Questions to Ask a Labor and Delivery Nurse
Essential questions that help expectant parents understand the labor and delivery process, prepare for childbirth, and build confidence in their healthcare team.
1What should I expect during the different stages of labor?
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What should I expect during the different stages of labor?
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Why this works
Helps parents understand the labor process and prepare mentally and physically for what's to come.
2What pain management options are available during labor?
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What pain management options are available during labor?
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Why this works
Important for understanding pain relief choices and making informed decisions about comfort measures.
3How do you monitor the baby's heart rate during labor?
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How do you monitor the baby's heart rate during labor?
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Why this works
Reassures parents about fetal monitoring and helps them understand how the baby's well-being is tracked.
4What positions can I try during labor to help with comfort and progress?
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What positions can I try during labor to help with comfort and progress?
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Why this works
Empowers parents with knowledge about movement and positioning that can help labor progress.
5What happens if I need a cesarean section?
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What happens if I need a cesarean section?
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Why this works
Prepares parents for potential surgical delivery and helps them understand the process and recovery.
6How do you support the partner during labor and delivery?
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How do you support the partner during labor and delivery?
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Why this works
Helps partners understand their role and how they can be most helpful during the birthing process.
7What should I bring to the hospital for labor and delivery?
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What should I bring to the hospital for labor and delivery?
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Why this works
Practical question that helps parents prepare their hospital bag with essential items.
8How do you handle emergency situations during labor?
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How do you handle emergency situations during labor?
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Why this works
Reassures parents about the team's preparedness and helps them understand emergency protocols.
9What is your approach to supporting natural childbirth?
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What is your approach to supporting natural childbirth?
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Why this works
Important for parents who want to minimize medical interventions and have a more natural experience.
10How do you help with breastfeeding after delivery?
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How do you help with breastfeeding after delivery?
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Why this works
Shows the nurse's commitment to supporting breastfeeding and helps parents prepare for this important aspect of newborn care.
11What happens immediately after the baby is born?
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What happens immediately after the baby is born?
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Why this works
Helps parents understand the immediate postpartum care and what to expect in the first moments after birth.
12How do you handle complications during labor?
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How do you handle complications during labor?
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Why this works
Important for understanding how the team manages unexpected situations and keeps both mother and baby safe.
13What is your policy on visitors during labor?
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What is your policy on visitors during labor?
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Why this works
Helps parents plan for support people and understand the facility's visitor policies during labor.
14How do you support women who have had previous traumatic birth experiences?
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How do you support women who have had previous traumatic birth experiences?
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Why this works
Shows sensitivity to parents' past experiences and helps them feel supported during this birth.
15What pain relief techniques can I practice before labor?
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What pain relief techniques can I practice before labor?
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Why this works
Empowers parents with coping strategies they can learn and practice before going into labor.
16How do you handle different cultural or religious preferences during birth?
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How do you handle different cultural or religious preferences during birth?
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Why this works
Shows respect for diverse backgrounds and helps parents understand how their preferences will be accommodated.
17What is your approach to delayed cord clamping?
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What is your approach to delayed cord clamping?
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Why this works
Important for parents who want to understand this practice and its benefits for the newborn.
18How do you support parents who want to have a birth plan?
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How do you support parents who want to have a birth plan?
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Why this works
Shows the team's willingness to work with parents' preferences and helps them understand how to communicate their wishes.
19What happens if I go past my due date?
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What happens if I go past my due date?
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Why this works
Helps parents understand post-term pregnancy management and what to expect if labor doesn't start naturally.
20How do you help parents bond with their baby immediately after birth?
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How do you help parents bond with their baby immediately after birth?
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Why this works
Shows the team's commitment to supporting early bonding and helps parents understand what to expect.
How to Use These Questions
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
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