Questions to ask OB re delivery

Christine&Chris

I didn't see anything come up in a search, but wanted to start thinking about questions to ask the OB about delivery and post-partum. I want to try and spread my questions over 2-3 visits so I don't hog a ton of her time, but we're getting down to the wire. It's my 3rd LO and for medical reasons we get induced so we've covered a ton of medical and induction questions; but I'm new to this hospital and this group and haven't gotten to the delivery/post questions. So far I have:

1. post-partum pain management? Motrin, Tylenol etc?
2. Is delayed cord clamping possible?
3. What's her stance on episiotomies?
4. What's her preferred standard post-partum stay? Can we discharge after 24 hours?
5. If a C-section is required, can you explain tubal ligation and those options?
6. Who performs the circumcision if we have one, and when?
7. At this hospital, how does nursing staff feel about written birth preferences? Are they useful?
8. Does your office assist in obtaining a pump rental or purchase through insurance?

Anyone working on a similar list willing to share their questions?

smushi

Do you know where to check in?

ETA I asked if my water broke, would they still allow me to walk/stand/move?  With my first hospital, they made me lie down and I couldn't move.

Oh, and how do they feel about heplocks, IVs, and intermittent monitoring?  Those are only really important if you want to be able to move. 

Christine&Chris

"heplocks, IVs, and intermittent monitoring?"

Perfect! I forgot about that!

pumpkinhead4

Have you considered calling the L & D dept at hospital instead? Or seeing if they have info online about this? My
hospital has a great pamphlet that addressed a lot of this. Ask if hospital is baby friendly, this will address breastfeeding, rooming in and paci use, Etc. also why leave after 24 hrs?? Take advantage of the full stay! With a trained medical staff and meals why would you give this up? Haha

irenewslee

What about a hospital tour? I had one with DD and it was very helpful.  It showed you where to go (both after hours and normal hours) and how to get registered.  The tour also gave good information about the hospital's facility and options to deliver (e.g. if you want to do it on a ball, in water or other options).  They showed us where the nursery is and what are the protocols to make sure the babies are safe.  Ours also gave us tips to request for the lactation consultant while we are at the hospital (they are free while you're there but you have to request for one to come to you).  There were a lot of good info that my OB didn't tell me (and maybe because I didn't ask).  It was also good because the tour was with other pregnant ladies and their SOs. It was good to hear about their stories (as STM+).

flowerpower5838

I just want to add my 2 cents that beyond telling me where I need to go and getting a chance to check out the rooms, my hospital tour wasn't very helpful. The nurse who gave it - while very nice and polite - seemed to be in a hurry and didn't really extend a genuine invitation for questions.

diablesse

I'd ask about the length of time between delivery and skin to skin contact. Mine was pretty quick, but sounds like it was a pretty long stretch for other people at other hospitals.