To have the anesthesiologist wait to begin administering any medications until after I've completed all paperwork processes (not doing so means I cannot give "informed consent" and any signed papers are legally null and void), to explain each medication as it is administered, and to take the time to address any concerns.

To have the urinary catheter inserted after the epidural (or spinal) has been administered.

To have my husband (Significant Other, parent, assigned friend, acting doula) in the operating/delivery room with me at all times throughout the surgery/birth, whether or not I am conscious. (I understand that if an emergency situation develops, this may not be possible.)

To have my husband (Significant Other, parent, assigned friend, acting doula) take photographs of the birth (although not necessarily me, but of the baby!), of my baby being weighed and measured and foot-printed, of my baby with the delivering physician and attending pediatrician, etc. (All of this is even more important if I am unconscious.)

Hoping I am conscious during and after the delivery of my baby, please delay the eye drops or ointment until after my baby and I have been able to see each other.

To begin breastfeeding immediately after the birth (or as soon as possible after the birth), even if I am unconscious. (A lactation consultant or nurse, and my mother can help my baby nurse if I am unconscious.)

If my baby must be fed immediately after birth due to low blood sugars, etc, and nursing is not an option because the colostrum amount obtained (either by nursing or breast-pumping) is not sufficient to help raise my baby's blood sugar, please feed my baby by using a feeding syringe or cup rather than a bottle (unless medically necessary for my baby's health).

Providing that my baby does not need to be put in the NICU after s/he is born, I choose "Rooming In" (i.e. my baby kept with me in the room at all times unless otherwise requested) OR If policy permits, please keep him/her in the nursery during the night, but either bring my baby to me on demand for feedings or wake me so that I can go to him/her on demand for feedings.

To not share a room with a mother who has delivered vaginally and/or who is "rooming in" with her baby. (This is especially important if my cesarean was unplanned.)

If my baby is a girl, her name is __________. If my baby is a boy, his name is ___________.

If my baby is a boy, I choose/do not choose for him to be circumcised with anesthesia. Additionally, my husband (Significant Other) does/does not want to be present at the circumcision.

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