Does this cover everything? (Birth plan)

[SmtmsAlwys]

I think I have my birth plan complete but I'm not sure... This will be my first home birth (fourth child) and just don't know what sort of birth plan to make for a home birth. Am I leaving anything out??

Our Birth Plan

We are looking forward to the birth of our fourth child, a son, at home. Amanda’s prior labors have been mainly uneventful, so we are not anticipating any problems. We plan to have present at this birth Jon, the Father, and one friend, Roberta, for support.

Our Labor Wishes

• The birth environment is very important to us. For that reason we ask that the lights be kept dim and loud noise be avoided. We also may choose to play music during the birth.

• Our goal is to have a "natural birth. We would especially like to avoid labor induction. Amanda would prefer to initially try other methods of induction (i.e. changing positions, walking, nipple stimulation, castor oil, sexual intercourse, etc.) before chemical methods. We do understand that there are procedures which may be necessary. Except in the case of an extreme emergency, we ask that we be given the opportunity to accept or refuse any procedure. We also request that the least invasive or restricting versions of procedures be used. If an event should arrive where medication would be needed, we would like discussion of alternatives and consequences, and some private time for discussion.

·         We plan to handle pain with relaxation, massage, and water.

• Amanda would like the absolute minimum of time attached to monitoring.
• During labor, Amanda would like the ability to:
  1. walk freely,
  2. use the shower and labor tub,
  3. change positions throughout,
  4. have access to liquids and foods,
  5. have a quiet and encouraging environment, and
  6. avoid an IV and an excess of vaginal exams.
• We plan to use whichever positions feel comfortable for labor and pushing.
• We would like Jon or Roberta to take photos of parts of the labor and birth.

 Our Delivery Wishes

• Amanda would like to push at her own pace. If time permits, Amanda would like the option to feel our son's head as he descends.
• Amanda would rather risk a tear than have an episiotomy.
• Jon would like to be included in the "catching" of our son and cutting of the cord.
• After the birth, we would like the baby placed on Amanda’s chest in order to bond and nurse. We ask that he remain there for the first 1 to 2 hours after birth. We ask that any evaluations be done while Amanda or Jon is holding him. We also ask that the cord not be cut until it stops pulsing.
• If Cesarean becomes necessary, Amanda would like to be conscious, Jon would like to be present at all times and we still prefer for our son to be nursed immediately.
• In the event of a hospital stay, we prefer that our stay be as short as possible. We ask that Jon and our son both room in. We ask that our other children be allowed to visit.
• We do not want our son circumcised.

We thank you for taking the time to help us achieve a natural birth for our son.

[gemasita]

I'm not sure you need a lot of this stuff for giving birth at home.  Is this for in case you go to the hospital?  If not, most of this would be the norm for a homebirth because you are in your own environment and you should be able to discuss all of this with the midwife beforehand.

[noahs.mom06]

Originally Posted by gemasita 

I'm not sure you need a lot of this stuff for giving birth at home.  Is this for in case you go to the hospital?  If not, most of this would be the norm for a homebirth because you are in your own environment and you should be able to discuss all of this with the midwife beforehand.

agree. You shouldn't really need to write most of this down, except to have on hand in case you would transfer to the hospital... but in most cases, if you are transferring, a lot of the natural stuff you're going for is out the window, otherwise you wouldn't be transferring. You should discuss the vast majority of these things with your midwife ahead of time. I'm not even planning on writing a birth plan this time!

[allisonrose]

I'm curious about this subject. I'm thinking about having a birth plan just in case of the need to transfer. I've been having the same thoughts as the previous posters that in event of a transfer, a lot of natural stuff won't be possible. But I am thinking about having a birth plan with the definite no's on there: no vaxes, no eye goop, no circ, no bottles or pacifers. (I have an appointment with my midwife on Tuesday and plan to ask her opinion then.)

[noahs.mom06]

Originally Posted by allisonrose 

I'm curious about this subject. I'm thinking about having a birth plan just in case of the need to transfer. I've been having the same thoughts as the previous posters that in event of a transfer, a lot of natural stuff won't be possible. But I am thinking about having a birth plan with the definite no's on there: no vaxes, no eye goop, no circ, no bottles or pacifers. (I have an appointment with my midwife on Tuesday and plan to ask her opinion then.)

That's not a bad idea, but having done all of my doula work in the hospital, I think it's more important to make sure that whoever is there with you is well-prepared to make it very clear to the hospital staff that they should not do any of those procedures. If you just have it written in a birth plan, but your support isn't prepared to speak up and remind staff not to do it, it's not likely that they will follow your wishes, and they could just say that they didn't see it in your birth plan.

[SmtmsAlwys]

I don't know.. it's not that I think I need it, per se, but the midwife thought it was a good idea just to make sure we're on the same page.... I really don't feel as though I need one but I did want to be sure before I'm pushing. LOL

[Italiamom]

We only had a birth plan for "in case of transfer," BUT our 34 week appointment was pretty much ironing out our specific plans.  The midwife asked about most of the things we would have written out.  So it's possible that even though most of this stuff would be pretty obvious with a midwife, she likes to know so she can reassure you, and so you can be on the same page.

[gemasita]

But I am thinking about having a birth plan with the definite no's on there: no vaxes, no eye goop, no circ, no bottles or pacifers.

Yes, I think a Baby Care Plan is good to have in case of a transfer.  A copy for the baby nurse and a copy for your husband or whoever would go with the baby.  A lot of the natural stuff might be out the window for the labor part but they should be able to follow the same baby care plan in most circumstances.