The Modern Woman will ensure that you are prepared when your baby’s birthday comes. There’s nothing like witnessing a newborn take its first breath of air in the real world or seeing a mother as she first lays eyes on her child. Our obstetricians and certified nurse-midwives perform deliveries at Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital.

TYPES OF DELIVERIES

• Vaginal delivery
• Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)
• Cesarean section (performed by our obstetricians)

NOTIFY YOUR PHYSICIAN IF …

The following list describes pertinent circumstances in which you should phone your (on-call, if after hours) physician or certified nurse midwife immediately to seek medical advice:

• Rupture of the amniotic sac at any time during your pregnancy. This can occur prematurely and should always be followed up with immediate physician evaluation.
• Decreased fetal movement. This can be a warning sign late in pregnancy (after 28 weeks) and your provider may order a NST.
• Spotting or bleeding.
• Trickling or leaking of fluid.
• You are experiencing signs of labor. Signs that labor is beginning include strong uterine contractions that get closer together and stronger, occurring every three to five minutes for a couple of hours. It is important to let your physician and/or nurse midwife know if you have had a C-section prior to your current pregnancy when you call to let them know that you think you are in labor.

After you notify our office, it may take up to 30 minutes for your provider to return your call. Keep your line free and make sure your phone is set to accept caller ID blocked calls. If you have not received a return call within 30 minutes, please call again and tell the operator that you have not heard from your provider. If for whatever reason you cannot reach your provider and you feel that you are in a state of emergency, call 911 or go straight to the hospital.

PREPARING FOR YOUR BABY’S BIRTHDAY

Our providers at The Modern Woman take special care to make sure our pregnant patients are amply prepared when the time comes to deliver their babies. As all mothers are well aware, giving birth is perhaps the most challenging and most rewarding experience a woman’s body can go through. In the final weeks of pregnancy, our physicians and midwives take time at every appointment to explain what to expect during labor and to understand your labor preferences.

IMPORTANT IDEAS ON HOW TO PREPARE FOR GIVING BIRTH:

• Disability/Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) forms: It is important to fill out all necessary disability/FMLA. If you need help filling out the forms or need information from your provider, you may bring your forms to your appointment or mail/fax them to our office. Be sure to include your name along with instructions explaining how to return the forms to you or your employer, and allow us at least ten business days to complete the forms.

Visit the U.S. Department of Labor for more information on the Family and Medical Leave Act.

• Plan for childcare and pet care. Remember that it is extremely important to rest for several days after giving birth. This includes limiting visitors and time out of bed.
• Discuss with your partner and family members who you will allow into the birthing room during labor.
• Pre-pack a hospital bag with necessary items (paperwork, ID, insurance card, birth plan, eyeglasses, nightgown, toothbrush, family members’ and friends’ phone numbers, camera, and other items of comfort).
• Have newborn clothing ready at home, a car seat for the baby’s ride home, and finish preparing the baby’s room.

Learn more by making an appointment with your The Modern Women Providers.