Is this a good place to ask you to read my Birth Plan?

[happeeevraftr]

I'm not sure where the best forum is for this. I'm trying frantically to come up with a decent birth plan. I'm only 36 weeks, but baby is at a zero station, And as of monday I'm dilated to a 3 and 75% effaced and having tons of contractions. So, is anyone interested in evaluating what I've come up with? My hospital is probably the most 'naturally friendly' in the area, but that isn't saying much, considering about 99% of women here get the epidural, no questions asked. So, much of what I want is not really routine. I'm trying to come across as nice and cooperative though.

Here it is: (Someone can move this to a more appropriate board if need be!)

Birth Plan for Cathryn & Matt S.

To the Nurses and Staff of American Fork Hospital:

We are happy to be planning the natural birth of our second daughter at your hospital. Below is an outline of our wishes and preferences, and we appreciate your help in allowing us to have a natural labor and delivery, without the use of drugs or any other unnecessary interventions. Above all, we desire a healthy mother and baby, and you have our full cooperation in the event of an emergency and the need for intervention, upon the briefest of explanation.

Labor & Birth--We request:
•A calm and peaceful atmosphere so that I can concentrate on my Hypnobirthing and remain relaxed. We would like to keep lights dim if at all possible, and also ask that those in the room speak quietly and calmly.
•No mention of “pain” or “hurt.” Please do not ask me to rate how painful the contractions are or how badly it hurts. Instead, ask how comfortable I am, and how you can help me be more comfortable.
•Please do not offer me drugs. I know what is available and will request it if I feel it is necessary. Please encourage me in my desire for a drug-free birth by offering natural comfort and relief measures.
•Freedom to walk around, use the tub or shower, and assume whatever position is most comfortable
•Intermittent manual fetal monitoring. If an underwater Doppler is available, we request that it be used instead of asking me to get out of the tub if that is where I am comfortable.
•Minimal vaginal exams.
•Mother-directed pushing. Please don’t count or “coach” me, except for gentle guidance if I am about to tear.
•No episiotomy unless it becomes necessary to get the baby out quickly. Otherwise, I would prefer a tear to a cut.
•Allow the cord to stop pulsating before it is clamped and cut. Allow Matt to participate in clamping and cutting.
•Immediate skin to skin contact. Please help me open my gown and place my baby on my chest and cover her with warm blankets.
•Allow a non-managed third stage. I would like to deliver the placenta naturally. Please do not use cord traction or artificial oxytocin.

Infant Care—We request:
•A chance for breastfeeding and bonding by having all tests and procedures performed with baby on my chest or in her dad’s arms.
•I would like to give my baby her first bath.
•No eye antibiotics, please.

Please discuss with us any problems or special circumstances that may make medical interventions necessary. We would like to know how urgent the situation is, along with all other options available. Please do this before making any decisions about starting an IV, using continuous electronic fetal monitoring, rupturing membranes, artificially inducing or speeding up labor, or any other medical interventions.

[pageta]

Looks great to me!

[rachdoll]

looks good! I like that it's short and to the point.

[courtenay_e]

Yup, looks good. The hospital staff will also appreciate that it's short! You'll do great. Water and hypnobirthing are an awsome combo.