Birth Choices, take #2 - Page 2

[bdavis337]

Nah. My hospital doesn't provide formula or bottles unless Baby is put in the nursery, and Baby will stay with me so that's not an issue. I'd have to ask for them to take Baby out of the room - rooming in is assumed and expected unless there are medical reasons otherwise. And in that situation, they provide Mama's with a pump to use during her stay. Actually, they provide a pump during the post-partum stay anyway, now that I think about it.

[bdavis337]

Originally Posted by jee'smom

That's not true. ALL intact males in our area hospitals are retracted (they say 'only slightly retracted') at birth to make sure they don't have hypospadias. I was pi$$ed none the less b/c my dr. knew not to retract, he's the one who instructed me not to retract, then goes and slightly pulls it back... pi$$ me off!!!

I've come to realize that our definition of retraction differs dramatically from the pedi's definitions of retratction. And in all honesty, at risk of being flamed and I would NEVER post this on the cac board, something like that wouldn't make me mad.

[becoming]

Looks great! I need to shorten mine up a LOT.

[bdavis337]

Brevity is exactly why I've omitted things about breasfteeding and intact penis care. Presuming that both Baby and I are ok after the birth, I'll be around to deal with those things on my own terms, and without the need for written instructions. If for some reason Baby or I need emergency medical care, I'll be honest here and say that formula vs. breastmilk is not high on my list of things to manage, nor is possible foreskin retraction. I picked the things most important to me, and stuck with those.

[jee'smom]

Originally Posted by bdavis337

I've come to realize that our definition of retraction differs dramatically from the pedi's definitions of retratction. And in all honesty, at risk of being flamed and I would NEVER post this on the cac board, something like that wouldn't make me mad.

It made me upset b/c retraction of any kind can introduce microscopic tears, which can become infected (plus other reasons not to do it). I didn't want to risk him getting an infected foreskin in a VERY high-circumcision-rate area, where no urologists understand how to care for an intact penis. Then the whole "you need to get him circumcised" thing comes up, not to mention that it can be painful and I become upset when people cause my children pain.

[bdavis337]

Keri, I totally understand what you're saying. From my perspective, I'd be pissed if they did it, but that's about it. Then gain, you're talking to a mother of 2 already circumcised boys. While this might not be popular, I'm just happy to have realized I don't need to circ.

[Jasmine_xoxo]

I am so thankful that we are birthing at a waterbirth center. All of these things are no nos unless I specifically ask for them.

GL!

[ChelseaG]

I copied mine from a website I found when searching for "natural birth plan" - since we are planning a homebirth and will only be going to the hospital for an emergency - mine is very lengthy - I plan on making a shorter bullet point one - but wanted all the important stuff on there. Considering we will be strangers to the hospital - I want them to know our views on everything...though in an emergency I know a lot of these requests will be unrealistic...


To Our Birth Team: After researching different methods of childbirth, we have selected a natural, drug-free delivery where the mother is encouraged by her coach to relax and work with her body. We feel that we are well prepared and educated, and have done everything possible to remain healthy and low risk during this pregnancy. We would appreciate all of the kind, encouraging care you can provide and thank you for assisting us during this miraculous event.

We would like to have the most natural birth experience possible, so we would like to request the following:

1. We would like to have a nurse who is both familiar with and supportive of natural, unmedicated childbirth methods, comfort measures, etc.

2. Please do not offer us any medication during labor or delivery unless it is absolutely necessary, due to a medical emergency. This includes all pain medication and other medication used to induce or augment labor.

3. Please do not artificially rupture the membranes.

4. We do not wish to have an IV at any time, unless a medical emergency necessitates it. We prefer for Chelsea to have food and drink orally during labor as she desires.

5. We would like our child to be intermittently monitored via Doppler or Fetoscope, not by EFM. We do not wish to have continuous fetal monitoring unless it is required by the condition of our child.

