Giving Birth on Guam: A Guide for Parents-to-Be on the Island

For expectant parents living on Guam, navigating your birthing options can feel both exciting and overwhelming! Whether you’re stationed here with the military or are local to the island, knowing the available choices can help you feel empowered as you plan your birth. From hospital deliveries to home births, Guam offers several paths to welcoming your little one.

Here’s a breakdown of the key birthing options in Guam and what you can expect with each.

Hospital Births in Guam

The two main hospitals offering maternity care on the island are Guam Memorial Hospital and Naval Hospital Guam (for military families). Both facilities provide medical support and offer standard hospital-based birth services.

Guam Memorial Hospital

Guam Memorial Hospital is a civilian facility that serves local residents and is available to everyone. The hospital provides access to obstetricians, midwives, and nurses trained to assist with labor and delivery. For parents seeking medical interventions like epidurals or who may have higher-risk pregnancies, Guam Memorial offers the necessary medical support.

Pros:

Access to epidurals and other pain management options.
Medical staff on standby for emergencies or complications.

Cons:

Hospital protocols may limit flexibility with birth plans.
Limited privacy or ability to create a home-like environment.

Naval Hospital Guam

For military families stationed on the island, Naval Hospital Guam offers similar services to mainland military hospitals. This facility is equipped to handle labor and delivery for active-duty families and their dependents.

Pros:

Medical staff experienced in supporting military families.
Access to epidurals and cesarean sections when needed.
Strong postpartum support for new parents.

Cons:

Limited options for non-traditional birthing plans, such as water births or natural birthing environments.
Strict military protocols that might not align with your preferences for a more personalized experience.

For both hospitals, parents who prefer a more traditional medical setting with the option for pain relief and immediate access to specialists will likely feel most comfortable here.

Home Births in Guam

For those seeking a more natural or holistic approach to birth, home births are a viable option in Guam.

Pros:

Comfort of being in your own home, surrounded by familiar surroundings.
More freedom to move, eat, and labor in different positions without hospital restrictions.
Birth worker or doula-led support for a natural birth experience.
Can see medical providers concurrently while planning home birth.

Cons:

Limited access to medical interventions (e.g., epidurals, emergency C-sections).
In the event of complications, transfer to a hospital may be necessary, which could increase stress during labor.

For parents interested in home births, educating yourself prenatally and having a detailed backup plan is essential. I highly recommend childbirth education, watching birth videos, having self-care prenatal sessions at home, and hiring a doula for support. You can also choose a half-and-half approach- see a medical provider while planning to labor at home as long as possible.

Doula Support for Your Birth in Guam

Whether you choose a hospital or home birth, having a doula can make a significant difference in your birthing experience. Doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. We are advocates for your birth plan and can help you feel more empowered, regardless of where you give birth.

Why hire a doula:

Continuous support during labor, which has been shown to reduce the likelihood of C-sections and interventions.
Help navigating birth preferences, especially in a hospital setting.
Emotional reassurance, hands-on comfort techniques, and advocacy during labor.

Military Families and Home Births

If you're a military family on Guam, you might wonder about the feasibility of a home birth while stationed here. It’s important to note that TRICARE, the military's health insurance, covers some home birth services, though this depends on your coverage and the providers available on the island. Tricare does cover Birth Doula services as of January 1, 2025, however, coverage is limited to parents delivering at Guam Memorial Hospital.

As of September 2024, there are no medical providers available on island for home birth support. Doula support is available, though it is essential to note that doulas do not offer any medical interventions or advice. This applies in any emergency situation as well as planned home births. If a Doula does attend an unassisted home birth, they are strictly present for emotional and physical comfort measures.

Making the Right Choice for Your Family

Choosing where and how to give birth is deeply personal, and it’s essential to weigh the options that align with your values, health needs, and comfort level. Whether you’re drawn to the security of a hospital birth or the personalized care of a home birth, Guam provides a range of choices for welcoming your baby into the world.

If you’re interested in exploring your birthing options further, consider scheduling consultations with local midwives, doulas, or hospital staff to ask questions and get a feel for which path is right for you. You can also find more information on prenatal and postpartum support options in Guam on my resources page!

Final Thoughts

Birthing on Guam can be a rewarding experience, although options are limited for parents-to-be. Take the time to explore each option, communicate with your care providers, and build a birthing plan that makes you feel confident and prepared for this transformative journey!

Would you like more information about doula services in Guam? Sublime Motherhood is here to help guide you every step of the way, offering personalized support tailored to your birthing preferences.

Warmly,

Lyndsay

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