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Cheat sheet for husband/support person

4K views 21 replies 20 participants last post by  Tumble Bumbles 
#1 ·
Did you have a cheat sheet for your husband or support person during labor and birth? DH is totally on board with a UC. I tend to be a bit of a planner and I'm thinking about putting together a cheat sheet of things I want/need him to do during labor and right after birth. Things to watch for and do. I don't want to be in "nurse mode" and just want to enjoy the whole experience. Did you do something like this for your UC? What kinds of things did you include? Would you mind sharing? :)
 
#3 ·
Thanks! I'll send you a PM. I already have the emergency childbirth PDF, but would be interested in the printouts you have. Thanks again. :)
 
#4 ·
Could you email me those also? I have been scouring the websites for them and can't find them anymore and the sticky thread from before all these changes also took it down. :( My email is larsonwomanatgmaildotcom.
 
#5 ·
I sort of do. I just wrote down all the remedies and stuff that I had on hand, what they were for, how to administer them (like shepherds purse for PPH, angelica for retained placenta, etc) and laminated it so he'd have it if needed and I could just tell him to reference that if I wasn't able to fully articulate the process.
 
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#7 ·
here is mine :) I had a fantastic UC. PM me if you want my birth story link.

birth plan,

and transfer plan

and links to watch/read/print

I also had directions to the hospital in the car, incase we needed that.

Emergency Contact: 911

Our address: gfghfgfjhgfjhgfjhfg

Sharon Hospital: 50 Hospital Hill Road Sharon, CT 06069

(860) 364-4124

860.364.4000

Dr. J. vmbmfhgf

Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Mom- 123456789

Dad- 123456789

Birth Plan:

Normal heart rate for baby is no less than 110BPM and no more than 180 between contractions, or does not recover after a contraction.

At start of Labor:

-Tell Kto drink every 1/3 minutes or so, offer her a snack a few times

-Tell her to pee at least once per hour, if she can

- Take a picture of K, S, and yourself

- Fill tub with 92-95F NEVER OVER 100F- check temp at least hourly (keep clean)

- Make sure house is warm

- Dim lights and light candles

- Make sure everything is cleaned up and in order in the house (no clothes or toys laying around where K could trip or bleed on them)

- Double check the bed has OLD SHEETS and couches etc are covered as planned

-Get yourself and Saule food so no one is starving at the birth

-Put lavender on everyone

Mid Labor-

-Take a picture of K , S , and Yourself

-K should get in the the tub when contractions get so she cant talk during them- and get out if they stop or slow to much

-Keep pool clean, room quiet and warm, etc

Once things get going:

-Take a picture of K , S , and Yourself

-Put towels in the dryer to warm them up

-Tell K to drink every 1/3 minutes or so, just a small sip is fine

-Tell her to pee at least once per hour, if she can

After the birth:

-Make sure baby is breathing OK. Use a wash cloth to wipe his nose/lips face clear of gunk. If not pinking up/active rub baby, talk to baby, suck out nose/mouth

-Make sure K isn't bleeding to heavily (more than ~2 cups total is bad- give hem-halt) and a slice of placenta and get baby to nurse.

-Get a towel from the dryer and put it over the baby for no draft

-Give K a drink

-Take a picture of K , S and Yourself

-Make a note of the time

-Ask K if she wants to get out of the pool. If yes, help lift her and get her to a comfy place with a Chux pad on it. Wrap her in a towel and make sure she isn't getting chilled.

-Get a bowl ready for the placenta

-Get the baby a fresh warm towel.

-Get K a Drink and Snack

-Make sure baby is latched on or trying

What to do with placenta:

Never pull on the cord!

-Get K Upright if its not out within an hour or so (standing/squatting) and give a push.

-Give "placenta out" if its not out after 1 hour or so.

-After its delivered and the cord is cut, keeping it as clean as possible, inspect it to see if it looks "whole"

-Check K isn't bleeding to heavy, help her get a diaper on

-Give k a small piece to eat (in least gross way possible!)

-put it in a freezer bag, double, and put it in the fridge.

