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Routine Labor Care
A Certified Doula Explains the Basic Components of Maternity Care
By Kelly Camden, Certified Doula
If a woman is not planning to take medication for induction or for pain relief, there are two options: She can either request a heparin lock – a tube connected to a catheter in a vein of the arm, used for easy access – or she can refuse both and request that the IV is not started until the need for one is indicated. When planning a drug-free labor, routine IV use is something that is important to discuss with care providers during prenatal appointments. The doctor or midwife can document your preferences in your chart, so that the hospital staff is aware of your plan.
Once a woman has received the epidural, she will not be able to walk around or walk to the bathroom. After the medication has set in and the mother is situated in the bed, the nurse will insert a catheter to remove urine from the bladder. Enemas are no longer given routinely.
After the baby has been born, if there is an IV in place, the care provider may ask the nurses to give Pitocin through it. The Pitocin will help the uterus to contract and significantly decreases blood loss. Mothers need to know that usually the staff does not ask parents if they want Pitocin added to the IV. They hang a bag of Pitocin on the IV pole and connect it to the tubing that is already in place. Oftentimes, the mother is looking at her baby and doesn't notice this happening. Parents can discuss this postpartum Pitocin with their care provider during a prenatal visit, to learn how they determine when to use Pitocin. Parents can also request that it not be given without consent at time of birth.
Want to see more?
- Comfort Measures for Labor: A Certified Doula Answers Questions on Comfort During Labor
- Navigating a Natural Birth: A Certified Doula Answers Questions on Natural Childbirth
- Childbirth Class Comparison: A Certified Doula Discusses Childbirth Preparation Classes
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