Creating a birth plan proved time-consuming and thought provoking. I didn’t expect this to be the case.
After months of consuming information from a number of sources, I thought I could quickly list what I wanted to happen during labor and delivery.
I want some drugs, but not too many. I want to bond with my baby immediately. I want the experience to be as peaceful and memorable as possible.
But there’s more to it than that.
I visited a handful of Web sites and checked out sample birth plans. I finally selected two sites, mjbovo.com and childbirth.org, completed the online forms and emailed myself two plans. I then merged the two together into a customized birth plan that includes everything that I think my family and the hospital staff will need to know.
I am sure the physicians and nurses have seen it all before, and my one-of-a kind plan is probably just a dime a dozen. But creating it helped me organize my thoughts and the information I accumulated during pregnancy.
Loss of control - of myself and my decisions - is frightening and having the plan is reassuring. I can print it out, highlight certain points that I want my husband to note, and others that will be important to his parents and my mother, and hand it out to my hospital entourage.
I can revise it, share it with friends and in general attempt to exercise some control over this time in my life. And at this point, when my due date looms but could come at any time, control is a good thing.
A couple of readers have already commented about birth plans in general and I would like more feedback. Let me know what I am leaving out, and what’s unreasonable.
CLICK READ MORE TO CHECK OUT MY BIRTH PLAN
Birth plan for Nicole McMullin
Due date - September 7, 2007
Labor coach/partner - Husband
Physician – Physicians & Midwives
Pediatrician – (TBD)
INTENT
The purpose of this birth plan is to outline my preferences for labor and delivery. I recognize that emergency situations may arise and additional procedures may be necessary, but I hope to follow the plan in a non-emergency situation. Please keep me informed in regards to options not listed below, but allow me the opportunity to decide which medications and procedures I want to receive.
VISITORS
No one other than my husband else should be allowed in the room during delivery. My mother may visit during labor.
MEDICATION
I plan to use a low-dose epidural (walking epidural) during labor and delivery and it can be offered to me at the appropriate time.
DURING LABOR I WOULD LIKE TO:
Maintain mobility
Walk and use various natural pain relief techniques, including showering massage, relaxation techniques, various positions, etc.
Use intermittent fetal monitoring
Eat and drink clear fluids and ice chips
Wear my own clothes, as opposed to a hospital gown
THE ROOM I AM LABORING IN SHOULD:
Have the lighting lowered
Not be available to unnecessary visitors and hospital staff
Remain as peaceful as possible, no television or music unless requested by me
INDUCTION & AUGMENTATION
I do not want to be induced and prefer to use natural methods to start labor.
I would prefer to walk to speed labor.
Please prolong the length of labor if progress is being made.
VAGINAL DELIVERY
My husband will be in the delivery room.
I do not want an episiotomy, but please use compresses, massage and positioning to prevent or ease tearing.
I prefer not to use stirrups. Foot pedals and people supporting my legs would be best.
Please prolong the length of delivery if progress is being made.
Please calmly direct my pushing/bearing down.
Do not use forceps.
My husband should cut the cord.
AFTER VAGINAL DELIVERY
The baby should be placed on my chest immediately. No bathing.
I plan to breast feed immediately
I plan to breast feed only, no pacifiers or glucose water.
There should be no unnecessary separation of mother and baby.
Tests should be performed while I am holding the baby and bonding.
Allow time for bonding before eye ointment and vitamin K are administered.
IN THE EVENT OF A CESAREAN DELIVERY
My husband should be in the delivery room, behind the curtain with me.
My husband should cut the cord.
My husband should be handed the baby in the delivery room and we should be given time to bond with the baby while the
procedure is completed.
AFTER CESAREAN DELIVERY
The baby should be placed on my chest immediately. No bathing.
I plan to breast feed as soon as possible in the recovery room.
I plan to breast feed only, no pacifiers or glucose water.
Tests should be performed while I am holding the baby and bonding.
Allow time for bonding before eye ointment and vitamin K are administered.
IN THE EVENT OF A SICK BABY
The father should stay with the baby at all times.
If the baby is transported to another facility, move us as soon as possible.
I would like to breast feed as soon as possible.
There should be unlimited visitation for parents.
We would like to handle the baby as much as possible.
Read Less...
RSS 2.0