After birth is all over:

-Clean up any messes

-Get baby an outfit and diaper

-Get K and outfit and diaper and shower if she wishes

-Empty tub out

-Check K for tears and treat if needed

I also made a transfer birth plan

Hospital Transfer Birth Plan

Cesarean Requests

Pre-Op
• In preparation for having the baby skin-to-skin ASAP, I'd like to be draped for easy removal instead of wearing a gown.
• Spinal before catheter or other surgical prep.
• Should I need general anesthesia during the birth, I'd like my husband to stay in the OR to take pictures and be able to hold the baby.
• No meds that will make me drowsy.
• I would like some non-drowsy nausea meds if available.

In the OR:
• Please drop the drape as much as possible so I can see the babies coming out.
• Hands free from restraints.
• Baby delivered directly to my chest, not taken over to a warmer. Resusitation done on my chest if needed.
•Delay Cord clamping as long as possible

• I want the babies with me at all times. If they need to be examined, I'd like it done on my chest
• I would like to try to nurse them in the OR if they are interested.
• Please cover us with warm blankets to keep us warm instead of wrapping up individually.
• Please no eye gel, Hep B vaccine, or Vitamin K.
• We'd like to photograph and video tape their birth.

•I would like to take the placenta home with me. Please keep it in the fridge until we leave.

Post-Op:
• Please don't bathe them until we've given the OK. Either my husband will do it later in the day or we'll request it after we've had a chance to get to know them and breastfeed in recovery.
• If the baby must leave me at any time, I insist my husband must go with the baby.
• If there is a delay going to recovery, I want my husband to take the baby to recovery and do skin-to-skin care with them. I do not want them taken to the nursery and bathed and examined in between.

Print attachments to this email and the first link bellow!

http://s292.photobucket.com/albums/mm16/sunnywallace/UC%20documents/

Read these PRIOR to birth:

Infant CPR

http://depts.washington.edu/learncpr/infantcpr.html



Doppler how to GUide:



UC Resources

http://www.cafemom.com/journals/read/1577334/Placenta_Encapsulation_Instructions_w_Pictures

Baby exam

http://newborns.stanford.edu/Residents/Exam1.html

http://www.homebirth.net.au/2008/04/resuscitation-of-newborn.html

variations in normal

http://www.unhinderedliving.com/variations.html



http://spinningbabies.com/spinning-babies-and/resolving-shoulder-dystocia

http://www.homebirth.net.au/2008/04/resuscitation-of-newborn.html

http://www.mothering.com/community/t/252628/unassisted-birth-resources

http://www.unassistedhomebirth.com/fathers/diyquestions.htm

http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/pushing.asp

third stage

http://www.mothering.com/community/t/239280/retained-placenta-physiological-third-stage

http://www.authenticparenting.info/2011/11/natural-mama-birth-and-postpartum-kit.html
 
#18 ·
• Baby delivered directly to my chest, not taken over to a warmer. Resusitation done on my chest if needed.
Most of your hospital transfer plan seems pretty doable. I just wanted to point out, however, that no one is going to accede to your request to have your baby resuscitated on your chest.

One of the first rules of resuscitation is that it needs to be performed on a hard, stable surface with plenty of room to work around. The chances of this needing to be done are pretty small, but I just wanted to make sure that no one will be surprised or disappointed if and when this request is refused.
 
#8 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by itsybistyspider View Post

here is mine :) I had a fantastic UC. PM me if you want my birth story link.

birth plan,

and transfer plan

and links to watch/read/print

I also had directions to the hospital in the car, incase we needed that.

Emergency Contact: 911

Our address: gfghfgfjhgfjhgfjhfg

Sharon Hospital: 50 Hospital Hill Road Sharon, CT 06069

(860) 364-4124

860.364.4000

Dr. J. vmbmfhgf

Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Mom- 123456789

Dad- 123456789

Birth Plan:

Normal heart rate for baby is no less than 110BPM and no more than 180 between contractions, or does not recover after a contraction.

