You are sitting in the room at your prenatal appointment, your quickly checked vitals and then says: “Do you have any questions?” You freeze. You know there are questions you should ask but in the moment forget what to say.
Your doula can help you prepare a list of questions to take to your next appointment.
Review these questions and decide which ones are best for you to save to your phone to ask your provider as you prepare for birth.
Will you be available around the time of my due date? If so, will you be the person who delivers my baby?
If you are unavailable when I go into labor, who is your backup and will they then deliver my baby?
What reason(s) would be needed to recommend that labor is induced?
What happens if and/or when labor is induced?
Under what circumstances will a C-section need to be performed, instead of having a vaginal birth?
Do you support VBACs – vaginal births after Cesareans – and what are the prenatal expectations for a VBAC being possible?
How far past my due date will you let me carry before induction?
Do you support natural childbirth?
What are your preferences regarding eating, drinking and walking during labor?
What fetal monitors do you routinely use?
What positions do you support for labor and delivery?
Is water birth an option?
Are there any medical interventions (IV placement, breaking water) that are routine?
What comfort measures do you find most effective during labor?
What hospitals and/or birthing centers are you in contract with, and where can I deliver my baby if I want to ensure you will attend the birth?
How many support people am I allowed to have with me during labor and birth? How many visitors am I allowed to have afterwards?
What pain management options will be available to me? Are there limitations on how and when I can have pain management during labor?
What are the hospital’s or birthing center’s policies on delayed cord clamping/cutting?
How can I ensure skin-to-skin contact with my baby immediately after birth, or ensure skin-to-skin contact with a family member immediately after birth following a C-section?
How can I ensure breastfeeding is initiated as soon as possible after birth? If I am unable to be with my baby in the hours (or days) following birth, how do I request a pump to begin pumping colostrum for my baby?
Will a lactation consultant be available immediately after the birth of my baby?
Is my partner or support person allowed to cut the umbilical cord?
Will my baby be in the room with me throughout our hospital stay?
What tests, vaccines, and exams will my baby receive after birth? What tests must be performed before we are allowed to go home?
How soon will the baby need to visit a pediatrician after we leave the hospital?
How soon after delivery will I have an appointment with you for my postpartum check-up?
If my baby needs to go to the NICU, how can I ensure myself or my support person will accompany them? Who will provide updates on my baby’s health status and condition, and how often will I receive those updates?
