Labor Interventions

Interventions in labor can be a way to help achieve a vaginal delivery. When used appropriately, they are excellent tools to help women in labor.

q I would like an explanation for all interventions recommended.

q I am OK with and understand the idea of the doctors “breaking my bag of water” if it is warranted.

q I would like to avoid pitocin but will consider the idea if recommended by the physicians, as necessary.

q Other: .

Pushing

When it’s time to push, I would like to: q Do so instinctively. q Be coached on when to push and for how long. q Be allowed to progress naturally as long as my baby and I are doing fine.

I would like to try the following positions for pushing (and birth): q Semi-reclining. q Side-lying position. q Squatting. q Hands and knees. q Whatever feels right at the time. q Recognize that with an epidural, pushing in the above positions may not be possible. q Other: .

Vaginal Birth

During delivery, I would like: q To view the birth using a mirror. q To touch my baby’s head as it crowns. q The room to be as quiet as possible. q To give birth without an episiotomy (these are very rarely done at LLU Children’s Hospital, and we will discuss if it is necessary). q Other:

Postpartum pitocin is routinely given to prevent postpartum hemorrhage; please discuss if you have concerns with this.

I understand that operative vaginal delivery is a possible way to help me avoid a c-section, and if it is offered, I will be given information regarding the reason along with the risks, benefits and alternatives.

After birth, I would like: q Delayed cord clamping. q My partner to cut the umbilical cord. q My baby placed skin-to-skin on my chest immediately after birth if baby and I are both stable. q To keep my baby in uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact on my chest until after the first breastfeeding, putting off any procedures that are not urgent. q To breastfeed as soon as possible (we are a Baby-Friendly Hospital). q Other: .

Cesarean Delivery

If I have a cesarean section, I would like: q My partner present at all times during the operation. q The screen lowered or clear drapes used so I can see my baby being delivered. q My baby placed skin-to-skin on my chest in the OR as soon as possible if baby and I are both stable. q To keep my baby in uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact on my chest until after the first breastfeeding. q My baby given to my partner to hold as soon as possible after birth. q Other:

Cord Blood Banking

I am planning to: q Donate cord blood to a public bank. q Bank cord blood privately. q Neither.

Postpartum

After delivery, I would like: q All newborn procedures to take place in my presence when possible. q My partner to stay with the baby at all times if I can’t be there. q Other:

Feeding

I plan to: q Breastfeed exclusively. q Formula feed exclusively. q Both breastfeed and give formula.

Lactation Consultation

I would like the help of a lactation consultant: q As soon as possible. q Before I go home. q As needed.

Circumcision

If my baby is a boy: q I want him to be circumcised at the hospital. q I will have him circumcised later. q I do not want him circumcised.

Discharge

I would like to: q Be discharged from the hospital with my baby as soon as possible. q Stay at the hospital as long as possible. q Wait and see how I feel before deciding about the timing of hospital discharge.