Obstetrics
labour
Dr Allen respects a woman’s right to choose the method of her delivery. If you wish to aim for a vaginal birth then he will support you fully in this choice. Similarly, if you choose to have an elective Caesarean Section he will support you fully in this choice.
It is important to recognize the signs of labour so that you will know when you are experiencing the "real thing." If this is your first baby, you will most likely experience lightening (the descent of the baby's head into your pelvis) sooner than women who have already had other children. Typically, the signs of labour include uterine contractions, tightening of your stomach, and cramps in your low back. About two thirds of women experience these tightening before their waters break. About one third will notice fluid leaking out first. If you are unsure about what is happening, don’t forget that the Mater Mothers’ Private Midwives are available 24 hours a day on 3163 2504 to answer any questions.
Dr Allen has chosen to deliver babies only at the Mater Mothers’ Private Hospital because he feels this is the safest environment for both Mother and Baby. If all is going well then you should be able to experience labour the way you wish. The benefit of having a baby at the Mater is that you can have a very “low-tech” birth if you wish, knowing that all the best equipment, services and staff are immediately available, if required. The Mater has operating theatres close by, Anaesthetists on standby and Paediatrician available. There is also a Level 3 (the highest level) Intensive Care Nursery, if required.
You may also be interested in taking childbirth preparation classes, which teach coping methods for labour and delivery, and helps guide new parents in the many decisions they will make before and during the birth process. One of the things you may be most concerned with is the amount of pain you may experience during labour. Childbirth is different for all women, and no one can predict how much pain you will have. During the labour process, your midwife or Dr Allen will ask you if you need pain relief, and will help you decide what option is the best for you. Your options may include a local or intravenous analgesic (pain relieving drug), an epidural (injection which blocks pain in the lower part of your body), spinal anaesthesia (used when the delivery will require forceps), or a pudendal block (numbs the vulva, vagina and anus during the second stage of labour and during delivery). |
