and all preferences should be reviewed by the members of your care team. Medical recommendations are not universal and can vary based on individual needs and circumstances.

Natural birth is a labor and delivery process with minimal medical intervention. Those who choose this method often rely on alternative methods for pain relief, such as breathing and relaxation techniques. Additional pain management aids, such as a labor tub, also may be available. A natural or lower-intervention birth may be possible in different birth settings, depending on your pregnancy, health and the services available.

Vaginal birth is a common childbirth option that can be either natural or medicated. It involves a childbirth with the baby passing through the birth canal. Medical interventions, such as epidurals or pain medications, are available to reduce labor pains, if desired.

A cesarean birth involves a surgical procedure, where the baby is delivered through an incision made in the abdomen and uterus, when medically necessary. C-sections may be planned for existing health reasons, or unplanned due to complications during labor.

You may choose to labor in warm water to help minimize pain and stress during childbirth. This may be a more soothing or comfortable choice during labor if you are not relying on an epidural, spinal anesthesia or IV pain medications.

Nitrous oxide is administered via a breathing mask to help reduce anxiety and labor pains. This is a popular option for those choosing a natural birth.

Epidural is the most popular type of pain relief chosen for labor and delivery. This type of regional anesthesia is administered through a tiny tube or catheter in the lower back and numbs the lower half of the body to reduce pain caused by contractions and delivery.

If you have previously given birth via C-section, our providers support vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) if it is deemed safe for you.

Norton Women’s Care offers certified nurse-midwives, who are highly trained and board-certified nurse practitioners who can deliver babies in a medical setting. Our midwives offer compassionate and personalized support for those seeking a more holistic healthcare approach. Midwifery care may be part of a hospital birth experience, depending on your provider and individual needs.

A doula provides emotional support, assistance and advocacy throughout the pregnancy and childbirth experience. At Norton Hospital in downtown Louisville, if you are receiving pregnancy care from a provider at Norton OB/GYN Associates or Norton Women’s Specialists, you qualify for a doula at no charge through Norton Doula Services.

Where you give birth is another part of planning for labor and delivery. Most people give birth in a hospital, while some people with low-risk pregnancies may consider a birthing center or planned home birth.

Birthing centers are designed specifically for labor and delivery and generally serve people who are expected to have uncomplicated births. Services vary by facility, so if you are considering a birthing center, ask about the care available and how the facility handles transfer to a hospital if additional medical care becomes necessary.

Talk with your OB/GYN or midwife about which birth setting and childbirth options may be appropriate for you.

Rooming in is the practice of the baby staying in the same room with the mother after childbirth, promoting bonding and early personal care of your baby, such as feeding and diaper changes. This family-centered approach also can help you feel more prepared to go home with your infant.

Delayed cord clamping of the umbilical cord allows for an increased transfer of blood from the placenta to the baby, offering potential health benefits to the newborn. While “early” cord clamping occurs within the first 15 to 30 seconds after birth, delayed cord clamping occurs after the first minute. This practice can help promote healthy blood and iron levels. Speak with your provider about this option.

Cord blood is rich in stem cells, and it can be collected and stored for future medical use, should your child develop a serious illness later in life, such as cancer. Cord blood storage is available after birth, and may be used for 20 years or more.

Skin-to-skin contact, also known as the “golden hour,” involves placing the newborn on the mother’s chest immediately after childbirth, which can promote immediate bonding, warmth and comfort and can help initiate breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is encouraged as a natural way to nourish your baby, with health benefits for both mother and infant. Norton Women’s Care offers breastfeeding education and support in the hospital, immediately after birth and throughout the postpartum period.

A hospital birth takes place in a hospital’s labor and delivery unit, where you can choose from a range of childbirth and pain-management options based on your health and preferences. These may include natural or lower-intervention birth, midwife care, movement during labor, a labor tub, nitrous oxide and an epidural. Hospital birth also provides access to advanced obstetrics and pediatric care if you or your baby need it.

A birthing center is a facility designed specifically for labor and delivery and generally provides care for people with low-risk pregnancies who are expected to have uncomplicated births. If you are considering a birthing center, ask about the care available and how transfer to a hospital would be handled if additional medical care becomes necessary.

Certified nurse-midwives provide care and support throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery. They can help you understand your options, support natural or lower-intervention birth and discuss pain-management choices. Midwifery care can be part of a hospital-based birth experience.

Nitrous oxide is one option for managing discomfort during labor. It is inhaled through a mask and may help reduce pain and anxiety while allowing you to remain awake and actively participate in labor. Ask your care team whether nitrous oxide is available where you plan to give birth and whether it is appropriate for you.

A labor tub may provide comfort during labor and can be part of a natural or lower-intervention birth plan. Availability and when you can use a labor tub vary based on the facility, your health and the stage of labor. Talk with your care team about whether water labor is an option for you.

Some people may be able to have a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Whether VBAC is appropriate depends on factors such as your previous C-section, medical history and current pregnancy. Talk with your OB/GYN about the potential benefits and risks and whether VBAC may be an option for you.