Question: How do I get a birth certificate for my baby?

Answer:

I will provide you with the necessary paperwork.  You will be instructed in the steps you will need to take to obtain a birth certificate.  You will also be able to obtain a Social Security card once you receive the legal birth certificate.

Question: What do you do if something happens and I need to go to the hospital?

Answer:

Mercy Medical Center in Redding and St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Red Bluff both have obstetricians on call 24 hours a day.  In the event of a medical emergency, you would be transported to a hospital.  I would accompany you and assist in your transition of care.  I would provide your follow-up care following hospitalization.

Question: What types of equipment do you have if an emergency occurs?

Answer:

I have oxygen and a resuscitator.  These are used for babies that are not breathing spontaneously at birth.  I have IV equipment and medications that can be used if the mother has uncontrolled bleeding following delivery.  In the event a problem arises in birthing, these two problems are the most commonly encountered.

Question: How long will you stay with me after my baby is born?

Answer:

Each situation is unique.  If everything has gone normally and you and your baby are stable, I remain with you for a minimum of two hours. If your labor has been difficult and you and/or the baby need extended attention, I will be with you until you and/or the baby are stabilized.

Question: What do you offer for pain management?

Answer:

Each woman experiences the physical changes that occur in labor differently.  Our culture has indoctrinated women to think that childbirth is too challenging, too painful and too dangerous.  Unfortunately, most women believe what our medical culture tells them and so women anticipate that the discomforts of labor are intolerable.  Women have to reeducate how they think about the birthing process.  Labor is a physical event, but how you think about it will open the door for you to welcome what your body is doing in labor.  When you can do that, you decrease your fears, your body relaxes and the intensity is felt differently.

We spend time during prenatal visits helping you to redirect your thinking about the birthing process.  You will be encourages to be active during labor, up walking, moving around.  Not only does that help manage discomforts but it also helps to facilitate the decent of the baby into the pelvis.  I also encourage women to be in a warm bath.  It helps with relaxation and comfort control.  One on one labor support is essential and I encourage the use of a doula.

Question: Will I have the freedom to birth in the position of my choice?

Answer:

Yes.  There are a variety of positions that can be very helpful for the birth of a baby.  What position I may recommend will depend upon the position of the baby as it is being born.  Ultimately, you have total control over what position you assume.

Question: How do you monitor the baby during labor?

Answer:

I use a doppler. I will be listening to your baby’s heartbeat intermittently during your labor.  I do not use continuous electronic fetal monitoring.  Numerous studies have shown that continuous monitoring does not improve newborn outcomes but does dramatically increase the number of c-sections.

Question: What happens if my due date passes and I have not given birth?

Answer:

Your due date is only a reasonable estimate and not a magical number.  Normal pregnancies can end anywhere from three weeks before your due date until three weeks afterward.  Like the old saying goes, “The apple is ripe when it falls from the tree.”  I have a variety of methods to help women go into labor if needed.

Question: Will I be able to eat and drink in labor?

Answer:

Yes.  You will be encouraged to eat if you want to and will need to drink to keep yourself hydrated.  Typically, women will lose their appetite in active labor.  It is not uncommon for women to become nauseated or vomit as labor progresses.

Question: Is there a limit to the number of people I can invite to my birth?

Answer:

There are no restrictions on the number of people who are with you in labor.  I do believe that it is extremely important that each person be supportive of the choices that you are making.  When people are not supportive, they bring negative energy into your birthing experience.  That energy can have an adverse effect on the progress of your labor.  I have learned that the fewer distractions a woman has during labor, the more energy she can have to focus on the process of giving birth.  Too many distractions can create a dysfunctional labor.