Medical Interventions

At one of our birthing classes, the teacher told us to remember this list of intervention questions, so that when medical procedures or medications were suggested during labor, we could make well-informed choices. I've thought about this list a lot since then, because it really applies just about every time you talk to a doctor.

1. Is this an emergency?
2. What is the procedure / recommendation?
3. Why is it suggested?
4. What are the alternatives?
5. How could this affect me (or my baby)?
6. Can I think it over?

Now if I could just remember to actually ask them!