Do's and Don'ts

Your Support and Comfort

Who will be your primary support person? Let them know this in advance and talk to them about what youÕd like them to do. Encourage them to learn how they may support you during labor.

My support person will be:
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Is there anyone else you would like present during your delivery? Let them know well in advance, too.
I also want these people present:
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About Your New Baby's Siblings

You may wish to have your other children present during your labor and delivery. If you're interested in this option, check your hospital's policy. Some hospitals may have age restrictions and may require you to have a separate person available to attend to your child while you are in labor.

My hospital's sibling policy:
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What's a Doula?

Doula is a word that comes from ancient Greek meaning woman in service. Today, doulas are women who have been specially trained in labor support, breastfeeding and newborn care. The doula is present during labor and delivery to support you and your partner. She may also be hired to support you and your newborn at home. While some hospitals in the area may have a doula on staff, doulas are generally obtained independently by you.

For more information on Doulas, call 1-206-324-5540 or visit their site at www.dona.org.

If you already have a Doula who will be with you during your labor and delivery, let your clinician(s) and support people know ahead of time to avoid any surprises.

My doula's name is:
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Her phone number is:
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Hospital Personnel

During labor and delivery, your care will be provided by your ob/gyn physician, midwife, covering physician and Labor & Delivery nurses. In some hospitals, ob/gyn residents also support your care with your clinician.

In teaching hospitals, medical and nursing students may be present observing and assisting in your care. The students will ask your permission to participate in your care.

Your Childbirth Environment

There are many things that may be used to help you rest, provide focus and be more comfortable. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your favorite music, pillows, pictures and other personal items to the hospital. If you'd like to listen to music, check with your hospital to see if you need to bring in your own radio/tape/CD player or if they can provide one for you.

Aromatherapy is also another type of relaxant. You may bring in scented oils, lotions and sprays. Candles pose a fire threat and are not allowed to be burned in the hospital setting.

In addition to using your own personal items, take advantage of amenities in your room such as lighting, temperature, showers, squatting bars and rockers if they are available.

Make a list of the personal items you want to bring:
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Another Item to Bring - A Car Seat

In a vehicle, the safest place for your young child to be is in a carseat in the back seat of the vehicle. All children 4 years of age or younger, weighing under 40 pounds and measuring under forty inches, should be placed in a car seat.

Most hospitals will not let you leave without a car seat for your newborn. So, be sure to have one ready. Start shopping for one during your pregnancy and be sure to bring it to the hospital before checking out to leave.

An infant should be placed in a rear facing car seat. Be sure that your car seat supports the baby's head and neck (you can buy supports to help this). If you're using a previously-owned car seat, be sure that it has not been recalled by the manufacturer and that it meets national safety standards. If you want to ensure that your car seat is safe, call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Hotline at 1-800-424-9339 or visit their website at www.NHTSA.dot.gov.

Choose a Pediatrician Ahead of Time

It is important to choose a pediatrician prior to your delivery. Choosing a pediatrician before you deliver gives you an opportunity to find a practitioner whom you can trust and with whom you can have open communication. You also have an opportunity to ask questions about newborn routines and appointments.

When choosing a pediatrician, you should consider the following:

What are the office hours and phone availability?
How are night-time and holiday emergencies handled?
Who provides back-up coverage or "on call" care?
If the back-up coverage is not in the practice, are they conveniently located?
Do you agree with the child-rearing philosophies that the prospective pediatrician has?

Your ob/gyn will be able to refer you to several pediatricians. Other resources to help you choose a pediatrician are friends and family, hospital physician referral lines and your health plan. Another good resource is the American Academy of Pediatrics at www.aap.org.

My pediatrician is:
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My pediatrician's telephone number is:
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