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Dr. Ayoub's Birthing Experience

Our Philosophy
At Virginia Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C. we pride ourselves in creating a birth experience for you and your family that is both safe and rewarding. We have produced this guide to help alleviate any concerns or questions about the experience at our Birthing Inn at INOVA Loudoun Hospital. Please speak to Dr. Ayoub should you have any specific questions or concerns.

Labor:

Dr. Ayoub's philosophy is less is more! As a physician, Dr. Ayoub has his patients desires at the forefront of his care. Dr. Ayoub has a low cesarean rate due to his ability to intervene only when necessary for mom or baby's health. He believes in being hands off as long as possible in labor, providing fewer labor checks. As long as you do not have an epidural and labor is progressing without problems, you are generally free to move around and encouraged to use a birthing ball or other varying positions including walking during labor as the Birthing Inn has wireless monitoring. Dr. Ayoub accommodates and encourages patients to use Doulas and respects patients decision to have a natural childbirth. He sparingly uses pitocin and/or amniotomy, unless these are first discussed with you. You are allowed to bring comfort providing material to make you feel more at home such as pillows, computers and your own music to play. The environment is generally kept as quiet as possible and the lights may be kept low if you desire such as used during hypnobirth or other natural birthing methods. Dr. Ayoub encourages but does not require an IV in placed during labor unless needed for GBS antibiotic prophylaxis or for fluid administration or emergency needs. He rarely uses fetal scalp electrodes unless absolutely necessary. You will be empowered to be involved in the decision-making process. Dr. Ayoub does NOT use routine episiotomies and uses techniques to help avoid vaginal lacerations.

Anesthesia/Pain Medication:

Pain medications exist and you can ask for them as necessary. You need not commit at the onset of labor to either a medicated labor or a "natural" labor. In early labor, pain medications such as fentanyl are available. In later active labor and while pushing, epidural anesthesia is preferred due to risk to baby. If you choose to have an epidural, you will be limited to the bed since you will have reduced strength in your legs.

Delivery:

Most patients deliver in the lithotomy position (semi-upright lying position with thigh and knees flexed). Alternate positioning is supported if epidural is not present. Mirrors are available so that you may view your progress while pushing if you desire. Your partner and nurse will help support your legs if necessary. Your newborn will be placed on your abdomen as long as routine delivery has occurred and there is no reason to evaluate the baby in more detail by neonatology and/or pediatricians. Requests for cord blood pulsation to stop before cutting the cord may be accommodated. Pediatrics and/or Neonatology personnel will be present depending on the doctors concerns regarding your infants well-being.

Cesarean Delivery:

Should a cesarean delivery be necessary, you will be fully informed and involved in the decision-making process. The surgery occurs in the operating rooms at the Birthing Inn. One person will be allowed into the surgical room if general anesthesia is not used. We encourage parents to be able to be with infant soon after cesarean delivery. In the case of cesarean delivery the operative site is sterile so the birth support person will not be able to cut the umbilical cord.

Immediately after birth:

The birth partner or patient may cut the cord and assist in delivery if the labor and newborn's circumstances allow. If the newborn is well, he or she will be evaluated after direct bonding on mom's abdomen. Breastfeeding may occur immediately after normal birth. You may view the placenta if you desire (just ask Dr. Ayoub to show it to you). When the infant is taken to the nursery, the birth partner may accompany the infant and participate in his or her care. Specific preferences regarding nonstandard infant care (administration of medications or immunizations) should be discussed with your chosen pediatricians.


Postpartum:

Private rooms are assigned for all patients. You may have the baby in the room with you if you desire with the exception of times where the infant will be in the nursery for evaluation and testing. If you prefer, the infant can be kept in the nursery and brought to you upon request. Nursing and lactation advisors will be available to assist you.

Circumcision:

Circumcision of male infants is elective. If desired, it is performed before discharge from the hospital. Local anesthetic is used to help alleviate pain. Parents may be present in the nursery during circumcision, but need to be a certain distance away since space is limited and it is a sterile procedure.

Support Persons:

Please visit INOVA Loudoun Hospital's website for policies regarding visitors. The H1N1 restrictions have recently been lifted. Additional family and friends may wait in the family waiting area. Many of our patients use Doulas or birthing coaches and we recommend and encourage their services.

Cord Blood Banking:

If you desire to use cord blood banking, we encourage use of a reputable company. Dr. Ayoub will be happy to provide the cord blood collection service. Be advised that it is your responsibility to bring the materials to the hospital and arrange for transport after collection according to the guidelines provided by the company you choose.

Thank you for allowing us to participate in this wonderful and exciting time. Dr. Ayoub and his staff, including the Birthing Inn staff welcome you and feel it is a privilege and honor to care for your pregnancy and infant! Please feel free to contact us if you have questions.

News
January, 2012
Dr. Ayoub has been selected as one of the top 200 physicians in the country to attend the "Essure Summit" as one of the leading physicians advocates for women's healthcare.

November, 2011
 Dr. Ayoub has once again been recognized as a Patients' Choice physician.
Read More

July, 2011
Dr. Ayoub was Invited as a guest speaker to the ICAN-International Cesarean Network group to discuss the Family Centered Cesarean and other topics related to natural childbirth advocacy.

April, 2011
Dr. Ayoub has been recognized
as one of America's Most Compassionate Doctors
Read More
Discover Essure