A certified nurse-midwife, Barbara Bechtel’s industry experience includes serving as head nurse for labor and delivery in an established hospital, a university nursing instructor, and a director of a birthing center. Barbara Bechtel owns and operates Dahlia Midwifery in Brooklyn, New York. Her encompassing range of services includes attending to births in clients’ homes.
For mothers intending to undergo home births, preparatory steps are needed for safe delivery. The first is to choose trained health care providers for assistance. This includes a midwife, a certified nurse-midwife, or a practicing obstetrician within a regulated health system with working relationships with specialists at a concurring hospital.
Develop a birth plan in collaboration with the health care provider. This includes if labor is in a tub, procedures to handle pain, and immediate breastfeeding after delivery. Taken into consideration are supplies required, such as protective floor coverings. Ensure that transportation is available. Discuss with the health care provider the conditions that might require transferring to a hospital and how this influences the birthing plan.
For mothers intending to undergo home births, preparatory steps are needed for safe delivery. The first is to choose trained health care providers for assistance. This includes a midwife, a certified nurse-midwife, or a practicing obstetrician within a regulated health system with working relationships with specialists at a concurring hospital.
Develop a birth plan in collaboration with the health care provider. This includes if labor is in a tub, procedures to handle pain, and immediate breastfeeding after delivery. Taken into consideration are supplies required, such as protective floor coverings. Ensure that transportation is available. Discuss with the health care provider the conditions that might require transferring to a hospital and how this influences the birthing plan.