Having birth preferences is not a necessity, however, they can be helpful in an hurried situation. Your partner or doula would benefit to know that you do not want narcotics and would remind you of that if a nurse should offer you some while you're writhing in pain. Writing them down alongside your birth partner is also a way to get the conversation flowing about what is anticipated. Many men simply show up to the birth of their child not really knowing what their partner wants or needs.
One client wanted music for her labor and birth. The couple were all set up with their iPod's and docking stations. The husband even drove home to get the dock. In the end, she couldn't have cared less. I remember asking her if she wanted the music turned up and she said, "No, just turn it off."
Things to think about when deciding on birth preferences:
- Music - would you like music? What do you think you would you like to hear?
- Lights - dim, bright
- Smell - aromatherapy
- Sight - a focal picture, a familiar item from home (if in a hospital setting) like a blanket or your child's favorite toy (if you have another child)
- Taste - I know a mama who ate Pop Rocks while in labor. It took her mind off the pain for moments at a time.
- Who is going to cut the cord? Delayed cord clamping?
- Will the cord blood be saved or donated? (Some hospitals, like Milford Regional Medical Center do not have a donation program there, but will follow a donation bank's procedures to procure the blood. Then a courier from the donation program will come and collect the blood. And it's FREE.)
- Would you like to utilize a birthing ball or laboring tub, provided the hospital has them?
- Do you want to be monitored continuously with the fetal monitor?
- Do you want pitocin or for your water bag to be broken if it has not already done so?
- Would you like narcotics or an epidural?
- Do you want to wear your own nightgown or a hosptial johnny?
No comments:
Post a Comment