Delivery & Childbirth

Birth is both a beautiful and challenging time. Your body undergoes an incredible transformation that allows you to bring your precious newborn into the world. This is why it's essential to have a step-by-step birthing plan in place.

A birthing plan ensures you have a plan of action for when your water breaks and caters for various scenarios. It also outlines what you want for your delivery and thereafter. Dr Moodley is highly skilled in delivering babies through natural and caesarian births and will work with you to establish a detailed plan for when your little one is ready.

Vaginal birth

Vaginal or natural birth is typically straightforward and the most common type of delivery. The baby travels through the cervix and exists the vagina head first, followed by the placenta.

There are 3 stages to vaginal delivery:

  • Labour: You will begin to experience contractions as your cervix dilates. These are irregular at first but become stronger and closer together. This is usually when you receive an epidural.
  • Birth: The delivery of your baby can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. Dr Moodley will be present to assist and support you throughout the process. If there are complications, you may need an emergency caesarian.
  • Placenta: Once the baby is born, the umbilical cord is cut, and Dr Moodley will place them on your chest for skin-to-skin contact. The next stage involves the delivery of the placenta, which moves down the canal with mild contractions.

Caesarian section

The caesarian section (C-section) is quickly becoming a favoured birthing method for its convenience and efficiency. This surgical procedure involves an incision in the abdomen to open the uterus and deliver the baby.

You can plan your caesarian in advance, but in cases where complications arise during vaginal birth, you may need an emergency C-section.

These complications include:

  • Your baby is in the incorrect position
  • You are carrying twins or triplets
  • You have a health issue
  • There's an issue with the umbilical cord
  • Your labour is not progressing

The procedure is done with spinal anaesthesia to keep you awake but numb the lower half of the body. Once the baby is born, the surgeon will stitch the wound and prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.

Recovery for both vaginal birth and caesarian differs from person to person, but Dr Moodley will ensure that you are prepared for recovery and able to care for your baby as well. She will provide exercises and guides to help you on your new journey and in recovery.