My Birthplan

Ok, this is my plan. I know things can change and I'm sure something will change but these are the steps I have in order to help me through my birthing experience as painlessly and enjoyable as possible.

Hospital Admissions

• To be assigned a nurse who is partial to un-medicated birthing.
• To self-hydrate and decline routine IV prep upon admission.
• Natural means of inducement, moving to minimum does of artificial induction only if medically urgent.
• To have subdued lighting, music and quiet tones in birthing room.
• To have only intermittent monitoring (EFM) or FHR after the mandatory twenty-minute strip at admission.
• To have pictures and/or video
• To have telephone calls relayed to our room only after the baby has been born.

To have the following persons present during my birthing:

• My husband
• My Mom

During labor

• To have everyone be as quiet and calm as possible.
• To have the lights dimmed.
• To have as few interruptions as possible.
• Internal monitoring only in the event of medical urgency.
• Nutritional snacking.
• Freedom to walk and move.
• To change positions and assume labor positions of choice.
• Minimal number of vaginal exams – with permission.
• To use natural stimulation – nipple stimulation- in the event of a slow or resting labor.
• To be fully apprised and consulted before the introduction of any medical procedure –augmentation , membrane stripping.
• To enjoy the shower as needed along with the birthing ball.
• For pain relief, I’d like to use breathing techniques, massage or hypnosis.

During birth:

• To assume a birthing position of choice.
• Perinatal massage of perineum if necessary to avoid episiotomy.
• Episiotomy only if necessary and only after discussion.
• Complete birthing before suctioning baby’s nose and throat.
• Videotaping or pictures of birth.

After birth:

• Please let the cord stop pulsing before cutting
• Put baby to Mom’s chest right away
• Let Dad cut the cord
• Do bathing & testing with Dad watching
• NO Hep B vaccine
• NO Erythromycin
• Please allow breastfeeding as soon as possible
• Please do not allow any other visits until breastfeeding has been established
• To allow placenta to come out on its own…NO pitocin unless medically necessary

If a C-section is necessary, I would like:

• To make sure all other options have been exhausted
• To stay conscious
• My Husband to remain with me the entire time
• The surgery explained as it happens
• My husband to hold the baby as soon as possible
• To breastfeed in the recovery room