Birth plans? - Page 2 « Back to Group Discussions

[Lizbiz]

The eye goop is an antibiotic treatment against an STD infecting the eyes of a newborn - if infected, the baby can go blind.  Very intimidating to hear that - blindness - but if you have no risk for an STD - then the eye goop is totally pointless.  Hospitals do it as an overall public health measure - I understand why - there are likely people who would lie about possible exposure to STDs and not understand that by refusing the medicine they would be risking blinding their child.  So hospitals do it as standard procedure.  

I've never wanted to do it because I'm not at risk, so I haven't ever thought twice about it giving birth at home.  

I also don't do the Vitamin K shot - I just don't believe my baby is born 'deficient' and if they are - then I'm pretty sure my colostrum/breastmilk is going to make up for that in no time.  

We do the PKU test - it's rare but really important to me to know if my babies have these issues.

[Ninetales]

I wait for the birth itself before I decide on Vitamin K.  I consented for Elsa because her birth was very rough and I decided I preferred the risk of the shot to the risks of not getting it.  If this birth goes smoothly I will refuse it.  I also do PKU because it's such an easy test for something that I think is very serious.  I'm almost never against taking blood - it's putting things in that makes me hesitate.

[1stTimeMama4-4-10]

Originally Posted by Ninetales 

I wait for the birth itself before I decide on Vitamin K.  I consented for Elsa because her birth was very rough and I decided I preferred the risk of the shot to the risks of not getting it.  If this birth goes smoothly I will refuse it.  I also do PKU because it's such an easy test for something that I think is very serious.  I'm almost never against taking blood - it's putting things in that makes me hesitate.

Same here - for both. 

[sallyrae17]

I do Vitamin K and the PKU tests, and that's it. The instructor in my Bradley class actually convinced me to do the Vitamin K shot because she said that it's impossible to find a way to give it to a baby in such a high dose other than the shot, and that you can run into issues. I'm being pretty vague about what she said, but it was 3 years ago and I can't remember the exact details...just that it made sense to me. Maybe it was because I had the c-section (which I felt was pretty traumatic)....

[ithappened]

It's looking pretty likely I am going to end up with a c-section since I am going to have to use the public hospital here and can't afford the 10k to go to the private one.. so I am starting to try to prepare for that reality.. Baby's aren't in the right position still, which sucks and unless they are both head down the hospital will not allow me to even attempt a vaginal.

Those of you that have had a scheduled CS, any suggestions? What was recovery like?

[Thandiwe]

Originally Posted by ithappened 

It's looking pretty likely I am going to end up with a c-section since I am going to have to use the public hospital here and can't afford the 10k to go to the private one.. so I am starting to try to prepare for that reality.. Baby's aren't in the right position still, which sucks and unless they are both head down the hospital will not allow me to even attempt a vaginal.

Those of you that have had a scheduled CS, any suggestions? What was recovery like?

((((hugs))))) I know it wasn't something you wanted, but I'd focus on the positives.  As we get closer to our due dates and wonder when the heck our water will break and embarrass the snot out of us, you get to waltz into a scheduled date you've prepared for with your hair done and legs shaved!    I know it's not ideal, but all things will work out in the end.  I do have a few friends who've recovered well from c-sections.  One friend of mine just had one in November after a placental abruption.  Her recovery wasn't bad at all...it does obviously take longer, but it was smooth overall. 

[LilyTiger]

ithappened, this might be a blessing in disguise, though I know it's not ideal.  You might benefit from getting a chance to recuperate at the hospital for a few days to a week instead of dealing with dog, toddler and so on at home.  I agree with Thandiwe that there's a bright side!  And who knows, maybe the twins will turn rightside down at 37 weeks and just fall out.  We can always .

[ithappened]

lilytiger in the EU (socialized medicine) you get 7-10 days regardless of if its a c-section of vaginal.. but regardless, not going to lie- I am SUPER looking forward to 7 days of clean sheets, meals I dont have to cook or clean up and air conditioning. With no toddler, dog or DH to tend too.. 

