Birth Philosophy: I am not a hero! A medicated birth is most desirable to me. Furthermore, I can and will go with the flow based on whatever the staff believes are medically necessary or suggested actions as long as they are discussed with me as appropriate.

Sharing of Medical Information: Professionally, I am a scientist holding a Masters degree in Biology. I have always had an interest in all things medical and, although I don’t presume to know what the staff knows by experience, I am very capable and interested in knowing the medical details of all things happening with myself and my baby. Therefore I would like the administration of drugs and medical procedures, complications, and my progress throughout the experience explained to me as things are done. I do not wish for the medical staff to withhold explanation or ‘dumb it down’ a great deal because I am not a medical practitioner. If I do not understand, I will ask questions. My spouse, on the other hand, has much less of an understanding and will need more guidance if asked to make decisions for me if I am not able.

People: The only people I would like in the delivery room are the medical staff and my husband.

Epidural: I would like an epidural as soon as possible when the staff feels it is appropriate. I understand I will feel some pain before this can occur but I do not wish to delay it once it is warranted.

Monitors: I wish to have monitors visible to me so that I may see what is happening. I wish the staff to explain to me how myself/baby are doing when they are doing checks.

Medical Intervention:

§ I am open to having my membranes ruptured to speed up labor.

§ I am open to having pitocin if it is necessary to speed up labor.

§ I would rather have an episiotomy than tear.

§ I am open to other necessary procedures as long as they are discussed with me.

Anti Nausea Medications: From experience I know that Reglan makes me agitated and very uncomfortable. Please do not give me this drug. On the other hand I do not deal well with nausea and would like to be medicated with an anti-nausea medication that is not likely to have the same side effects as Reglan.

Mirror: I would like a mirror present so that I may witness my pushing progress and the birth.

Birth:

• My husband, Edward, would like to cut the cord.
• I would like it if the baby is held up for me to see immediately after birth and then wrapped up or wiped off prior to handing to me.

C-Section:

• If the staff feels it is any way necessary for the safety of the baby or myself I am fine with a c-section. If a c-section is starting to seem like it is probable I do not wish to delay and take a wait and see approach.
• In the event of a C-section I would like my spouse with me at all times.
• I would like the events of the surgery explained to me as it is performed.

Cord Blood Banking:

After the Birth:

• I would like the baby to be as near as possible after the birth (in the room with us as soon as possible)

Breastfeeding:

• I do plan on breastfeeding. I am not sure about direct breast contact or solely pumping. I will give direct feeding a try first.
• I would like more information and assistance with breastfeeding.

Other:

• I would like to know how soon I have the option to shower after delivery.
• I may wish to limit visitors especially immediately after delivery. Please check with me before I start receiving visitors.

Postpardum Pain Management: Narcotics like Vicodin make me very nauseated. I would like to attempt handle the after pain of delivery/C-section with drugs like Advil, Motrin, and Tylenol and not be given drugs that may cause nausea unless the pain is severe.