Hi! Just looking for some input. This is the summary of our choices, and while I'm not asking for criticism of the choices themselves, I am wondering if it's too long. If so, how can I condense it without losing anything? Including headers, it prints out on one page with 1 inch margins. Thoughts?
We understand that there may be situations in which our choices may not be possible, but we hope that you will help us to move toward our goals as much as possible and to make this labor and birth a great experience. We do not want to replace the medical personnel, but instead want to be informed of any procedures in advance, and to be allowed the chance to give informed consent. Please feel free to ask if you have any questions or comments. Thank you!
Regarding labor:
All procedures to be discussed with myself and/or my husband prior to administration.
Unless indicated by fetal distress, vaginal exams and fetal monitoring should be intermittent, not constant.
I do not want to have labor induced artificially if there is no fetal distress.
If induction becomes necessary, I would prefer to attempt alternative methods, such as nipple stimulation and walking, before pitocin or other medical interventions are attempted.
I would prefer narcotic pain relief to epidural, and do not want an epidural offered to me. However, if I change my mind during the course of labor, I would like to have the option at 5 cm. dilation or beyond.
I feel very strongly that I would like to avoid a cesarean birth. If a cesarean becomes necessary, I would like my husband present. I would also like to be the first to hold our baby, and would like to attempt to breastfeed immediately following birth.
I would rather tear than receive an episiotomy, and I would prefer not to be stitched following either unless absolutely necessary.
I would like the option to labor and deliver in the most comfortable position for me at the time, and would like to use a birthing position which allows gravity to assist in delivery.
I would prefer to deliver the placenta naturally, without the aid of a routine injection of pitocin.
Regarding newborn care:
Unless it is necessary for the health and safety of our child, he or she is to be in the presence of either my husband or myself at all times.
We are refusing the administration of any and all eye ointment for our child, and will sign waivers regarding this.
We are refusing the administration of Vitamin K, injected or oral, unless our child requires surgery, and will sign waivers regarding this.
We are refusing the administration of any vaccinations at the hospital, including but not limited to the Hepatitis B vaccination, and will sign waivers regarding this.
Metabolic testing is permissible, but blood draws should be done in the presence of myself or my husband.
Bathing, evaluation, and testing are all to be done at my bedside, or in the presence of my husband.
We do not plan to circumsize our child.
Regarding feeding:
I plan to breastfeed, and expect to be allowed to do so immediately following birth, barring medical counter-indication.
Please do not give pacifiers, formula, bottles, glucose solution, or plain water to our child.
We understand that there may be situations in which our choices may not be possible, but we hope that you will help us to move toward our goals as much as possible and to make this labor and birth a great experience. We do not want to replace the medical personnel, but instead want to be informed of any procedures in advance, and to be allowed the chance to give informed consent. Please feel free to ask if you have any questions or comments. Thank you!
Regarding labor:
All procedures to be discussed with myself and/or my husband prior to administration.
Unless indicated by fetal distress, vaginal exams and fetal monitoring should be intermittent, not constant.
I do not want to have labor induced artificially if there is no fetal distress.
If induction becomes necessary, I would prefer to attempt alternative methods, such as nipple stimulation and walking, before pitocin or other medical interventions are attempted.
I would prefer narcotic pain relief to epidural, and do not want an epidural offered to me. However, if I change my mind during the course of labor, I would like to have the option at 5 cm. dilation or beyond.
I feel very strongly that I would like to avoid a cesarean birth. If a cesarean becomes necessary, I would like my husband present. I would also like to be the first to hold our baby, and would like to attempt to breastfeed immediately following birth.
I would rather tear than receive an episiotomy, and I would prefer not to be stitched following either unless absolutely necessary.
I would like the option to labor and deliver in the most comfortable position for me at the time, and would like to use a birthing position which allows gravity to assist in delivery.
I would prefer to deliver the placenta naturally, without the aid of a routine injection of pitocin.
Regarding newborn care:
Unless it is necessary for the health and safety of our child, he or she is to be in the presence of either my husband or myself at all times.
We are refusing the administration of any and all eye ointment for our child, and will sign waivers regarding this.
We are refusing the administration of Vitamin K, injected or oral, unless our child requires surgery, and will sign waivers regarding this.
We are refusing the administration of any vaccinations at the hospital, including but not limited to the Hepatitis B vaccination, and will sign waivers regarding this.
Metabolic testing is permissible, but blood draws should be done in the presence of myself or my husband.
Bathing, evaluation, and testing are all to be done at my bedside, or in the presence of my husband.
We do not plan to circumsize our child.
Regarding feeding:
I plan to breastfeed, and expect to be allowed to do so immediately following birth, barring medical counter-indication.
Please do not give pacifiers, formula, bottles, glucose solution, or plain water to our child.
