Delivery Specialist
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Donna Richey, MD & Julie Oates, CNM
Obstetrics and Gynecologist located in Torrance, CA
When it comes to labor and delivery, board-certified OB/GYN Donna Richey, MD, and her team strive to provide women with the birth story they desire. At her private practice, Dr. Richey and her team have a strong reputation for promoting a natural birth and vaginal delivery in the community of Torrance, California. If you’re looking for a birth team to support the delivery you envision, call her office or book an appointment online today.
Delivery Q&A
What are my delivery options for pregnancy?
Having a birth plan and preparing yourself for what to expect is an important part of pregnancy. Dr. Richey and her team know that each delivery is unique. That’s why they take time to discuss all your delivery options, including:
- Vaginal delivery
- Natural birth
- Cesarean section (C-section)
Vaginal deliveries may or may not involve medication, such as an epidural for pain relief. If you choose a natural birth, that means you prefer minimal to no medications during the labor process.
Dr. Richey and her team are known for supporting natural childbirth and have the lowest rate of C-sections in the hospital.
What should I expect from a vaginal delivery?
Vaginal deliveries occur in three main stages:
Labor
During this phase, your cervix dilates to 10 cm or more. Dr. Richey explains what to look for so you can identify the early stages of labor. You may want to create a labor plan that includes strategies for pain relief.
Pushing and delivering the baby
When your cervix is fully dilated, it’s time to push the baby through the birth canal. Your nurse will work with you and provide coaching to help find the most effective way for you to advance the baby forward. When the baby is near, Dr. Richey provides gentle massage to prevent vaginal laceration as the baby’s head emerges. Routine episiotomy is never performed.
Delivering the placenta
After you deliver your baby, contractions continue as the placenta follows. Dr. Richey assists with this process and examines your uterus to make sure all is well.
When would a Cesarean section be necessary?
You may choose to schedule a Cesarean section ahead of time, or Dr. Richey may need to perform one on an emergency basis. Dr. Richey and her team strive to provide you with the birth story you envision, but the health of you and your baby are paramount.
Reasons you may need a C-section include:
- You’re pregnant with twins or higher-order multiples
- Your baby is in the breech position and can’t be flipped
- You have an infection that may be passed to the baby during vaginal delivery
- The placenta is partly or completely blocking your cervix
If you want the most natural childbirth possible for your unique needs, call the office of Donna Richey, MD, or book an appointment online today.
