Birth Plan

I think I am just about done with my Birth Plan. I have yet to review it with my midwife and doula so a few changes may be in the works. I aimed more towards in case of transport to a hospital as my midwife and doula know I wish for a natural birth. We have gone over the things I wished for my birth when we first started seeing each other.

I started with a cover letter and then made easy to read list divided into sections. Cover letter is not necessary but I liked the idea of it. I think it may be a little long, you dont want it to be long. You also want your birth plan to be easy to read and understand. Be flexible in your birth plan and realize it may not go exactly as planned so plan to be flexible. It is mainly a list of wishes and preferences for your birth. Make sure you go over your birth plan with your midwife or doctor as well as you coach or whoever will be assisting you with your birth, in my case my husband. You want to make sure they agree with the choices you've made and that they wont go against them.

I hope this helps you if you were in search of one. This is MY birth preferences, and I am in no way implying you do the same. I am providing this as an aid for others who may be in total confusion as to what a birth plan is. Ive had many friends have no clue what I was talking about when I first mentioned it.

Here it is:

Due Date: 04/29/2011

Patient of ******

My goal is to deliver my baby as safely and naturally as possible without medical interventions unless the benefits outweigh the risks. I believe I am responsible for making my birth experience a positive, safe experience, and I plan to participate along with my husband and my care providers in making decisions about my labor, delivery and postpartum care. 

This birth plan is intended to express the preference and desires we have for the birth of our baby. It is not intended as a script. We fully realize that situations may arise such that our plan cannot and should not be followed. However, we hope that barring any extenuating circumstances, you will be able to guide us toward the birth experience we desire. 

If procedures or medications are proposed, we ask that you discuss them with us and suggest alternative therapies and comfort measures so that we can make well-informed decisions. We are striving for flexibility on our part, as well as on the that of the birth team. 

We plan to have a doula, ******, present during labor and delivery as a primary support person. We plan for her to give comfort, encouragement, and generally support us. 

Sincerely,

 Chris & Jeni

Labor

• I would like to be free to walk around during labor.
• I wish to be able to move around and change position at will throughout labor.
• I would like to be able to have fluids by mouth throughout the first stage of labor.
• I will be bringing my own music to play during labor.
• I would like the environment to be kept as quiet as possible.
• I would like the lights in the room to be kept low during my labor.
• I would prefer to keep the number of vaginal exams to a minimum.
• I do not want an IV unless I become dehydrated.
• I would like to wear contact lenses or glasses at all times when conscious.

Monitoring

• I do not wish to have continuous fetal monitoring unless it is required by the condition of my baby.

Labor Augmentation/Induction

• I would prefer to be allowed to try changing position and other natural methods (walking, nipple stimulation) before any drug is administered.

Anesthesia/Pain Medication

• I realize that many pain medications exist. I'll ask for them if I need them.

Cesarean

• Unless absolutely necessary, I would like to avoid a Cesarean.
• If a Cesarean delivery is indicated, I would like to be fully informed and to participate in the decision-making process.
• I would like a low transverse incision repaired with double sutures.
• I would like Chris present at all times if my baby requires a Cesarean delivery.
• If my baby is not in distress, my baby should be given to Chris immediately after birth.

Episiotomy

• I would prefer a light tear instead of an episiotomy. 
• I am hoping to protect the perineum. I am practicing ahead of time by squatting, doing Kegel exercises and perineal massage.
• If possible, I would like to use perineal massage to help avoid the need for an episiotomy.
• I would like a local anesthetic to repair a tear or an episiotomy.

Delivery

• I would like to be allowed to choose the position in which I give birth, including squatting.
• I would like the chance to touch my baby's head when it crowns.
• Even if I am fully dilated, and assuming my baby is not in distress, I would like to try to wait until I feel the urge to push before beginning the pushing phase.
• I would appreciate having the room lights turned low for the actual delivery.
• I would appreciate having the room as quiet as possible when my baby is born.
• I would like to have my baby placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.

Immediately After Delivery

• I would like to have Chris cut the cord.
• I would prefer that the umbilical cord stop pulsating before it is cut.
• I would like to hold my baby while I deliver the placenta and any tissue repairs are made.
• I would like to have my baby evaluated and bathed in my presence.
• I do not want a routine injection of Pitocin after the delivery to aid in expelling the placenta.

Newborn Procedures

• If my baby must be taken from me to receive medical treatment, Chris or some other person I designate will accompany my baby at all times.
• I would like to have routine newborn procedures delayed until bonding and breastfeeding have occurred.
• Please do not administer eye drops to my baby, I am willing to sign a formal waiver if need be.
• Please do not administer vitamin K to my baby, I am willing to sign a formal waiver if need be.
• I prefer any immunizations be postponed to a later time.
• We would like to wait, and delay the PKU testing until we are ready to leave the hospital.

Postpartum

• Unless required for health reasons, I do not wish to be separated from my baby.
• I would like to have my baby "room in" and be with me at all times.

Breastfeeding

• I plan to breastfeed my baby and would like to begin nursing immediately after birth.
• I do not wish to have any bottles given to my baby (including glucose water or plain water).

Circumcision

• I do not wish to have the circumcision performed in the hospital.

Photo/Video

• I would like photographs and video recording during labor and the birth.

I hope this is able to help some of you. I plan on delivering at home, however there is no guarantee that emergencies wont arise. I would rather be prepared for it than be caught off guard. I would not like a c-section but by making my choices clear before hand I can increase my chances of a VBAC. 

Here I am at 33 Weeks:

Getting so close to meeting you little one!

See yall later,

Jeni