The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) released updated recommendations on interventions during labor and delivery for low-risk pregnancies. These suggestions indicate that limited medical intervention methods produce the best outcomes for low-risk pregnancies. The aim is to create more satisfactory birth experiences for women by giving them more control and options during labor and delivery.

Women can labor at home as long as mom and baby are in stable condition with frequent contact and support. You don’t have to rush to the birth center or hospital as soon as you start feeling contractions. You’re likely to be much more comfortable at home, where you have all of your favorite distractions. Baths, massages and other natural coping measures can all help during early labor at home.

One-to-one emotional support is crucial. The ACOG found that women with continuous labor support had a better experience. A support partner during labor and delivery can help you stay calm and focused. This can be anyone you have a trusting relationship with, from your best friend to your spouse to a hired doula.

If your water breaks before you go into labor, there’s no need to panic. We can help monitor the baby and help start the labor process so that you lower your risk of developing an infection (Chorioamnionitis)

We utilize wireless fetal monitoring. This allows you to move around in the room while making sure your baby is being monitored.

Many women prefer to deliver without analgesics or regional anesthesia (epidural). We help coach our patients to help mitigate pain and if needed, an Epidural is available if desired by our patient.

The advantage of having more control and autonomy over your body and labor and delivery can’t be overstated. Studies have shown that women utilizing low-intervention and natural pain coping methods cope better during labor and delivery and are less likely to have C-sections. Knowing that you have options will empower you to make the best decisions for yourself and your baby.

We encourage our patients to develop a birth plan that we can implement as part of their delivery experience.