Birth Preferences & Summary Workbook

Introducing the Drake Birth Preferences & Summary Workbook: 

A comprehensive, beautifully structured guide designed to help you clearly communicate your birth wishes, understand your options, and document your experience with confidence and intention

This is more than a checklist.
It is an informed decision-making tool.

From early labor to immediate postpartum, this workbook walks you through every stage of birth so you can thoughtfully consider your preferences — before you’re in the intensity of the moment.

Inside, you’ll find detailed sections covering:

Stage 1: Early & Active Labor
• Labor augmentation options (membrane sweep, AROM, Pitocin, forceps, vacuum, episiotomy, and more)
• Non-invasive/natural induction methods (acupuncture, reflexology, nipple stimulation, castor oil)
• Fetal monitoring choices (none, intermittent, continuous, internal, Doppler)
• Cervical exam preferences
• Room atmosphere selections (lighting, music, aromatherapy, clothing, student presence)
• Pain management preferences (hydrotherapy, TENS, nitrous oxide, IV medications, epidural options)
• Nutrition during labor

Stage 2: Pushing & Birth
• Laboring and birthing positions
• Directed vs. spontaneous pushing
• Perineal support options
• Water birth preferences
• Mirror viewing or hands-on involvement

Stage 3: Placenta & Immediate Postpartum
• Delayed vs. immediate cord clamping
• Natural vs. medicated placenta delivery
• Skin-to-skin timing
• Newborn procedures (Vitamin K, Hep B, erythromycin)
• Feeding preferences
• Golden hour priorities

Cesarean Birth Options
The workbook thoughtfully includes detailed C-section preferences such as:
• Spinal vs. general anesthesia
• Clear or drop drape
• Skin-to-skin in the OR
• Delayed cord clamping
• Breastfeeding in recovery
• OR atmosphere choices
• Trial of labor (TOL/TOLAC) considerations

Birth Summary Documentation
After delivery, the workbook provides a structured birth record to document:
• Labor timelines
• Interventions used
• Pain management
• Induction reasons
• Placenta delivery details
• APGAR scores
• NICU transfer
• Feeding initiation
• Postpartum outcomes

This dual structure — preferences before birth and detailed documentation afterward — makes it both a planning tool and a keepsake record.

Importantly, the workbook reinforces your legal and ethical right to informed consent and shared decision-making with your provider. It encourages you to ask questions, request time to consider options (when not emergent), and involve your trusted support team.

This workbook helps you:

• Clarify what matters most to you
• Communicate clearly with your provider and support team
• Feel prepared for multiple birth scenarios
• Reduce decision fatigue during labor
• Document your story accurately
• Reflect on your experience afterward

Birth may not unfold exactly as planned — but preparation builds confidence.

The Drake Birth Preferences & Summary Workbook empowers you to approach birth informed, supported, and intentional; honoring both your autonomy and your safety.

Because the most important part of your birth experience is not perfection.

It is feeling heard, respected, and informed.