While there are a number of different types of childbirth, they all share the common goal of delivering a healthy baby. It is important that you fully understand your options, benefits, and risks involved in each of these birthing types. While it is our ultimate goal to ensure your birth goes according to your wishes, our teams may need to make adjustments depending on how your body and baby are functioning during labour and delivery.
Vaginal Births
Most individuals deliver their baby through a vaginal birth. During a vaginal birth your uterus will contract, tighten and relax, to help push the baby out. In some circumstances, the doctor may need to use special equipment or techniques to help the baby out. You should discuss these techniques with your pregnancy care provider during your prenatal visits so that you are comfortable ahead of time in case they are required.
Water Births and Water Immersion
Water births are performed under the supervision of a registered midwife. If you are working with a midwife, you will have the option to have a waterbirth here in the hospital. In the hospital a waterbirth can be done in one of two special delivery rooms that are equipped with a permanent tub. If you are considering a waterbirth at our KGH site, you should contact your midwife who will review eligibility criteria and other considerations.
Water immersion (using a tub while in labour for comfort or pain relief, but getting out before delivery) is available to all patients who meet the eligibility criteria regardless of your care provider. Please speak with your care provider to see if you are a candidate for water immersion.
The tubs are available on a first-come-first-serve basis and cannot be reserved in advance. Please note there is a $10 fee for disposable items (drain plug and debris net) for use in the tub. Patients can pay at the care station on Connell 5, please bring exact change or credit card. For more information on Water Birth and Water Immersion, please read our brochure.
Caesarean Births
At KHSC, about one out of every four births are done by Caesarean Section (C-section), and we encourage your partner or support person to be with you during your C-section (as long as you are awake for the procedure). A C-section may be planned or unplanned.
Planned C-section: You will receive a call from the hospital the day before your procedure to inform you what time to come to the hospital. You should come to the Labour and Delivery unit on Connell 5 on the day of your operation. Once you are admitted, you will consult with our anesthesia team to determine what pain management will be safe and effective for you.
Please note - if you require a caesarean, you will be asked to fast (not eat) before this procedure. This means:
- You cannot eat solid food after mid-night,
- You may drink clear fluids up to 5 a.m. the day of your procedure. Examples of clear fluids include water, fruit juices (without pulp), carbonated beverages, clear tea and black coffee. Please do not drink any milk or dairy products after midnight (including in your tea or coffee), and do not chew gum or eat candies before your procedure.
If you do not meet these fasting requirements your procedure may be delayed or rescheduled.
Unplanned C-section: This may be done when your labour is not going as planned or there is a concern for you or your baby’s health. An epidural or spinal anaesthesia is usually used for this operation, however in some cases you may have to be put to sleep with a general anesthetic for the procedure.
For more information on caesarean births, please read our brochure.
