Know your birthing options

Natural birth used to be the only natural conclusion to a pregnancy. However, modern technology and modern times have given women a lot more options.

The ability to choose can be liberating - women now have a say in where they give birth, who they would like as a birth companion or healthcare specialist, the type of pain relief and even how the baby will be born.

The danger of so many choices though, is that often, caesarean birth is recommended or chosen for convenience. Natural birth can, after all, be unpredictable. In a modern age where we plan and schedule everything, the idea of a scheduled, predictable caesarean birth can be appealing to both mom-to-be and the healthcare specialist. Make sure that as the mom-to-be you are
educated about all the available options as well as the financial implications of your decision. Consider the pros and cons of any of the choices: the risks involved as well as the physical and emotional recovery time as a new mom.

Be aware of the costs involved
In 2014, the GEMS Maternity Programme has introduced a uniform reimbursement rate of R3 500 for caesarian and non caesarian (natural) delivery under the In-hospital Specialist and GP Benefits across all options.The birthing choice may therefore lead to you having a co-payment.

Contact the GEMS Maternity Programme on 0860 00 4367 for more information, advice and support.