Snuggery Information

Below are some facts about your delivery to keep in mind as you prepare for the birth of your baby:

• Intravenous fluids are not administered routinely. IV’s are recommended if labor is prolonged, in certain medical conditions, for the administration of medications, or if epidural anesthesia is desired.

• Labor is induced only for accepted obstetrical reasons. To ensure the safety of both mother and baby, elective inductions of labor are NOT performed. Artificial rupture of membranes may be done to enhance labor or to facilitate fetal monitoring.

• Fetal monitoring is used intermittently (fetal well-being permitting) in early labor. In active labor, monitoring occurs more frequently and continuously.

• Mothers are encouraged to walk and use the shower as comfort measures if desired. At present, you may also use the hydrotherapy tub for labor only.

• Epidural anesthesia is available if desired for labor and delivery. Please refer to the purple handout “Facts About Obstetric Anesthesia” which is included in your initial packet of information.

• Most c-sections are performed with spinal anesthesia, but general anesthesia may be used under certain circumstances. Decisions regarding anesthesia are always made in conjunction with the anesthesiologist.

• Other pain medications are also available during labor. These generally “take the edge off” the contractions.

• Episiotomy is performed only when necessary.

• Forceps and vacuum assisted delivery are performed only when indicated.

• Vaginal examinations in labor are performed by your providers and the Snuggery nursing staff. The frequency of exams is highly variable and depends on the individual situation.

• Cesarean delivery requires both an obstetrician and an assistant. Usually we try to assist each other, but if this is not possible, another physician or surgical assistant will help.

• In normal uncomplicated deliveries, your newborn is initially checked by the Snuggery nurses in the birthing room. The need for a pediatrician at delivery is determined by the obstetrician or nurse-midwife.

• Circumcision is performed by the obstetricians. Local anesthesia and Tylenol are used to lessen the discomfort. It is generally done 1 to 2 days after birth. We will be more than happy to discuss the pros and cons of circumcision at any visit.

• As per Snuggery protocol, you may have three people maximum at your labor and delivery experience. We encourage you to choose supportive family and friends.

• Please be aware that you will initially be evaluated for labor in a triage room. You will be moved to a birthing room when/if you are admitted and as the hospital census dictates.