I had this posted in the other thread, but am happy to share.
Birth Plan for [My Name] (baby girl!)
Mother: My Name
Father and Support Person: Dh's name
Last name of baby girl: Dh's last name
Practitioner: Dr. J----- -------
Due Date: September 9, 2010
We have prepared this Birth Plan to help you understand our philosophy and the kind of care we hope to have for the birth of our fifth child. Our first birth (full term twins) was a natural vaginal birth, as was the birth of our son. (Our daughter is adopted.) We again wish for as natural a birth as possible, avoiding all unnecessary procedures and medications. However, if medications or procedures become necessary, we ask that you discuss them with us in advance so we can participate in the decision-making. Thank you!First Stage (Labor):
•Dim Lights and Quiet
•Would prefer to have a minimum of people in the room (no students/observers)
•NO IV, but Heparin Lock is OK. (If for any reason an IV must be connected, I do not want any medications administered through the IV without permission from my husband or me.)
•Maintain mobility (walking, rocking, up to the bathroom, etc.)
•I will drink water if I need fluids—no routine IV infusion.
•Intermittent fetal monitoring rather than continuous EFM.
•Eat lightly and drink to comfort (fruit juices, tea, toast, etc.)
•Please do not offer me pain medications. I will ask for them if I want them.
•NO augmentation with pitocin.
Induction:
•I would prefer to use natural methods to start labor.
•I would like for my labor to proceed at its own pace, and would therefore like to avoid measures such as rupture of membranes, stripping of membranes, and/or pitocin unless a specific medical need arises.
Augmentation:
•If necessary, I would prefer walking and nipple stimulation to speed labor.
Second Stage (Birth):
•Would prefer to have no students or observers in the room.
•Prolonged length of labor (longer than 3 hours) allowed if progress is being made and baby is not stressed
•Spontaneous bearing down rather than directed pushing, especially as baby is crowning.
•NO Episiotomy:
•I would prefer to tear than have an episiotomy, but please use compresses, massage, perineal support, and positioning. Please remind me to slow my pushing as baby crowns to allow for gradual stretching of the perineum.
•In the case of severe fetal distress, an episiotomy may be necessary. I would like to be informed of the episiotomy before it is performed.
In the case of a Cesarean Birth:
•I would prefer a spinal rather than general anesthetic
•Partner present and able to take photographs
•Free one or both of my hands to touch the baby
•Partner to cut the cord
•Baby stays with partner, in-room, unless there is evidence of distress.
•Two-layer stitching repair of uterus, rather than a single-layer closure
•Breast feeding in recovery room
Baby Care:
•Baby to be set immediately on Mother's chest/abdomen after birth (observed/checked in parents' arms)
•Would prefer, if delivery is normal and healthy, to wait 2-3 minutes before clamping umbilical cord.
•Father cuts the cord
•Delay the eye medication for 1 hour
•Vitamin K shot okay
•Delay all routine examinations of baby for 1 hour post-birth to allow for bonding
•Breast feeding only, no pacifiers or glucose water
•Mother or Father with baby at ALL times
•Rooming-in
•NO Hepatitis B vaccine; no vaccines without permission from Mother and Father.
In the Case of a Sick Baby:
•Breast feeding as soon as possible. Mother's expressed milk to be used until then.
•Please consult us before formula is considered or administered.
•Handling of the baby (Kangaroo care, holding, care of, etc.)
•We would like to be very involved in the care of our daughter.
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