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268356 tn?1236002604

birth plan

After reading the catheter post, I thought it might help someone if I posted my birthing plan. I am planning on the au natural Bradley method. Here is what I have asked for in my birth plan, let me know what you think:

Due Date: January 12th, 2009
Patient of Dr. Hawkins
Scheduled to Deliver at Horizon Medical Center.
________________________________________
Labor
- I would prefer to avoid an enema and/or shaving of pubic hair.
- I would like to be free to walk around during labor.
- I wish to be able to move around and change position at will throughout labor.
- I would like the lights in the room to be kept low during my labor.
- I do not wish to be catheterized.
________________________________________
Labor Augmentation/Induction
- If labor is not progressing, I would like to have the amniotic membrane ruptured before other methods are used to augment labor.
________________________________________
Anesthesia/Pain Medication
- I realize that many pain medications exist — I'll ask for them if I need them.
- Before considering an epidural, and if the situation warrants, I would like to try an injection of narcotic pain relief (Nubain, Demerol, Stadol or similar).
________________________________________
Cesarean
- Unless absolutely necessary, I would like to avoid a Cesarean.
- If a Cesarean delivery is indicated, I would like to be fully informed and to participate in the decision-making process.
- I would like my husband present at all times if my baby requires a Cesarean delivery.
- I wish to have an epidural for anesthesia and catheterized if necessary.
- So that I can view the birth, I would like the screen lowered just before delivery of my baby.
- If my baby is not in distress, my baby should be given to my husband immediately after birth.
________________________________________
Episiotomy
- I would prefer not to have an episiotomy unless absolutely required for the baby's safety.
- I am hoping to protect the perineum. I am practicing ahead of time by squatting, doing Kegel exercises, and perineal massage.
- I would appreciate guidance in when to push and when to stop pushing so the perineum can stretch.
- If possible, I would like to use perineal massage to help avoid the need for an episiotomy.
- I would prefer an episiotomy rather than a tear.
- I would like a local anesthetic to repair a tear or an episiotomy.


________________________________________
Delivery
- I would like to be allowed to choose the position in which I give birth, including squatting.
- I would like my husband and/or nurses to support me and my legs as necessary during the pushing stage.
- I would like a mirror available so I can see my baby's head when it crowns.
- I would like the chance to touch my baby's head when it crowns.
- I would appreciate having the room lights turned low for the actual delivery.
- I would appreciate having the room as quiet as possible when my baby is born.
________________________________________
Immediately After Delivery
- I would like to have my husband cut the cord.
- I would like to hold my baby while I deliver the placenta and any tissue repairs are made.
- I would like to have my baby evaluated and bathed in my presence.
- If my baby must be taken from me to receive medical treatment, my husband or some other person I designate will accompany my baby at all times.
- I do not want a routine injection of pitocin after the delivery to aid in expelling the placenta.
________________________________________
Postpartum
- I would like a private room, if available.
- Unless required for health reasons, I do not wish to be separated from my baby.
- I would like to have my baby 'room in' and be with me at all times.
________________________________________
Breastfeeding
- I plan to breastfeed my baby and would like to begin nursing very shortly after birth.
- Unless medically necessary, I do not wish to have any bottles given to my baby (including glucose water or plain water).
- I do not want my baby to be given a pacifier.
________________________________________
Circumcision
- I would like my baby to be circumcised before we check out of the hospital.
________________________________________
Photo/Video
- I would like to take still photographs during labor and the birth.
________________________________________
Other
- I would like my other child to be able to visit me and my baby in the hospital.
4 Responses
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304970 tn?1331425994
I am very much a planner too, I just have had a lot of bad luck and a lot of complications this pregnancy so nothing has gone how I would have hoped! =(

Life, I guess! =)
Helpful - 0
268356 tn?1236002604
So, I can only imagine yours with having to move. Try not to lift anything too heavy.
Helpful - 0
268356 tn?1236002604
I have no idea. I'm just a planner. It has always been my nature. Sometimes it irritates the DH and DD. It's not just the baby. I have lists for everything. I already have Thanksgiving dinner planned, my black friday shopping, etc. I know exactly what I'm buying for Christmas this year and where I am buying it from. You aren't behind, your just different from me. I would be going crazy by now if I didn't have this stuff done or at least a plan on how to do them. BTW, the thing that is driving me crazy right now is how disorganized my house is. They finished installing my kitchen cabinets, but I am waiting on the plumber to hook up the water lines to my fridge and dishwasher so that I can get pots, pans, plates, cups, etc out of the dining room and the baby's room (which acted as overflow). I have no kitchen countertops right now and probably won't for at least another week or two. Then to make it worse, we bought one of those really nice designer vent hoods for over the stove, the box was huge and then there are pieces here and there out of the box in the living room so that all there is a little bitty space to walk from one room to the next. You can imagine that with me being an organized person that this disorganization is killing me. My whole house looks like a bomb went off.
Helpful - 0
304970 tn?1331425994
You are the most organized person I have ever never met.. =)

I still don't have half the things I need for Jaxson's arrival (I am due 1/18), and I am moving Dec. 1, so no nursery set up or anything... I read your posts and can't help but feel like I am behind or something! =)

I am NOT trying to make you feel bad.. PLEASE don't take it that way!! = D

You just seem to have thought of everything! Where do you find time? HELP ME!! =)
Helpful - 0
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