At start of Labor:

-Tell Kto drink every 1/3 minutes or so, offer her a snack a few times

-Tell her to pee at least once per hour, if she can

- Take a picture of K, S, and yourself

- Fill tub with 92-95F NEVER OVER 100F- check temp at least hourly (keep clean)

- Make sure house is warm

- Dim lights and light candles

- Make sure everything is cleaned up and in order in the house (no clothes or toys laying around where K could trip or bleed on them)

- Double check the bed has OLD SHEETS and couches etc are covered as planned

-Get yourself and Saule food so no one is starving at the birth

-Put lavender on everyone

Mid Labor-

-Take a picture of K , S , and Yourself

-K should get in the the tub when contractions get so she cant talk during them- and get out if they stop or slow to much

-Keep pool clean, room quiet and warm, etc

Once things get going:

-Take a picture of K , S , and Yourself

-Put towels in the dryer to warm them up

-Tell K to drink every 1/3 minutes or so, just a small sip is fine

-Tell her to pee at least once per hour, if she can

After the birth:

-Make sure baby is breathing OK. Use a wash cloth to wipe his nose/lips face clear of gunk. If not pinking up/active rub baby, talk to baby, suck out nose/mouth

-Make sure K isn't bleeding to heavily (more than ~2 cups total is bad- give hem-halt) and a slice of placenta and get baby to nurse.

-Get a towel from the dryer and put it over the baby for no draft

-Give K a drink

-Take a picture of K , S and Yourself

-Make a note of the time

-Ask K if she wants to get out of the pool. If yes, help lift her and get her to a comfy place with a Chux pad on it. Wrap her in a towel and make sure she isn't getting chilled.

-Get a bowl ready for the placenta

-Get the baby a fresh warm towel.

-Get K a Drink and Snack

-Make sure baby is latched on or trying

What to do with placenta:

Never pull on the cord!

-Get K Upright if its not out within an hour or so (standing/squatting) and give a push.

-Give "placenta out" if its not out after 1 hour or so.

-After its delivered and the cord is cut, keeping it as clean as possible, inspect it to see if it looks "whole"

-Check K isn't bleeding to heavy, help her get a diaper on

-Give k a small piece to eat (in least gross way possible!)

-put it in a freezer bag, double, and put it in the fridge.

After birth is all over:

-Clean up any messes

-Get baby an outfit and diaper

-Get K and outfit and diaper and shower if she wishes

-Empty tub out

-Check K for tears and treat if needed

I also made a transfer birth plan

Hospital Transfer Birth Plan

Cesarean Requests

Pre-Op
• In preparation for having the baby skin-to-skin ASAP, I'd like to be draped for easy removal instead of wearing a gown.
• Spinal before catheter or other surgical prep.
• Should I need general anesthesia during the birth, I'd like my husband to stay in the OR to take pictures and be able to hold the baby.
• No meds that will make me drowsy.
• I would like some non-drowsy nausea meds if available.

In the OR:
• Please drop the drape as much as possible so I can see the babies coming out.
• Hands free from restraints.
• Baby delivered directly to my chest, not taken over to a warmer. Resusitation done on my chest if needed.
•Delay Cord clamping as long as possible

• I want the babies with me at all times. If they need to be examined, I'd like it done on my chest
• I would like to try to nurse them in the OR if they are interested.
• Please cover us with warm blankets to keep us warm instead of wrapping up individually.
• Please no eye gel, Hep B vaccine, or Vitamin K.
• We'd like to photograph and video tape their birth.

•I would like to take the placenta home with me. Please keep it in the fridge until we leave.

Post-Op:
• Please don't bathe them until we've given the OK. Either my husband will do it later in the day or we'll request it after we've had a chance to get to know them and breastfeed in recovery.
• If the baby must leave me at any time, I insist my husband must go with the baby.
• If there is a delay going to recovery, I want my husband to take the baby to recovery and do skin-to-skin care with them. I do not want them taken to the nursery and bathed and examined in between.

Print attachments to this email and the first link bellow!

http://s292.photobucket.com/albums/mm16/sunnywallace/UC%20documents/

Read these PRIOR to birth:

Infant CPR

http://depts.washington.edu/learncpr/infantcpr.html



Doppler how to GUide:



UC Resources

http://www.cafemom.com/journals/read/1577334/Placenta_Encapsulation_Instructions_w_Pictures

Baby exam

http://newborns.stanford.edu/Residents/Exam1.html

http://www.homebirth.net.au/2008/04/resuscitation-of-newborn.html

variations in normal

http://www.unhinderedliving.com/variations.html



http://spinningbabies.com/spinning-babies-and/resolving-shoulder-dystocia

http://www.homebirth.net.au/2008/04/resuscitation-of-newborn.html

http://www.mothering.com/community/t/252628/unassisted-birth-resources

http://www.unassistedhomebirth.com/fathers/diyquestions.htm

http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/pushing.asp

third stage

http://www.mothering.com/community/t/239280/retained-placenta-physiological-third-stage

http://www.authenticparenting.info/2011/11/natural-mama-birth-and-postpartum-kit.html
This is AWESOME! Thank you for posting this!
 
