How to Make Decisions During Labour

Written by Jana Angeles

Every mother dreams of a smooth process when it comes to giving birth to their baby, however, this is not the case for some. While most mothers intend on giving birth naturally, they may end up undergoing a different procedure, something that they did not plan or prepare for. While it is easy to make decisions prior to your baby being born, it’s important that you and your partner sit down and think about how you will make decisions during the labour process.

Decision-making isn’t an easy task and sometimes you’ll need to work together and reach a compromise. While you are in labour, you may find it hard to make a logical decision because you are in pain or feeling the pressure of giving birth to the baby. Even if you do feel like this, it’s important to know that you and your partner are still able to make effective decisions. With the right steps, both of you will hopefully reach the stage where you’ll agree with each other, despite the time-sensitive nature labour can be. Here are some ways in which both you and your partner can decide what to do when the delivery of your baby isn’t what was planned:

Understand the information that has been given to you

When you discuss with medical staff your options, it can get complicated if they use terms you don’t understand. It’s important that you are informed properly without the ambiguous terms. If you are choosing the next steps on what to do to improve the chances of a safe delivery, make sure you ask the questions you need to get answered before moving forward with a medical procedure recommended by the medical staff taking care of you.

Know the benefits and risks of a procedure

While there are benefits to a procedure, you should understand the risks involved. The situation becomes a bit more complex when you have to consider both to make an informed decision. It’s okay to feel the pressure while doing this because medical staff may want to continue with a procedure quickly for the sake of your baby’s health as well as your own. Discuss with your partner if you want to continue with a procedure and weigh in on both the benefits and the risks involved.

Ask if there are alternatives

You may feel worried about a procedure and it may be one you wanted to avoid. However, this is up to the medical team and they know what’s best for you and the baby during the delivery process. However, do keep in mind that you can ask if there are any alternatives which may be available rather than going ahead with a procedure you didn’t want in the first place. It’s okay to

feel concerned about your health and the baby’s. You’ll never know about the alternatives unless you ask.

Follow your instincts

Your instincts are normally right when it comes to decision-making. No matter what people say, your gut can really tell you whether or not something feels right or wrong. It can be difficult trying to justify this with your partner if they are concerned about something and don’t particularly agree with a decision you have made. Prior to the birth of your baby, it’s recommended that you sit down with your partner and encourage them to follow their gut feeling when it comes to deciding on the next steps. It’s best to prepare them as soon as possible instead of later.

Ask about the possible outcomes if you do nothing

Maybe you don’t have to do a medical procedure after all, however, this just depends on your situation. Ask the medical staff taking care of you on what would be the possible outcomes if you don’t accept a procedure and just do nothing. Just keep in mind that the medical staff taking care of you want your best interest. However, they will need to step in if an emergency arises. You can’t make that call if both of your lives are in danger.

Making decisions during labour is no easy task for any parent. It can be stressful and the pressure can get a bit overwhelming. Just remember to take it easy and do your best to understand what’s going on and the information being shared to you when you’re in the delivery room. Justify the benefits and risks of a procedure but also consider what your gut instinct says. Nothing in life goes as planned so be patient and listen to the medical staff, remembering they have your best interests at heart when it comes to you and the baby’s health.