Pain relief in Labor?
Our culture holds a wide variety of ideas regarding pain control in labor. We are sensitive to these issues; therefore we offer a variety of options related to medical intervention. Minimal medical intervention includes labor support techniques such as touch, warm and cold compresses, breathing technique support, showers, music, birthing balls, rocking chairs etc. along with emotional support for you and your partner from the obstetric nurse. These techniques are utilized for all women to encourage labor progress and according to a woman's wishes can be supplemented with intravenous pain medications and/or epidural anesthesia when adequate labor has been established.

Will an IV be needed in Labor?
IV in labor is not routine. This should be discussed with your care provider during your prenatal visits. Many physicians prefer a woman to have at least a saline well in labor to allow easy access for medication administration if needed. Occasionally a woman may need additional fluids in labor due to dehydration, long labor or to correct fetal distress in labor. Certain medical/Surgical procedures such as pitocin induction of labor, epidural anesthesia for labor, and cesarean birth require intravenous fluids.

Can I eat in labor?
There are high risk situations where liquids and food are limited in labor. This is rare; and it is best to eat and drink in labor. Most women can easily follow their own instinct when is comes to hunger. Some theories suggest that women in very active labor have diminished appetite and this helps to limit intake naturally and helps to avoid stomach upset in the last stages of labor. This is no reason to limit intake because adequate fluids and carbohydrates are essential to the hard work of the uterine muscle in labor. Electrolyte sports drinks are especially helpful in maintaining safe hydration. Bring your own favorite flavor to the hospital with you.

Will I need and episiotomy?
Routine incision to enlarge the vaginal outlet during the birth of baby is not recommended. Healthy perineal tissues stretch and yield to the birth of your baby's head without injury in most cases. Some women fear tearing of the tissues, and this is indeed a possibility, but current practice research indicates that perineal tears are generally smaller, less painful and heal better, stronger and faster than a surgical incision (episiotomy). Occasionally when maternal or infant conditions make more rapid birth necessary episiotomy is done. This is also a personal decision that should be carefully discussed with your health care provider prior the birth of your baby.

What does rooming in mean?
The RAMC birth staff encourage you to keep your infant close by at all times, although we remain very flexible. We can care for your baby in the nursery while you get much needed rest during your 2-3 day stay in the hospital or we can assist you with infant cares right at the bedside. Bedside care helps the newest moms and dads to learn hands on care early in their stay. You will be carefully instructed on our safety policies here at RAMC.

Breastfeeding comes naturally?
We encourage early feedings that support your infants natural instinct to suckle, but recognize that getting started is not always easy and most moms have many questions. We will personalize the assistance you need as both you and your baby learn about breastfeeding. We offer a wide range of breastfeeding support services. Please see this section of our website.