Focus on vaginal birth
Fertility consultations at Genea Hollywood Fertility
Vaginal childbirth
A positive, life-affirming experience
As a Perth Obstetrician my preferred method of delivery, barring some obvious situations, is vaginal birth. This has always been one of the drivers for me to choose this speciality: the magic of childbirth as nature wants it. The experience of vaginal delivery is amazing. So that is why I use my skills to help you get the positive, life-affirming experience that most women and their partners hope for.
Risks of a vaginal birth
“Bleeding can occur after a vaginal delivery but this is usually less than the bleeding at caesarean section. Major bleeding is rare. Your risk of infection is also lower after a vaginal delivery than after a Caesarean birth.”
"Forceps are more likely to damage a mother’s pelvic floor than spontaneous delivery or vacuum. I very, very rarely use forceps."
Vaginal birth after pregnancy loss
“If you have had a previous late pregnancy loss and are going to be delivered earlier, at 36 or 37 weeks for example, your baby is much less likely to end up in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) if delivered vaginally.”
If your baby does still need NICU admission you will be able to see your baby in the nursery on the way to the postnatal ward which is not possible after a Caesarean. This keeping mothers and babies together is important.
Home birth, water birth?
An unhurried, relaxed labour experience
“Your baby is an active partner in your birth experience. At the forefront of my mind at all times in your pregnancy, but especially during delivery, is the health and wellbeing of your baby. I want your little person to grow into the best adult they can be.”
"St John of God Subiaco Hospital provides an unhurried, relaxed labour ward experience. It also has world class fetal monitoring facilities, where I can monitor your baby’s health in labour at all times."
"As an example of my commitment to vaginal birth - and to my knowing - I am the only private Obstetrician in Perth who regularly uses fetal scalp sampling to assess a baby’s well being in labour. "
Using a meditative technique like hypnobirthing can be very effective
Vaginal delivery after a previous Caesarean section
VBAC: Discussing your future pregnancy
Vaginal twin delivery
Giving birth to twins vaginally
"Vaginal delivery of twins is a little riskier than the delivery of just one baby at a time. This risk is mostly to the second baby. That said, with some simple rules vaginal twin delivery can be done safely and enjoyably."
Advanced maternal age and vaginal childbirth
Yes, you can have a vaginal birth as an older mum
Immunisations during and after pregnancy
Vaccines before and after your delivery
"One third of babies who have an intracranial bleed because of vitamin K deficiency at birth will have permanent disability. Vitamin K at birth is simply essential."
If you are non-immune to Rubella you will receive a booster after delivery, before going home. As a live, weakened virus, Rubella cannot be given during pregnancy but boosting immunity prior to your next pregnancy is important.
During your pregnancy, you will be offered an Influenza vaccine as pregnant women are at risk for severe Influenza pneumonia. You will also be offered Whooping Cough vaccination late in the pregnancy, to boost your own immune system’s level of antibodies for whooping cough. The vaccine will come through your breast milk and help your baby if exposed between birth and 2 months, which is when the first routine baby vaccinations start.