I stayed 5 days when I had DS1 and I had a 'natural' birth then..  If I do have to have a c-section, I am considering getting my tubes tied in addition so that would save me the surgery later (DH refuses to do his ) Thandiwe  ha! I never thought about being able to have my legs shaved or a shower before.. that is an upside.. assuming I can reach my legs at that point
 

[rebecca10]

 Ithappened--I haven't have one, but one thing I've heard from people who have is it is best to schedule them for the morning. That way you are less likely to get pushed back from emergency c-sections--also less time to have to go without eating, which I believe they recommend. One nice thing is that the people who I've known who have had scheduled c-sections have said is it can be really fast.  You get to the hospital and then an hour later you are holding your baby.   And everyone seems to agree that recovery is much easier from a scheduled c-section than an emergency one after laboring for a while. 

[Thandiwe]

Originally Posted by ithappened 
Thandiwe  ha! I never thought about being able to have my legs shaved or a shower before.. that is an upside.. assuming I can reach my legs at that point

TRUE!!  But at least you don't have to wait like a ticking time bomb.  I hate the end when, everywhere you go, you wonder if your water will break and you will be embarrassed because it's the most inopportune time.  And a week being pampered?  Seriously - that's awesome!  Just snuggling those babies with someone on the "call button" in case you need help.  I say soak it up!!

[Thandiwe]

Originally Posted by rebecca10 

 Ithappened--I haven't have one, but one thing I've heard from people who have is it is best to schedule them for the morning. That way you are less likely to get pushed back from emergency c-sections--also less time to have to go without eating, which I believe they recommend. One nice thing is that the people who I've known who have had scheduled c-sections have said is it can be really fast.  You get to the hospital and then an hour later you are holding your baby.   And everyone seems to agree that recovery is much easier from a scheduled c-section than an emergency one after laboring for a while. 

  And move as much as possible as soon as possible; I helped a friend recover from one and she was resistant to walking and moving because it was achy, but it set her back in recovery.  As soon as you can, start moving.  A little at a time, but keep the blood and oxygen flowing so they promote healing. 

[sallyrae17]

Originally Posted by Thandiwe 

  And move as much as possible as soon as possible; I helped a friend recover from one and she was resistant to walking and moving because it was achy, but it set her back in recovery.  As soon as you can, start moving.  A little at a time, but keep the blood and oxygen flowing so they promote healing. 

Start moving as soon as you get those compression cuffs off your legs. I started to move as soon as I was put into a "new" room and my recovery was really fast. I've had abdominal surgery (in Mexico), though, and the c-section was a breeze compared to that. 

[ithappened]

I have heard such an array about recovery from c-s (mostly really really bad or pretty bad) that I am fearful of one and how long and hard recovery will be.. with that being said- my vaginal birth took me a good 3 months before I could really run again or have much strength to do anything and sex was painful for a good 8 months PP.. so its not as if that option was a cake walk for me either..

sigh.

I just really wish I could have a homebirth.
 

[Sol_y_Paz]

Please try not to be fearful if you medically need one with your twins.  Those I know that had them IRL didn't have a horrible experience and neither was the recovery.  One of my friends is recovering from one right now from one and is doing great.   It seems much worse on a body mentally and physically if someone has been in labor for many hours and then has a surprise last minute change of plans emergency one vs. a quick scheduled one.  

Edited by Sol_y_Paz - 5/21/12 at 11:33am

[Thandiwe]

Originally Posted by ithappened 

I just really wish I could have a homebirth.
 

It's a different subject, I know, but I've been pretty open the last couple days about our struggles with DS #3s teeth on FB.  We were trying to heal them naturally and now we're looking at massive surgery under general anesthesia.  I feel disappointed when I thought we could do this naturally, but I'm coming to a place of peace that medically it's just not possible.  And while it's not ideal for what I want, it's not the most natural way, and there are a ton of risks.  But I did everything I could and it just wasn't in the cards for us: I am trying to let go and find peace, just like you are.  I really, really get it. 