6. We wish for Chelsea to be able to move around and change position at will throughout labor and delivery.

7. We prefer keep vaginal exams to a minimum to avoid unnecessary discomfort and discouragement.

8. Unless absolutely necessary, we wish to avoid an episiotomy and the use of forceps or vacuum extraction.

9. Unless absolutely necessary, we wish to avoid a Cesarean delivery. If a Cesarean is indicated, we would like to be fully informed and participate in the decision-making process. We would like Joe (the father) present at all times during a Cesarean. If our child is not in distress, s/he should be given to Joe immediately after birth.

10. We would like our child to be born when s/he is ready, with no time limit placed on the labor or pushing stages, unless a medical emergency arises.

11. Even if Chelsea is fully dilated, and assuming our child is not in distress, we would like to wait until Chelsea feels the urge to push before beginning the pushing phase.

12. We would like the freedom to choose a delivery position, including squatting or water birth.

13. We would like Joe (the father) to be the one to catch our child as s/he is born if he so desires. Also, please do not announce the sex of the baby upon delivery - the parents wish to discover the sex on their own.

14. We would like Joe (the father) to cut the umbilical cord once it has stopped pulsing; we request that the umbilical cord NOT be clamped or cut until pulsing has stopped.

15. If there are no medical reasons to do otherwise, we would like our child to be placed directly on Chelsea’s stomach after birth until the cord has stopped pulsing and Joe has cut the cord, then given directly to Chelsea for nursing and cuddling (we would appreciate warm blankets to be on hand for placing over the baby). We do not wish our child to be bathed. Vernix is a valuable substance, providing protection, lubrication, and antibacterial properties before and after delivery. It is unnecessary to remove this substance from the baby's skin after delivery.
*(totally copied from the OP - thanks for the idea!)

16. We would like to allow Chelsea’s body to expel the placenta on its own, without pitocin or pulling on the cord.

17. We do NOT want our child to be circumcised or given any vaccinations or injections and expressly withhold consent for these procedures. This includes, but is not limited to the Hep B vaccination, the vitamin K shot, and the antibiotic eye ointment. We have discussed the legal issues with our family lawyer and are prepared to sign any waivers necessary to ensure these DO NOT take place.

18. Unless required for health reasons, we do not wish our child to be separated from Chelsea and Joe at all and ask that our child ‘room in’ with the parents at all times; we ask that evaluation or testing of our child take place in the room with the parents present at all times. We also ask that any testing or evaluations be postponed until after the baby has nursed for the first time.

19. If our child must be taken from the room to receive emergency medical treatment, Joe (the father) will accompany our child at all times.

20. We do not wish to have any pacifiers or bottles given to our child (including glucose water or plain water). Chelsea plans to breastfeed our child exclusively and would like to begin nursing immediately after birth. Please DO NOT give this baby formula of any kind.

Our goal is to provide the healthiest possible start in life for our new baby. We understand that unexpected medical complications may occur, in which case we would, of course, be flexible regarding our above requests. We expect to be consulted and fully informed about any interventions. We are looking forward to a positive birth experience.


yeah - I know it is very wordy - and chances that someone will read the whole thing (especially in an emergency) is almost laughable - but it makes me feel better to have everything written out...

[jessjgh1]

Originally Posted by jee'smom

That's not true. ALL intact males in our area hospitals are retracted (they say 'only slightly retracted') at birth to make sure they don't have hypospadias. I was pi$$ed none the less b/c my dr. knew not to retract, he's the one who instructed me not to retract, then goes and slightly pulls it back... pi$$ me off!!!

Keri, I'm shocked. I've never heard of this before (as being common), although you may have brought it up on CAC and I've forgotten. Certainly something to bring up in the CAC forum in case it is more common than one would think.From my ignorant and naive perception, I think this is VERY rare and that maybe it is due to one person making the poilicy (or an old policy that has never been changed).

I'll be asking about this one because it is honestly not something I thought of before. It never occured to me that it would occur that early.

As for keeping it brief, which I agree very much, it might be as simple editing the statement to say
"My son will not be circumcised or retracted" to the birth plan-- adding 2 wordswouldn't significantly effect the length, but I agree with Bethancy about reasons for keeping it simple, short, and brief.

Jessica