Decisions to Consider for Hospital Births...

When I became pregnant and really began researching, asking questions, and talking with other moms, I was overwhelmed at just how little I knew about having a hospital birth. There are so many decisions that need to be made, and will be made for you, unless you voice otherwise. 

My husband and I hired a doula (more information on doulas coming soon!) that helped us navigate all of the "unwritten rules" of hospital births and what our options were. Through many intense hours upon hours of research, we were able to make the best possible decisions for the birth of our daughter. By taking the time to investigate all of the benefits, risks, and options available, I was prepared, confident, and ready for the birth of my daughter.

A few hours after giving birth to my beautiful daughter - The best moment of my life!

I wanted to compile a small list of some decisions that you have the right to, should you so choose. Some of the items are minuscule ("wardrobe"), while others are a little more significant (how much blood your baby will receive before the umbilical cord is cut).

Take your time talking with other parents, your doctor or midwife, and do your own research to decide what is important for you, your family, and the birth of your baby.

Hospital Gown: You can wear whatever you wish, so long as they have access to what they need. I purchased this one.

Nurses and Doctors:  If you're not comfortable with those assisting you, you can request other nurses or doctors (as long as they are available).

Fetal Monitoring: Most hospitals will do continuous monitoring, but this is not necessary unless there is a problem with you or the baby. Look into ACOG Standards of Care.

Heparin Lock (Saline Lock) vs IV: IV will be given unless specified otherwise. More information can be found here.

Pushing Positions During Birth: Doctors will typically have you lie flat on your back but this is not necessarily the best position for you and the baby. However, you will not be given an option if you receive an epidural. Learn more here.

Epidural (and other pain medications): Once requested, an IV is started and intravenous fluids are given. Mother is confined to bed, and has placed on her: electronic fetal monitor, automatic blood pressure cuff, electrodes to monitor heart rate, and a catheter to empty bladder. Learn about epidurals, benefits, and risks here.

Episiotomy vs Perineal Massage: Something to consider for vaginal births.

Circumcisions: If having a boy, yes or no? The risks and benefits are something to look into. You can find some information here.

Umbilical Cord Clamping and Cutting - Who will do it and when? It's typically clamped and cut immediately, but you can choose to wait until it stops pulsating and all blood has been transferred to your baby. Find more information here.

Vitamin K Shot: If, when, and how? This is a preventative measure to protect infants from internal bleeding if there is insufficient amounts of Vitamin K in the blood stream. You can find more information here, as well as risks and benefits.

Hepatitis B Shot: If, when, and how? Hepatitis B is transmitted through the blood and contracted through unprotected sex, intravenous drug use, or passed through from the infected mother. Some information can be found here.

Erythromycin Treatment for Eyes: Yes or no? The only way for a newborn to contract the disease that this prevents is if the mother is infected with chlamydia or gonorrhea."If the mother does not have chlamydia or gonorrhea, then the newborn cannot catch it. Also, if a baby is born by C-section and if the mom’s water never broke before surgery, then it is extremely unlikely that the baby could catch ON" (Source). 
 
This is just a guide to help you navigate your way through a hospital birth. Having a baby is the most wonderful miracle in the world, and as parents, we all try to do our best with what information we have. I hope this helps to give you a starting point of things to consider, and empowers you to be in control of your baby's birth.

"If I don’t know my options, I don’t have any.” ~ Diana Korte

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