Your baby is almost here. You’ve made a birth plan, packed your hospital bag and are counting down the days. Then, labor starts, and you’re in the delivery room. But wait, who are all these people?
A delivery room can feel like Grand Central Station, but everyone there has a purpose. We asked OhioHealth obstetrician and gynecologist Kelly M. Tucker, MD, to tell us who’s who in your delivery room.
So, who are all these people?
Here are some of the staff you may see in your delivery room.
- Your labor and delivery nurse. This is the person who will care for and support you throughout the entire process.
- Other nurses. They assist the labor and delivery nurse and help care for the baby.
- An anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist. They administer your epidural if you have one or anesthesia if you have a C-section.
- Your delivery provider(s). This could be a midwife, laborist, or obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN). More about this below!
You might also see:
- A surgical tech. They handle the instruments for and assist with specific procedures.
- Doctors or nurses in training.
- Neonatal respiratory therapists, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses or a neonatal doctor – if your delivery is high-risk or pre-term.
Who will deliver my baby?
When you became pregnant, you likely began seeing an OB/GYN for prenatal care. This provider can deliver your baby. If your OB/GYN works as a part of a labor and delivery team, other OB/GYN’s on their team may assist in the delivery room or even deliver your baby themselves if your personal OB/GYN is not available.
Both private practice and hospitals may use midwives for prenatal care and low-risk deliveries. Midwives are trained in women’s health, labor and delivery. They have similar responsibilities as doctors but work under the supervision of a doctor. However, if you have a high-risk or complicated pregnancy, an OB/GYN will deliver your baby because of the extra level of training needed.
Some hospitals employ laborists. A laborist is an OB/GYN who only takes care of people in the hospital. If you go to a hospital in labor, you may first be seen by a laborist. They may perform an exam, communicate with your personal OB/GYN, take care of you until your OB/GYN arrives or handle delivery if your OB/GYN is unavailable. Laborists can perform C-sections and other emergency procedures as needed.
Laborists are not staffed in every hospital but are becoming more common. For example, OhioHealth’s Mansfield Hospital has a laborist on staff. Many patients are comforted knowing that someone is there in the hospital expressly for them when it’s time to deliver.
What exactly does the labor and delivery nurse do?
Your labor and delivery nurse is your primary point of contact during and after delivery. They will administer medication, perform exams, and monitor your and the baby’s vital signs. They will also communicate progress or issues to the other delivery room staff and your loved ones. Ultimately, they will make sure you have the birthing experience you want to the best of their abilities.
What about a doula?
In addition to the delivery room staff, you may choose to bring a doula. Doulas are non-medically trained professionals who provide emotional and physical support. They won’t take the place of your doctor or midwife. Most hospitals don’t staff doulas, but doulas are almost always welcome. “I’ve found that doulas can be a great support for any kind of birth,” Dr. Tucker says.
Who should I bring with me for personal support?
Even with all of the medical professionals in the room, you will likely want support from people who know and love you. Choose a birthing partner to be your primary emotional support person during labor and delivery. Your partner can be anyone – a spouse, significant other, family member or friend. “It is an individual decision,” Dr. Tucker says. “The goal is to choose a partner who will create a calm and supportive environment.” Dr. Tucker recommends taking a birthing class together and discussing your expectations beforehand.
You can invite other loved ones in the delivery room for more personal support. Make sure to check with your hospital on their visitor policy, but typically you can have up to two support people. There may be limitations on visitors under the age of 18. You can have a special person (other than your birthing partner) in the delivery room for part of your labor, if you choose. Again, the goal is to create a supportive and positive environment, so choose loved ones who will provide that for you.
What about my cultural or religious practices?
Your family’s cultural or religious traditions can play an important role in your labor and delivery choices, such as a preference for only women in the delivery room or the presence of a religious leader. “At OhioHealth, we do everything we can to accommodate a family’s preferences, even if that means getting creative using curtains or screens,” Dr. Tucker says.
How can I make sure my preferences are known?
It’s important to communicate your wishes to your OB/GYN before your due date. Ask them who from their labor and delivery team will be there. Be sure to tell them if you are bringing a doula, who your birthing partner will be, and about any other friends or family invited. And discuss with them any cultural or religious preferences you may have.
While your delivery room may sometimes feel crowded, every person is there to help you deliver a healthy baby. Learn more about OhioHealth’s Obstetrics and Gynecology Services.
Want to hear more from our experts?
Your OB/GYN is more than just a doctor, they’re your partner in lifelong health. In the latest episode of OhioHealth’s The Wellness Conversation podcast, we explore why every woman deserves an OB/GYN who truly listens, advocates, and shows empathy and expertise. Tune in to “You Deserve an OB/GYN Who Listens” to learn how to find the provider who will have your back in the delivery room and beyond.
