Congratulations! You are going to have a baby very soon. Don't be nervous. Finding answers to your questions will help put you at ease.
1.Who can I have in the delivery room or birthing suite with me?
2.Can I change my mind about pain relief?
If you have decided to give birth without the aid of pain medication, ask the labor and delivery nurse if it is possible to change those instructions later, if it becomes necessary.Find out at what point it is too late to receive medication, and make sure you can continue without it before you pass the point of no return.
3.Will any of the medications I'm given affect or harm my baby?
Most medications will have some effect on the baby, but most medications given during labor and delivery are made especially for such occasions.If you are concerned, ask for medications with the fewest side effects for both baby and you.
4.Can I move around freely during labor?
Sitting up, squatting, or walking may aid in accelerating labor and in helping keep you more comfortable.As long as your water has not yet broken, and there are no other complications, there should be no problem.Some doctors and hospitals still prefer to keep laboring women in bed, so find out if this is the case or not.
5.When is the next shift change?
Find out when the nurse is scheduled to go off duty and be replaced.Some nurses will stay through the entire process until the baby is born, but if not, you need to know so you can mentally prepare yourself to begin working with someone new.
6.When will the doctor show up?
At what point will the nurse contact your doctor so he can arrive in time for the birth?Is there another doctor available if your obstetrician is delayed?
7.Is there somewhere for my husband or coach to sleep if labor lasts overnight?
You obviously don't want your husband or coach to leave, but you don't want him to be groggy from sitting up all night when the big moment arrives.Sleeping arrangements are usually available, but you may need to find out how the sofa pulls out into a sleeper, or inquire as to where sheets and bedding are stored.Tidy "homelike" birthing rooms often hide things away out of site in order to make mom more comfortable.
8.Will my spouse or coach be allowed to cut the umbilical cord?
Many hospitals encourage this practice, but if it is something the daddy is really looking forward to, it is best to make sure it is allowed.
9.Does the hospital or birthing center allow "rooming in"?
Many hospitals encourage the practice of rooming in, especially for nursing mothers.Rooming in allows you to keep your baby in your room where you will provide his or her care, rather than having baby cared for in the nursery.
10.If I choose to room in, what happens if I am simply too exhausted to care for my baby properly?
There are times, especially when labor has been long and intense, where a mother finds herself too physically and emotionally drained to care for her baby immediately.If you feel this way, do not get upset about it.It is quite normal to be worn out after giving birth, and there is nothing wrong with letting the available trained professionals care for you baby, until you have had a little time to recuperate.
Never be embarrassed about asking questions.Ask everything you need to know, and make sure you receive solid answers.
