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Ask A Midwife

Q. Pat,

I am wanting to have a completely natural childbirth...However I am > concerned about the health of my baby and my carrying the Herpes virus...Is > this possible or am I most definitely looking at a ceserian delivery?

Thank > you,
Cindy

A. Congratulations on wanting to strive for a Natural Childbirth. A history of Herpes does not automatically mean a Cesarean birth. Many providers offer an anti viral medication starting around 36-37 weeks, which helps to prevent you from having an outbreak. Watching your diet is also important. Seek out a provider that will help you prepare for the birth experience you want. Check out the handout on our CNM Web Site: For and About Women, it is a nice handout there about how to decrease herpes outbreaks. If you need further information, let me know.

Pat Sonnenstuhl is a semi-retired nurse midwife with over 30 years of experience in health care (first as an RN, then as an ARNP, CNM). She has experience with hospital nursing/midwifery and home and birth center midwifery.

Two areas of special interest to her are GBS and nutrition.

She is about empowerment, and helping folks find their own answers, what is right for them, not what is right for her. But, she wants you well informed.