Birth Plan
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dandelyon
Posts: 620 Member
Do you have one? What's in it?
I didn't even get to use mine last time because, well, things went according to plan and I got there pushing. I am bored today and working on my birth plan for baby #3. Trying to keep things short, sweet, and a bit light.
I didn't even get to use mine last time because, well, things went according to plan and I got there pushing. I am bored today and working on my birth plan for baby #3. Trying to keep things short, sweet, and a bit light.
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Replies
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I know you wanted short and sweet but this is what I am using (I found it on the internet somewhere and added/removed some thigns that were a bit unnecessary for me). I didn't need one with my first as everything went just the way I had wanted but I'm always wanting to be over prepared for some reason, haha (:
-Samantha (:
Birth Plan:
Full name:
Partner’s name:
Today’s date:
Due date:
Doctor’s name:
Hospital name:
Please note that I:
[ ] Have group B strep
[ ] Am Rh incompatibility with baby
[ ] Have gestational diabetes
My delivery is planned as:
[ ] Vaginal
[ ] C-section
[ ] Water birth
[ ] VBAC
I’d like my…:
[ ] Husband:
[ ] Parents:
[ ] Other children:
[ ] Doula:
[ ] Other:
…present before AND during labor
During labor, I’d like:
[ ] Music played (I will provide)
[ ] The lights dimmed
[ ] The room as quiet as possible
[ ] As few interruptions as possible
[ ] As few vaginal exams as possible
[ ] Hospital staff limited to my own doctor and nurses (no students, residents or interns present)
[ ] To wear my own clothes
[ ] My partner to film AND/OR take pictures
[ ] My partner to be present the entire time
[ ] To stay hydrated with clear liquids and ice chips
[ ] To eat and drink as approved by my doctor
I’d like to spend the first stage of labor:
[ ] Standing up
[ ] Lying down
[ ] Walking around
[ ] In the shower
[ ] In the bathtub
[ ] Whatever I feel to be comfortable at that time
I'm not interested in:
[ ] An enema
[ ] Shaving of my pubic area
[ ] A urinary catheter
[ ] An IV, unless I’m dehydrated (and a heparin or saline lock IS/IS NOT ok)
I’d like labor augmentation:
[ ] Performed only if baby is in distress
[ ] First attempted by natural methods such as nipple stimulation
[ ] Performed by membrane stripping
[ ] Performed with prostaglandin gel
[ ] Performed with Pitocin
[ ] Performed by rupture of the membrane
[ ] Never to include an artificial rupture of the membrane
For pain relief, I’d like to use:
[ ] Acupressure
[ ] Acupuncture
[ ] Breathing techniques
[ ] Cold therapy
[ ] Demerol
[ ] Distraction
[ ] Hot therapy
[ ] Hypnosis
[ ] Massage
[ ] Meditation
[ ] Reflexology
[ ] TENS
[ ] Epidural
[ ] Nothing
[ ] Only what I request at the time
[ ] Whatever is suggested at the time
During delivery, I would like to:
[ ] Squat
[ ] Semi-reline
[ ] Lie on my side
[ ] Be on my hands and knees
[ ] Stand
[ ] Lean on my partner
[ ] Use people for leg support
[ ] Use foot pedals for support
[ ] Use a birth bar for support
[ ] Use a birthing stool
[ ] Be in a birthing tub
[ ] Be in the shower
[ ] Whatever I feel to be comfortable at that time
I will bring a:
[ ] Birthing stool
[ ] Birthing chair
[ ] Squatting bar
[ ] Birthing tub
As the baby is delivered, I would like to:
[ ] Push spontaneously
[ ] Push as directed
[ ] Push without time limits, as long as the baby and I are not at risk
[ ] Use a mirror to see the baby crown
[ ] Touch the head as it crowns
[ ] Let the epidural wear off while pushing
[ ] Have a full dose of epidural
[ ] Avoid forceps usage
[ ] Avoid vacuum extraction
[ ] Use whatever methods my doctor deems necessary
[ ] Help catch the baby
[ ] Let my partner catch the baby
[ ] Let my partner suction the baby
I would like an episiotomy:
[ ] Used only after perineal massage, warm compresses and positioning
[ ] Rather than risk a tear
[ ] Not performed, even if it means risking a tear
[ ] Performed only as a last resort
[ ] Performed as my doctor deems necessary
