Digital Book Discontinued Birth Choices v1.1 | Page 12

Options to Consider
There are many specific options to consider for birth, from how your labor begins to the care your
newborn receives after birth. The following provides an overview of important topics which you can
learn more about by taking a childbirth course, reading, researching or by asking your care provider.
Use of Medical Interventions
Because medical induction and interventions
to speed labor are common, such as Pitocin,
consider how and when you want labor to begin
and progress. Discuss policies and procedures
ahead of time with your care provider, including
breaking your water, vaginal exams, induction,
pain medications, etc.
Pushing, Birth, and After Birth
Consider your preferences for the birth itself.
Do you have strong feelings about pushing
instinctively? What position would you prefer?
What are your preferences at birth, including
perineal support, having baby placed skin-to-
skin, timing of cord clamping and options for
controlling bleeding and delivery of the placenta?
You may also want to consider details like who will
cut the cord and who will announce baby’s sex, so
that everyone is aware of your preferences.
Cesarean
Learn about hospital policies and procedures
for cesarean birth, such as how the procedure is
performed, medications used, who can provide
support, your options for holding, bonding and
breastfeeding with baby, and your recovery.
In addition, learn about “family friendly”
options, such as playing your own music, birth
photography, a clear drape to see baby’s birth or
other details that are important to you.
Newborn Care and Procedures
Environment, Policies, and Amenities
Hospitals vary widely in their policies and culture,
including the freedom to move, reception to
doulas, food and drink, visitors, and photography/
video. They also vary in the level of attention they
give to maintaining a quiet, peaceful space and
involving parents in decision-making. It is helpful
to ask about and understand the environment
and policies at your birth place. You should
also identify amenities or equipment that are
important to you, such as a shower/bath/birth
pool or portable fetal monitoring equipment, and
make sure they are available.
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Step 2: Know Your Options and Preferences
You’ll have many options for baby after birth,
including using the nursery or keeping baby with
you and many procedures (vaccines, screenings,
bath, etc.) and their timing.
Rather than using these categories and options
to create a checklist of “must haves,” it is more
beneficial to use them as a guide to help you form
your overall vision and identify the areas that are
most important to you. After giving birth, it is
normal to process the experience by comparing it
to the vision you had prior to giving birth, which
can sometimes lead to strong feelings (positive
or negative). Because of this, it benefits you to
recognize what is most important and which
details are less critical.