Top Questions to ask about Your Place of Birth

What Every Mother Needs to Know about Her Birth Options

Oct 6, 2008

The majority of mothers give birth in hospitals today in the United States and Canada. Options from tubs to mobility and eating can vary in many places of birth.

As you begin preparations for your own labor and birth, you might be looking for some questions to ask when you take a tour of your place of birth. Since most larger cities have multiple choices available, including hospitals and birthing centers to give birth to your baby, you will want to be sure that you are aware of options at each place of birth before you decide.

Question 1 - Is there a limit to the number of support people you may have as support during labor? Some hospitals may limit support to the mother to 1-2 people, whereas other settings may have no limit on the number of support people you may have.

Question 2 - Can you have siblings of the baby present, if so desired? Find out if your place of birth offers a sibling preparation class if your older child(ren) will be present.

Question 3 - What are your options for fetal monitoring? Can you be monitored intermittently? Is there an option for a portable monitor/telemetry monitor to provide freedom to walk around?

Question 4 - What are the protocals for liquids and foods during labor? Can you have clear fluids during labor? What about eating light foods during labor? More and more research seems to indicate that mothers are more comfortable being able to have clear fluids without adding any additional risk to them if there is an unexpected cesarean. Some places of birth, notably birth centers, allow mothers to eat as they desire during labor.

Question 5 - Are there tubs or showers to use for hydrotherapy during labor? Can you labor in the tub? Is it possible to have a waterbirth? Water and hydrotherapy can be a great source of pain relief. Even if your place of birth does not have the option of waterbirth, the use of a shower or a tub during labor is a nice option.

Question 6 - What pain medication options do you have? Is a walking epidural available? What narcotics are provided for mothers to use?

Question 7 - What positions are most used for labor? What options do you have for pushing positions? Would the staff be familiar with positions such as hands and knees and squatting for laboring and birth of the baby? Is a squatting bar available?

Question 8 - Are there any other additional sources of help for mothers, i.e. hospital-based doulas, use of birth balls, hot packs, etc..

Question 9 - Is there breastfeeding help available after the baby is born? Does the place of birth have lactation consultants on staff to help breastfeeding mothers? Are there breastfeeding resources for mothers after they return home such as a warm line or at home consults for breastfeeding problems?

Question 10 - Is there a central nursery or will the baby stay with you (also known as rooming in)? Under what circumstances would the baby be taken from you to the nursery versus rooming in with you? Is there a place where fathers can also stay in the room to help with baby care? Can you be present during any procedures that take place out of the mother's room?

You may also want to ask about parking, what entrances are open at various hours of the day and any discharge options so that you know how to make the transition easier when you are in labor.

The copyright of the article Top Questions to ask about Your Place of Birth in Birthing Options is owned by Brenda Lane. Permission to republish Top Questions to ask about Your Place of Birth in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.