If you are newly pregnant, you may be wondering where the best place for you to give birth in Kansas City would be. We are so lucky to have such phenomenal care providers in every sector in Kansas City so we have put together a quick benefits and risks check list for you to help you decide what would be the best location for you. Take a look and fill out our contact sheet so we can help walk with you as you make this important decision!

Planned Hospital birth - Benefits

immediate access to emergency care for high-risk pregnancies
ready access to medical pain relief
no transport required if complications arise

Planned Hospital birth - Risks

higher chance of unnecessary interventions during labor
more likely to be induced or have labor augmented
more routine interventions, such as IV fluids and continuous fetal monitoring
restricted eating during labor
typically less patient choice
limited or no availability of hydrotherapy

Planned Homebirth - Benefits

lower risk of obstetrical intervention
prenatal care focused on holistic, individual care for the whole person
more autonomy, less protocol
ability to have anyone desired be present at birth
recovery in the comfort of home
postpartum visits at home

Planned Homebirth - Risks

emergency care may require transport
no access to epidural or medical pain relief should these be desired
complications arising during labor may require transport
planned homebirth with a first baby may pose slightly higher risk than planned hospital birth

Obstetricians vs. Midwives

OB’s are trained surgeons, midwives are experts in normal
Midwives tend to take a more natural, whole-person approach to pregnancy and birth
care with an OB is generally routine, while a midwife offers more individual attention
all appointments with an OB take place in an office or hospital setting, midwives typically offer some appointments in the home
OB’s may perform high level interventions such as C-section, while a midwife must transfer care if complications arise
Midwives offer more face to face time during labor, OB’s are usually only present for the pushing phase

References:

Howland, G. (2017). The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth. Gallery Books.

Howland, G. (2023) Is a Water Birth Right for You? https://www.mamanatural.com/water-birth/

The Birthplace Cohort Study: Key Findings. https://www.npeu.ox.ac.uk/birthplace/results

Mar 12, 2024

Breastfeeding During Illness

Every new mom can tell you that getting sick and having to take care of a baby are two things that should never go together! There is nothing worse than trying to care for yourself and your baby at the same time. This predicament can be made even worse when you are breastfeeding. There can be fear of passing the illness on to the baby and making sure you are taking care of yourself is crucial. Here are some steps and ideas to utilize when sick and breastfeeding.

Benefits and Risks of Different Birth Settings

Dec 16, 2021

Goldie's Birth

One of my dreams has always been to have a peaceful, beautiful home birth where I can give birth in the water and immediately snuggle up with baby in my bed! That was the plan for three years as we tried and tried to get pregnant with Goldie. Finally in January of 2021 we found out that we were pregnant again and I immediately texted my midwife with the news. The 10 months of pregnancy flew by and soon it was my due date, september 25th! We had everything set up and I was getting so excited as I would be the first of my sisters to give birth to one of the fab four. Nothing happened for five full days after my due date. Finally on the morning of the 29th I started contracting at 7:30 AM. I was so excited because with Fred, I started contractions at 7 and had a baby by 2:30! I just knew that that would be the case here to

Jul 30, 2021

Hiring A Doula During Covid

So you are pregnant and want to hire a doula, congratulations!

We are also currently living during a worldwide pandemic that doesn’t seem to be interested in slowing down or cooling off.

We are as frustrated as you are!

Mar 23, 2021

So You Are Having Twins?

Conceiving and growing two (or more!) babies at once rather than one is a pretty big deal. There are two tiny humans inside of you, which means your body is responsible for the development and health of double what a singleton Mom is responsible for. Is this a reason to panic?

Feb 1, 2021

What Is In A Doula Certification?

I have a few people each month contact me in search of the best doula certification to embark on their journey in becoming a doula. We also have clients ask us every now and then “what is your certification and why was it the one you chose?” I want to spell out doula certifications for you in this blog to help everyone better understand what it is, what it looks like and how we get to where we are.

Jan 6, 2021

ABC's of Pregnancy: K is for Kegels

In the most basic sense, kegel exercises are a workout for your pelvic floor. They help prevent incontinense issues and other pelvic floor problems. Childbirth is one of the main ways that weaken our pelvic floor so keeping it strong is so important.

Dec 18, 2020

What Is In Person Sleep Coaching?

One of our favorite services at My KC Doula is the in person sleep coaching. There is nothing quite like the gift of sleep for new parents and babies alike.