Birth Plan

Yes, I’m going to write just-one-more post about birth. (Actually, I have one more planned, so feel free to stay away if you are not interested in birth stuff.) You know, because it’s on my mind and all. I cannot believe it has already been two weeks since I was in the midst of it all. Anyway, I was planning on sharing some of this before Mr. Nolan arrived, but didn’t get around to it.

Part of what has made my last two births successful (i.e., I got mostly what I wanted out of the birth experience) was the amount of preparation that went into it. For both births I had a very detailed birth plan that helped communicate my desires to the hospital staff. My nurse was so awesome and she was super supportive of my natural birth experience (last time too, actually). Having a specific plan for her to follow helped keep us all on track, especially when I got to the point during labor when I really couldn’t talk much.

So, I thought I’d share my birth plan with you. It’s a bit long, but might be helpful for those of you who are thinking through these things for yourselves!

Birth Preferences:
For personal and medical reasons, we are seeking a natural birth.  We understand that labor and birth are unpredictable, and ultimately we want the health and safety of both the baby and the mother to take precedence. That being said, in all non-emergency situations, please discuss all proposed procedures (benefits and risks) so that we can direct the decision making with informed consent.

Your Help with These Preferences is Very Much Appreciated!

Labor

• We would like no augmentation of labor unless non-medical techniques are ineffective and consent is given.  Should augmentation be necessary, please proceed with a low-dose protocol after informing us of the need.
• We would like no analgesia/anesthesia unless specifically requested.
• We would like intermittent FHR monitoring and a Hep lock for IV so as to allow for the freedom to move, walk, and shower during labor.  Please use an internal monitor only if it is medically necessary for the health of the baby.
• We would like as few vaginal exams as possible.
• We would like to eat and drink as needed during labor, and we would like the ability to lower lights, play music, etc. in the birthing room so as to create as relaxing of an environment as possible

 Birth

• As we are seeking an unaugmented and medication-free birth, we would like a choice of positions for pushing as well as the freedom to change positions throughout 2^nd stage labor.
• As long as progress is being made, please allow for a prolonged length of second stage labor as long as the baby is not deemed to be at severe risk.
• We plan on laboring down until the urge to push is felt, so please allow for spontaneous bearing down.
• We would prefer to tear rather than have an episiotomy
• If assistance in delivery is needed as a last resort, please use suction rather than forceps

 Baby Care

• We plan on allowing the baby to breastfeed immediately; please delay standard newborn procedures until baby has had the opportunity to breastfeed on both sides.
• We would like an unaugmented delivery of the placenta.
• If stitching of the perineum is necessary, please feel free to use a local anesthetic.
• Please delay cord-cutting 3-5 minutes until cord is mostly gray, and please allow the father to cut the cord at the appropriate time.  Thanks in advance for your patience with us!
• We would like the newborn to stay with us at all times, so please perform all physical exams and procedures in the room with us.
• We respectfully decline eye ointment, Vitamin K, and Hepatitis B shots.
• We plan on breastfeeding only; we respectfully request no bottles, pacifiers, artificial nipples, formula, or water be given to the baby at any time during our stay at CDH.
• We do not plan on having our baby circumcised.

 Emergency

• In the event of a C-Section, we would like the father to be present at all times.  We also request that a local anesthetic be used.  Please bring the baby to the mother as soon as possible for breastfeeding; please do not feed baby formula unless there is a serious medical problem with the mother.

We Appreciate Your Help and Support!