What is a forceps delivery?

We have all been there.. The three page birth plan, the non-negotiable birth visions. And I am all for it! This is how we create our dream birth right? And so often it all works out to plan, our babies arrive calmly in our arms after the perfect waterbirth. Or after an epidural and some sleep - whichever one is your jam!

But what happens when things don’t go to plan? What is forceps? What does it mean to get some help to deliver our baby?

What is forceps?

Forceps, also known as assisted or instrumental birth, can be used when midwives or doctors believe your baby’s head need guidance through the birth canal. As you can see on image above - they look like a pair of salad tongs which are inserted then placed around the baby’s head.

Why is forceps used?

Usually it is used when a mum has been pushing for a while and the baby is either in distress or in a position which is not favorable. It can also be used if a mumma has been pushing for a long time and her own body is exhausted and/or contractions has slowed down.

Does forceps = bad birth?

I had the pleasure of working alongside Janine O’Brien who has been in the nursing & midwifery care since 1999 and has cared for countless women on the Northern Beaches and beyond.

I interviewed her recently and this was her own thoughts on the matter.

“In my professional opinion I have seen beautiful forceps births with an obstetrican working in partnership with the woman and listening to her needs. There have been times when an episiotomy is not done and the woman still had an intact perineum. The warm compress, a study done by Prof Hannah Dahlen, does help aswell” - Janine O’Brien Midwife

Have you had a forceps delivery? I would love to hear your thoughts and experience!

x Michaela