Download OB Pain Management Info and Birth Plan

Pain Management Options
During Labor & Delivery
Staff at Health Access Network and Penobscot Valley
Hospital are looking forward to the birth of your child
almost as much as you are! With us, you’ll be treated
like the VIP you are, with superior care from your
physician and own private nurse after delivery.
You’ll also enjoy a quiet, spacious room, delicious
meals, and quality care during your first days with the
new bundle of joy. Before that baby arrives, we’d
like you to know your options for pain management
during the labor and delivery process.
Let’s face it: childbirth hurts! But the good news is
PVH offers several options for you to help manage
your pain level during labor and delivery. It is a good
idea to complete the attached birth plan so your OB
nurse and physician can help coordinate your pain
control preferences ahead of time.
Spinal Anesthesia
This medication is for use during C-sections only
and will numb you from your abdomen to feet.
A spinal uses a single dose of medication to provide
pain control for 1 to 4 hours. During a spinal you
will not be able to move and you should have no
pain. A support person may remain with you during
the use of this medication. A urinary catheter is
inserted after the spinal has been administered.
There may be some lasting pain control after
surgery. To help manage any pain after surgery,
you will be provided with a PCA pump (Patient
Controlled Analgesia) for a controlled amount of
narcotic pain medication to be administered through
your IV. You control the PCA so meds can be used
as needed to assist with pain management.
General Anesthesia
Stadol (Butorphanol)
This medication is narcotic pain management injected
through your IV. Ask your physician if this is a good
option for helping to control your pain during labor.
When given, this medication will not eliminate all
pain, but will hopefully reduce pain to allow you to
rest for the important work of pushing when delivery
time arrives. A support person may remain with you
during the use of this medication.
Intrathecal
This pain medication is injected as a single dose
through a needle into the area around your spine.
This option is used during labor only and lasts about
1 to 3 hours. With the intrathecal, you will still be
able to move your legs. This option will not provide
pain relief after delivery, so you may be given oral
pain medications then. A support person may remain
with you during the use of this medication.
Questions for my provider:
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
This option is only for use during a C-section if
spinal anesthesia is not possible. This medication is
used to keep you asleep and pain free during
surgery. The medication is given through your IV.
A professional specifically trained in anesthesia
management will monitor you during the entire
procedure. You will experience no movement or
sensation and a urinary catheter will be inserted. A
support person will not be able to remain with you
during this type of situation. Once the C-section is
complete, you will be reunited with your support
person in a recovery area as you wake up. Once
you are awake and ready to be moved, you will be
taken to your hospital room to bond with your baby.
A PCA pump will be issued for pain control after
your surgery.
Talk with your provider about your plans for pain
management. Together, we can work to manage
your expectations and minimize pain during labor.
My Birth Plan
This Birth Plan may be completed by you to inform your medical team of specific preferences during labor and
delivery. While you can’t control all aspects of birth, this document gives you a place to make your wishes clear. The
Birth Plan helps to notify new members of your medical team about information you may have discussed with your
provider during prenatal care and can allow your medical team to prepare ahead of time for your wishes. If you have
questions while completing this form, please speak with your physician or contact the PVH OB Department 794-7111.
Patient Name: ___________________________________________________________________
Attendants (up to two people may be present during labor and/or birth, unless there is an emergent c-section)
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Labor Wishes
To walk and move around as I choose
To stay hydrated by drinking clear liquids
Other: _____________________________
To use the birthing ball
To shower
Other: _______________________________
Pain Relief
Breathing Techniques/Distraction
Intrathecal (spinal injection)
General anesthesia (C-sections only)
Stadol (IV medication)
Spinal anesthesia (C-sections only)
Other: _______________________________
Vaginal Birth
I’d like the room to be as quiet as possible.
I’d like my partner to cut the umbilical cord.
Other: _____________________________
To give birth without an episiotomy
To breastfeed as soon as possible
Other: _______________________________
C-section
I’d like ____________ present as permitted.
To breastfeed in the recovery room
The baby given to my partner as soon as possible.
Other: _______________________________
Feeding
I’d like to breastfeed exclusively.
Combination breastfeeding and formula feed
Formula feed exclusively
Do NOT offer my baby
Formula
Pacifier
Other: __________________________
Circumcision (for baby boys)
I want him circumcised in the hospital.
I don’t want him circumcised/will do it later.
Other Preferences
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
We recommend you complete your birth plan by 36 weeks and provide it to your nurse upon admission to the hospital for delivery.