Hospital Birth Preference Builder
Create a clear, evidence-based birth preference summary for your Certified Nurse-Midwife and Arizona hospital labor & delivery team.
Step 1: Choose a Starter Preference Archetype (Optional)
1. Patient, hospital & obstetric history
Verified Labor & Delivery Unit Capabilities (2026)
VBAC eligibility depends on clinical history and hospital policy. Use this field only as a conversation starter with your CNM.
2. Environment & room atmosphere
4 selected3. Labor comfort & pain management
Primary strategyNon-Pharmacological Comfort Measures
2 selectedMidwife-led comfort techniques and physical supports you would like available during labor.
4. Pushing & birth preferences
3 selected5. Medical interventions & monitoring
4 selected6. Immediate postpartum & newborn care
4 selectedUmbilical cord & third stage (placenta)
Physiological PostpartumSelect your primary preferences for umbilical cord timing, cutting, and third-stage placenta management.
Gentle cesarean birth contingency
Consent-First ContingencyIf an unplanned cesarean becomes medically necessary, these preferences help preserve immediate parent-infant bonding in the operating room.
Trauma-informed consent & care boundaries
Bodily AutonomyClear consent protocols protect patient bodily autonomy and support emotional safety during hospital examinations.
Communication & shared decision-making
Collaborative FrameworkStandards for how clinical recommendations, alternatives, and options are presented to you and your support team.
Fourth trimester & postpartum recovery
Fourth TrimesterComprehensive postpartum planning: early PMAD screening support, pelvic floor physical therapy referrals, scheduled non-opioid comfort, and protected quiet recovery hours.
7. Special instructions & communication
Hospital Birth Preference Sheet
1. Environment & Atmosphere
Soft ambient lighting, Freedom to walk & moveACOG, Hydrotherapy tub / shower accessACOG, Personal music playlist
2. Pain Relief Strategy
Desire natural comfort measures first (hydrotherapy, movement), with full access to an epidural if requested during active labor.
Comfort measures: Hydrotherapy tub / shower accessACOG, Continuous midwife counterpressureCochrane
3. Pushing & Delivery
Side-lying or squattingACOG, Spontaneous pushing when readyACOG, Mirror available to view birth
4. Medical Interventions
Fetal telemetry / wireless monitoring when availableACNM, Heparin / saline lock IV access (freedom of movement), Spontaneous membrane rupture (avoid routine AROM), Perineal massage & warm compresses for tear preventionCochrane
5. Umbilical Cord & Third Stage
Delayed cord clamping (minimum 2 to 3 minutes until cord stops pulsating)ACOG
6. Postpartum & Newborn
Immediate skin-to-skin for minimum 60 minutesWHO, Golden Hour bonding uninterruptedAAP, Lactation support consult, Rooming-in 24/7WHO
7. Gentle Cesarean Contingency
Support partner present in OR throughout, Clear surgical drape to see baby at deliverySMFM, Immediate skin-to-skin in the OR if stableWHO
9. Communication & Decision-Making
Explain clinical options before examinations or interventions, Include support partner in care conversations and decisions
10. Fourth Trimester & Postpartum Recovery
Early PMAD (Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders) screening & emotional check-inACOG, Postpartum pelvic floor physical therapy referral requestACOG, Scheduled non-opioid pain protocol (ibuprofen / acetaminophen on time)ACOG, Ice packs, witch hazel pads & warm peri-bottle provided immediately
Special Instructions
Please explain options before examinations or interventions. Collaborative OB/GYN backup is appreciated for safety.
Participating Midwife Locations to Discuss
- Chandler: Chandler Regional, Mercy Gilbert