Why to have a Birth Plan:
It's very important to me to have a birth plan. Because of my husband's job it could possibly be me and my doula for most of the labor. (Depending on when I went into labor, how long my labor is. etc.... (HOPEFULLY Husband will be in town, but we are planning on him being on the road somewhere.)
So, it's important that my doula and I are on the same page and she knows what I want.
I also would like my preferences with be known to the nursing staff and my Midwife.
Things to Remember:
*Even if you have a birth plan, be flexible! It's just your preference and it's ok if you go off the plan.
*If you end up having a c-section or an epidural your not a failure!
The most important thing is the health of you and your baby.
*If your Dr./Midwife wants to intervene in any way during your labor and you have hesitations,
remember to ask these questions:
1. Is my life or my baby's like at risk?
*if it's not life threatening*
2. Can we wait we wait 5-10min and see if anything changes?
3. Can I have a few minutes to talk this through/pray with my husband?
Here's a copy of my birth plan. Given I still have 16 weeks before my due date, this could change a little before baby's birth. This is just the first draft.
Birth Plan
Name: Annabeth Taylor
Due Date: September 23, 3013
OB:-----------------
Birth Facility: -----------------
Mother: Annabeth Taylor Father: Samule Taylor Doula: ------------
Attendants and Amenities:
*My Husband and doula to be allowed to stay with me at all times
*To dim lights at my wish
*To bring music
Labor:
*No routine IV - to stay hydrated by drinking clear fluids. (Saline lock if IV is needed.)
*Unrestricted movement and positions throughout labor
*Pain relief by relaxation, birthing pool, shower, walking, and other movements and position changes.
*I’m fine with continuous Fetal monitoring, as long as it can still be active during labor.
*Opportunity of signing: “Against Medical Advice” waivers if certain options are declined.
*If augmentation necessary, I would like to try non-pharmacological methods before resorting to meds. However, if my OB and I agree that pitocin is required, I request that it be administered following the low dose protocol and increased in intervals no closer than every 30 minutes, allowing my body an appropriate amount of time to adjust and react to each dose increase.
*Please do not offer me pain medication. I’ll request it if I need it.
Birth:
*Please do not direct my pushing with counting or yelling. I will ask for help if needed.
*I’m fine with the possibility of an episiotomy, if my Dr. feels like it’s the best option.
*If all possibly, to labor and birth in the tub.
*No time limit on pushing time. (Unless baby is in distress)
*Baby to be places on my abdomen/chest immediately upon birth; warming by skin-to-skin contact and blankets places over baby. - putting off any procedures that are not urgent.
*To allow cord to stop pulsating completely before any clamping, cutting or administration of medications to mother. Unless the situation is urgent.
*My husband to cut the umbilical cord
*Local anesthesia should there be any tearing in need or repair
*Time for breastfeeding and natural separation of placenta
*Breastfeeding as desired by myself and baby.
Postpartum:
*All observation/examinations/procedures for baby to be done in my presence
*Rooming-in with baby
*That my baby no be given ANY sugar water, formula, or a pacifier.
*If our baby has to leave our room, my Husband will go with him.
*I DO NOT want my baby to receive ANY routine injections/vaccinations without being consulted first.
*Our baby will NOT be getting the Hepatitis B vaccination.
*Ask us before setting a time for the circumcision. We may decide to wait an extra day or more before the procedure.
In the case of a C-Section:
I would like:
*my husband and doula with me.
*No sedatives after birth. I want to remember my Baby's first day of life.
*Please use double-layer sutures when repairing my uterus.
*My hands left free so I can touch our baby.
*Please hold baby up for me to see as soon as Baby's born
*Keep cord long for Hubby to cut
That my baby not be given ANY sugar water, formula, or a pacifier.
*If health permits, I would like skin-to-skin contact with my baby, to stay together during repair and recovery.
*I would like to hold Baby while Baby is being foot printed, getting bracelets on, and while the paperwork is being filled out
*Once back in our room we would like to be alone with Baby to nurse.
*We would like to keep Baby with us at all times. If Baby must go to NICU due to medical reasons, my Husband will follow
If my baby’s health is in Jeopardy:
*I would like my husband to go with my baby and to be allowed with him at all times.
*That my baby no be given ANY sugar water, formula, or a pacifier.
*To breast pump my milk for baby, if breastfeeding is not an option.
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