#11 ·
I created a cheat-sheet after the UC that includes everything that needs to be done. And I also have a list of supplies that need to be purchased (that list I used beforehand). You can download both as a PDF on www.diymotherhood.net. They are at the bottom of the page, both free. I think it's great to kind of know what to do afterwards, although one can't plan everything. My husband is the one who is the planner type and he knew what he was expected to do. :) If he had offered me a snack in labor or told me to drink I would have gotten annoyed though. Did that work for you,zapzipzee?

In labor (at the beginning) you still walk around a lot (well at least I did) and can get snacks and drinks. Later I had my husband put my water bottle next to me. I was really thirsty and drank often. And I went to the bathroom a lot, too.

I think one thing that needs to go on your list is check the time when baby is born. :) You'll need it for the birth certificate. I also have weighing and measuring on mine to do whenever. :)
 
#13 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by itsybistyspider View Post

here is mine :) I had a fantastic UC. PM me if you want my birth story link.

birth plan,

and transfer plan

and links to watch/read/print

I also had directions to the hospital in the car, incase we needed that.

Emergency Contact: 911

Our address: gfghfgfjhgfjhgfjhfg

Sharon Hospital: 50 Hospital Hill Road Sharon, CT 06069

(860) 364-4124

860.364.4000

Dr. J. vmbmfhgf

Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Mom- 123456789

Dad- 123456789

Birth Plan:

Normal heart rate for baby is no less than 110BPM and no more than 180 between contractions, or does not recover after a contraction.

At start of Labor:

-Tell Kto drink every 1/3 minutes or so, offer her a snack a few times

-Tell her to pee at least once per hour, if she can

- Take a picture of K, S, and yourself

- Fill tub with 92-95F NEVER OVER 100F- check temp at least hourly (keep clean)

- Make sure house is warm

- Dim lights and light candles

- Make sure everything is cleaned up and in order in the house (no clothes or toys laying around where K could trip or bleed on them)

- Double check the bed has OLD SHEETS and couches etc are covered as planned

-Get yourself and Saule food so no one is starving at the birth

-Put lavender on everyone

Mid Labor-

-Take a picture of K , S , and Yourself

-K should get in the the tub when contractions get so she cant talk during them- and get out if they stop or slow to much

-Keep pool clean, room quiet and warm, etc

Once things get going:

-Take a picture of K , S , and Yourself

-Put towels in the dryer to warm them up

-Tell K to drink every 1/3 minutes or so, just a small sip is fine

-Tell her to pee at least once per hour, if she can

After the birth:

-Make sure baby is breathing OK. Use a wash cloth to wipe his nose/lips face clear of gunk. If not pinking up/active rub baby, talk to baby, suck out nose/mouth

-Make sure K isn't bleeding to heavily (more than ~2 cups total is bad- give hem-halt) and a slice of placenta and get baby to nurse.

-Get a towel from the dryer and put it over the baby for no draft

-Give K a drink

-Take a picture of K , S and Yourself

-Make a note of the time

-Ask K if she wants to get out of the pool. If yes, help lift her and get her to a comfy place with a Chux pad on it. Wrap her in a towel and make sure she isn't getting chilled.

-Get a bowl ready for the placenta

-Get the baby a fresh warm towel.

-Get K a Drink and Snack

-Make sure baby is latched on or trying

What to do with placenta:

Never pull on the cord!

-Get K Upright if its not out within an hour or so (standing/squatting) and give a push.

-Give "placenta out" if its not out after 1 hour or so.

-After its delivered and the cord is cut, keeping it as clean as possible, inspect it to see if it looks "whole"

-Check K isn't bleeding to heavy, help her get a diaper on

-Give k a small piece to eat (in least gross way possible!)

-put it in a freezer bag, double, and put it in the fridge.

