My birth plan
Our Wishes for Childbirth - Shannon N Kuhn
Due Date: 05/29/2010
Patient of Dr. Manning
Scheduled to deliver at Holy Spirit Hospital
04/01/2010
Sincerely,
Shannon Kuhn
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 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 do not wish to have continuous fetal monitoring unless it is required by the condition of my son.
- I do not want an internal monitor unless my son has shown some sign of distress.
- I do not wish to have the amniotic membrane ruptured artificially unless signs of fetal distress require internal monitoring.
- I would prefer to be allowed to try changing position and other natural methods (walking, nipple stimulation) before Pitocin is administered.
- I realize that many pain medications exist. I'll ask for them if I need them.
- I would like to have a standard epidural.
- 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 my boyfriend present at all times if my son requires a Cesarean delivery.
- I wish to have an epidural for anesthesia.
- If my son is not in distress, my son should be given to my boyfriend immediately after birth.
- I would prefer not to have an episiotomy unless absolutely required for my son's safety.
- I would appreciate guidance in when to push and when to stop pushing so the perineum can stretch.
- I would like to be allowed to choose the position in which I give birth, including squatting.
- I would like my boyfriend and/or nurses to support me and my legs as necessary during the pushing stage.
- Even if I am fully dilated, and assuming my son 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 son is born.
- I would like to have my son placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.
- I would like to have my boyfriend cut the cord.
- I would prefer that the umbilical cord stop pulsating before it is cut.
- I would like to hold my son while I deliver the placenta and any tissue repairs are made.
- I would like to hold my son for at least 15 minutes before (he/she) is photographed, examined, etc.
- I would like to have my son evaluated and bathed in my presence.
- I plan to keep my son near me following birth and would appreciate if the evaluation of my son can be done with my son on my abdomen, with both of us covered by a warm blanket, unless there is an unusual situation.
- If my son must be taken from me to receive medical treatment, my boyfriend or some other person I designate will accompany my son at all times.
- I would prefer to hold my son rather than have (him/her) placed under heat lamps.
- After the birth, I would prefer to be given a few moments of privacy to urinate on my own before being catheterized.
- I would like to see the placenta after it is delivered.
- Unless required for health reasons, I do not wish to be separated from my baby.
- I would like to have my son "room in" and be with me at all times.
- I plan to breastfeed my son and would like to begin nursing very shortly after birth.
- Unless medically necessary, I do not wish to have any bottles given to my son (including glucose water or plain water).
- I would like more information about breastfeeding.
- I would like to meet with a lactation consultant.
- I would like my son to be circumcised before we check out of the hospital.
- I would like to take still photographs during labor and the birth.
- My support person(s) is/are (support people) and I would like them to be present during labor and/or delivery.
- I would prefer that no students, interns, residents or non-essential personnel be present during my labor or the birth.