Normal Delivery

First Stage Labor:

• FHR monitored by fetoscope, rather than ultrasound devices.
• No pitocin, amniotomy or stripping of membranes.
• Father and doula to be present at all times.
• No analgesia/anesthesia unless we ask for it.
• Freedom to walk around, move, sit in bath during labor.
• No IV-fluids; if IV-preparation necessary, use heparin lock.
• Food/drink as desired.

Second Stage Labor:

• Choice of positions for pushing.
• Spontaneous pushing; no prolonged breath holding.
• Perineal massage performed by CNM; hot compresses; try for no episiotomy.
• Parents to discover sex of baby; please don’t announce.
• Baby coughs and expels own mucus; bulb syringe if necessary.
• Please place baby on mom’s abdomen right away.
• Father to cut cord after pulsing has stopped.
• Baby to breastfeed right away to help deliver placenta; no pitocin to deliver placenta.
• Dim lights.
• Use local anesthesia if perineum needs stitching.

After Birth:

• Please delay all routine exams, shots, eye medication for maximum amount of bonding time (preferably up to two hours).
• Other family members to visit with baby briefly at mom and father’s discretion.
• If warming is required, place baby on mom’s chest with blankets.
• Ice packs on perineum.
• No circumcision if baby is male.
• Breastfeeding. Absolutely no formula. 

Unexpected Events:

Cesarean Birth:

• Father and doula at mom’s head.
• Regional anesthesia with little or no premedication.
• CNM or MD explains events.
• Baby held by father soon after birth where mom can touch and see.
• Father to take baby to nursery; doula to stay with mom and accompany to recovery.
• Breastfeeding as soon as possible.

Premature/Sick Baby:

• Parents visit and care for baby as much as possible.
• Mom nurses baby or expresses milk to be given to baby; no formula; mom feeds baby.

Stillbirth or Death of Baby:

• Spontaneous onset of labor.
• Medication that leaves mom awake and alert.
• See and hold baby initially after death.
• Obtain momentos--lock of hair, foot prints, naming the baby.