birth plan
I made a birth plan today, with the help of a couple of sites ( http://www.childbirth.org/interactive/ibirthplan.html and http://pregnancyandbaby.com/pregnanc...reator-241.htm ). I tried to make it simple, but it ended up being kind of long anyway. I cut out some things that I think are not necessary based on what I've seen at this hospital. I'll show this to the doula I'm meeting tomorrow and see what she thinks.
• I would like to wear contact lenses or glasses at all times
Labor
• I would prefer not to have an IV unless medically necessary
• Please limit the number of vaginal exams
• As long as the baby is doing well, I prefer that fetal heart tones be monitored intermittently with an external monitor or doppler, even if the membranes have ruptured.
• Please do not permit observers such as interns, students or unnecessary staff into the room without my permission.
• I would like to avoid induction unless it is medically necessary.
• I would prefer not to have membranes stripped or artificially ruptured.
• As long as the baby and I are healthy, I do not want to discuss induction prior to 42 weeks.
Pain Relief
• Please do not offer anesthesia/analgesia unless I ask for it.
Cesarean Section
• I feel very strongly that I would like to avoid a cesarean delivery
• If a cesarean is necessary, I expect to be fully informed of all procedures and actively participate in decision-making.
• In the case of a cesarean, I would prefer epidural anesthesia, if possible, in order to remain conscious through the delivery.
• If conditions permit, I would like to be the first to hold the baby after the delivery.
• If possible, I would like to breastfeed the baby immediately after the birth.
Perineal Care
• I would rather tear than have an episiotomy, but please use compresses, massage and positioning.
Delivery
• Even if I am fully dilated, and assuming the baby is not in distress, I would like to wait until I feel the urge to push before beginning the pushing phase.
• I would like the freedom to push and deliver in any position I like.
• I would like to help catch the baby.
• I would like to have the birth recorded with photographs, video tape and/or tape recording.
Immediately After Delivery
• Please place the baby on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.
• I would like to breastfeed the baby immediately.
• I would like the option to cut the cord.
• Please allow the umbilical cord to stop pulsating before it is cut.
• I prefer to wait for spontaneous delivery of the placenta and do not want a routine injection of pitocin.
• I would like to hold the baby through delivery of the placenta and any repair procedures.
• Please delay eye medication for the baby until we are well past the initial bonding period (a couple hours after the birth).
• I would like the option to assist in bathing the baby.
• I would like to waive the administration of routine Vitamin K
• I would like to defer the Hep B vaccination
• Please do not give the baby supplements (including formula, glucose, or plain water) without my consent, unless there is an urgent medical necessity.
• Please do not give the baby a pacifier.
• I would like to wear contact lenses or glasses at all times
Labor
• I would prefer not to have an IV unless medically necessary
• Please limit the number of vaginal exams
• As long as the baby is doing well, I prefer that fetal heart tones be monitored intermittently with an external monitor or doppler, even if the membranes have ruptured.
• Please do not permit observers such as interns, students or unnecessary staff into the room without my permission.
• I would like to avoid induction unless it is medically necessary.
• I would prefer not to have membranes stripped or artificially ruptured.
• As long as the baby and I are healthy, I do not want to discuss induction prior to 42 weeks.
Pain Relief
• Please do not offer anesthesia/analgesia unless I ask for it.
Cesarean Section
• I feel very strongly that I would like to avoid a cesarean delivery
• If a cesarean is necessary, I expect to be fully informed of all procedures and actively participate in decision-making.
• In the case of a cesarean, I would prefer epidural anesthesia, if possible, in order to remain conscious through the delivery.
• If conditions permit, I would like to be the first to hold the baby after the delivery.
• If possible, I would like to breastfeed the baby immediately after the birth.
Perineal Care
• I would rather tear than have an episiotomy, but please use compresses, massage and positioning.
Delivery
• Even if I am fully dilated, and assuming the baby is not in distress, I would like to wait until I feel the urge to push before beginning the pushing phase.
• I would like the freedom to push and deliver in any position I like.
• I would like to help catch the baby.
• I would like to have the birth recorded with photographs, video tape and/or tape recording.
Immediately After Delivery
• Please place the baby on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.
• I would like to breastfeed the baby immediately.
• I would like the option to cut the cord.
• Please allow the umbilical cord to stop pulsating before it is cut.
• I prefer to wait for spontaneous delivery of the placenta and do not want a routine injection of pitocin.
• I would like to hold the baby through delivery of the placenta and any repair procedures.
• Please delay eye medication for the baby until we are well past the initial bonding period (a couple hours after the birth).
• I would like the option to assist in bathing the baby.
• I would like to waive the administration of routine Vitamin K
• I would like to defer the Hep B vaccination
• Please do not give the baby supplements (including formula, glucose, or plain water) without my consent, unless there is an urgent medical necessity.
• Please do not give the baby a pacifier.