[Ninetales]

My c-section was after a very long labor, so I'm sure my difficult recovery was exacerbated by that.  A lot of my problems I think stemmed from my emotions and psychological well being more than my physical situation.  Physically I healed and recovered well.  My sister had a scheduled section and she felt great - she took it easy, but was back to normal very quickly. 

[Tizzy]

ithappened - Why can't you have a home birth?

And if you show up pushing, can they refuse you at the hospital, instead of scheduling the C/S?

FWIW I had an excellent recovery from my c/s. I hate saying that because it feels like I'm promoting C/S's, I'm not. It's definitely the wrong way to give birth voluntarily, but it wasn't a terrible recovery at all.  My biggest complaint is the internal scar tissue that I've had to deal with, each pregnancy has had moments of severe pain from it stretching.

The Dr. who did it didn't use staples or removable stitches, it was this internal fold kind of thing with dissolvable stitches and that was truly a blessing because I hear so many horror stories from infections.

[ithappened]

tizzy no homebirth for me because no midwives here who will do it with twins, the second issue is my DH is not supportive of the idea at all and I have no friends/family here as a support system period to help PP. . I would actually love to just have an unassisted birth somewhere in the woods

.. truth is, there are just a lot of issues which would make it very very hard if not totally a non-positive experience due to my environment. If I was back 'home' in the US it would be a different situation as I have a lot of home birth friendly friends/support to do such.

[intime0]

Yeah, being in a foreign place makes making decisions a lot harder. I've had 2 UC's and 3 UP's (with a transfer for pre e) and I still thought I might have a hospital birth.  Since then I've changed my mind.  It's hard!!!

[LilyTiger]

Hey everyone!  Here's the draft of our birth plan.  Our hospital is pretty open to music, dimming the lights, etc., and our doula told us to leave those off because those are things we control.  This is one page exactly, so I'm hoping I don't think of a bunch of stuff.  Please let me know if you see any glaring problems or things I might not have thought of!  I'll be talking this over with my doc next week, so it would be great to get feedback before then.

Birth Plan for (Patient Name)

Hello!  We appreciate you taking the time to read our birth plan.  I would like as natural a birth as possible.  For that reason, we will be avoiding all interventions unless medically necessary.  We would love to have a room with a tub in which to labor and the freedom to choose positions in which to labor.  We have prepared for this birth with Bradley method classes, outside reading, and most importantly, the advice of our doctor, NAME.  Thank you so much for all the care you give and for working with us to make this birth as gentle and natural as possible.

Those allowed in room:

Name (husband)

Name (doula)

Room Preferences:

I would like to be able to use a tub during labor

I would prefer a room with a squat bar and a window, if possible

During Labor:

I would like my partner to be with me at all times

I would like to avoid a saline lock at time of check-in

Only my doctor, nurse, and guests present

I would like to walk around as much as possible

I would like intermittent monitoring rather than continuous fetal monitoring

I would like no one to offer pain medication unless I explicitly ask for it

I would like to avoid the rupture of membranes

I would like to push when my body feels the need, rather than be directed

I would like assistance to stop pushing when baby’s head crowns to avoid tearing if possible

After birth:

I would like the cord to stop pulsating before it is cut

I would like all newborn procedures to take place in my presence

I would like to delay erythromycin placement in the eyes until after first breastfeeding

I would prefer that the vernix be rubbed into the skin and no bath given

I would like to breastfeed immediately after birth (please avoid bottles)

No circumcision in case of boy

I would like the baby to remain in room with us

In case of C-section:

I would like to touch my baby as soon as possible

If I cannot hold baby, I would like my husband to hold the baby as soon as possible

I would like to breastfeed my baby in the recovery room

Edited by LilyTiger - 6/12/12 at 8:01am