After birth is all over:

-Clean up any messes

-Get baby an outfit and diaper

-Get K and outfit and diaper and shower if she wishes

-Empty tub out

-Check K for tears and treat if needed

I also made a transfer birth plan

Hospital Transfer Birth Plan

Cesarean Requests

Pre-Op
• In preparation for having the baby skin-to-skin ASAP, I'd like to be draped for easy removal instead of wearing a gown.
• Spinal before catheter or other surgical prep.
• Should I need general anesthesia during the birth, I'd like my husband to stay in the OR to take pictures and be able to hold the baby.
• No meds that will make me drowsy.
• I would like some non-drowsy nausea meds if available.

In the OR:
• Please drop the drape as much as possible so I can see the babies coming out.
• Hands free from restraints.
• Baby delivered directly to my chest, not taken over to a warmer. Resusitation done on my chest if needed.
•Delay Cord clamping as long as possible

• I want the babies with me at all times. If they need to be examined, I'd like it done on my chest
• I would like to try to nurse them in the OR if they are interested.
• Please cover us with warm blankets to keep us warm instead of wrapping up individually.
• Please no eye gel, Hep B vaccine, or Vitamin K.
• We'd like to photograph and video tape their birth.

•I would like to take the placenta home with me. Please keep it in the fridge until we leave.

Post-Op:
• Please don't bathe them until we've given the OK. Either my husband will do it later in the day or we'll request it after we've had a chance to get to know them and breastfeed in recovery.
• If the baby must leave me at any time, I insist my husband must go with the baby.
• If there is a delay going to recovery, I want my husband to take the baby to recovery and do skin-to-skin care with them. I do not want them taken to the nursery and bathed and examined in between.

Print attachments to this email and the first link bellow!

http://s292.photobucket.com/albums/mm16/sunnywallace/UC%20documents/

Read these PRIOR to birth:

Infant CPR

http://depts.washington.edu/learncpr/infantcpr.html



Doppler how to GUide:



UC Resources

http://www.cafemom.com/journals/read/1577334/Placenta_Encapsulation_Instructions_w_Pictures

Baby exam

http://newborns.stanford.edu/Residents/Exam1.html

http://www.homebirth.net.au/2008/04/resuscitation-of-newborn.html

variations in normal

http://www.unhinderedliving.com/variations.html



http://spinningbabies.com/spinning-babies-and/resolving-shoulder-dystocia

http://www.homebirth.net.au/2008/04/resuscitation-of-newborn.html

http://www.mothering.com/community/t/252628/unassisted-birth-resources

http://www.unassistedhomebirth.com/fathers/diyquestions.htm

http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/pushing.asp

third stage

http://www.mothering.com/community/t/239280/retained-placenta-physiological-third-stage

http://www.authenticparenting.info/2011/11/natural-mama-birth-and-postpartum-kit.html
Thinking to myself "SCORE"
jammin.gif
 
#15 ·
#16 ·
The resuscitation card is not good advice.
Take a cpr for infants class... Has much better advice.
Or a neonatal resuscitation class. This information has been floating around and been past around for quite awhile... If your baby inst breating then dry and stimulate, if there is no effort to breath and the heart rate is falling suction then give some puffs mouth to mouth--- best to learn this on a practice doll so you know how to be measured in your breaths...
 
#17 ·
mwherbs I disagree. I think those type of classes are fear based and put allot of negative ideas in your head at exactly the wrong moment. I think a quick review of a very unlikely situation is plenty. No class needed/wanted here.
 
#19 ·
Depends what is meant by "resuscitation". Chest compressions need to be done on a hard surface but, when it comes to newborns, we tend to use the word resuscitation to mean any activity beyond drying them off. Suctioning, blow-by oxygen and even neo-puff or BVM ventilation can all be done on mum's chest :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#22 ·
Agreed.

During our UC, hubby:

• Went out and got me Subway at my request :lol
• provided counter pressure during back labor
• hung out and "guarded the cave" while I labored alone by choice/gave me drinks etc
• came in after head was birthed and caught baby at my request (I was on hands/knees)
• cleaned up after while I cuddled/nursed babe

Maybe this time I'll ask him to take a pic or two if the mood strikes :lol

Partners are not midwives... and should not be expected to take the role of one (jmo).

Transfer plan looks okay, but I would only go to the hospital if me or baby's life were in danger (in an emergency) and it's unlikely most of those would be applicable (or doable) -- except for the requests for no eye goop/hep B etc.
 
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