[ ] Performed with local anesthesia
[ ] Performed by pressure, without local anesthesia
[ ] Followed by local anesthesia for the repair
Immediately after delivery, I would like:
[ ] My partner to cut the umbilical cord, if he chooses at the time
[ ] The umbilical cord to be cut only after it stops pulsating
[ ] To deliver the placenta spontaneously and without assistance
[ ] To see the placenta before it is discarded
[ ] Not to be given Pitocin/oxytocin
If a C-section is necessary, I would like:
[ ] A second opinion
[ ] To make sure all other options have been exhausted
[ ]To stay conscious
[ ] My partner to remain with my the entire time
[ ] The screen lowered so I can watch baby come out
[ ] My hands left free so I can touch the baby
[ ] The surgery explained as it happens
[ ] An epidural for anesthesia
[ ] My partner to hold the baby as soon as possible
[ ] To breastfeed in the recovery room
I would like to hold baby:
[ ] Immediately after delivery
[ ] After suctioning
[ ] After weighing
[ ] After being wiped clean and swaddled
[ ] Before eye drops/ointment are given
I would like to breastfeed:
[ ] As soon as possible after delivery
[ ] Before eye drops/ointment are given
[ ] Later
[ ] Never
I’d like baby’s medical exam and procedures:
[ ] Given in my presence
[ ] Given only after we’ve bonded
[ ] Given in my partner’s presence
Please don’t give baby:
[ ] Vitamin K
[ ] Antibiotic eye treatment
[ ] Sugar water
[ ] Formula
[ ] A pacifier
I’d like baby’s first bath given:
[ ] In my presence
[ ] In my partner’s presence
[ ] By me
[ ] By my partner
I’d like to feed baby:
[ ] Only with breastmilk
[ ] Only with formula
[ ] On demand
[ ] On schedule
[ ] With the help of a lactation specialist
I’d like baby to stay in my room:
[ ] All the time
[ ] During the day
[ ] Only when I’m awake
[ ] Only for feeding
[ ] Only when I request
I’d like my partner:
[ ] To have unlimited visiting
[ ] To sleep in my room
If we have a boy, circumcision should:
[ ] Be performed
[ ] Not be performed
[ ] Be performed in the presence of me AND/OR my partner
As needed post-delivery, please give me:
[ ] Extra-strength acetaminophen
[ ] Percoset
[ ] Stool softener
[ ] Laxative
After birth, I’d like to stay in the hospital:
[ ] As long as possible
[ ] As briefly as possible
If baby is not well, I’d like:
[ ] My partner and I to accompany it to the NICU or another facility
[ ] To breastfeed or provide pumped breastmilk
[ ] To hold him or her whenever possible0 -
I don't put much stock in birth plans since things like labor and delivery are so hard to script. I see no harm in putting together a list of preferences or ideas of how you want things to go as long as you know that things may not go that way. And I'm guessing you understand that based on what you said about your experience with another pregnancy. Start by asking yourself what things are really important and what things don't really matter. Personally, I'm all about doing whatever is best for baby as long as we both come home safe. GL!0
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I don't put much stock in birth plans since things like labor and delivery are so hard to script. I see no harm in putting together a list of preferences or ideas of how you want things to go as long as you know that things may not go that way. And I'm guessing you understand that based on what you said about your experience with another pregnancy. Start by asking yourself what things are really important and what things don't really matter. Personally, I'm all about doing whatever is best for baby as long as we both come home safe. GL!
Some of the things I included are that I'm a hard stick for bloodwork and IV purposes, that my kids have a had reaction to the eye abx, and that I want wireless telemetry.
My birth plan last time was a little longer but I found that a lot of the things that mattered to me were already part of the hospital culture.0 -
Heres what I have so far. I just hope all the important stuff is communicated clearly.
I had my first VBAC here in December 2011, when we welcomed Charlie into the world, a 10lb 14 ounce baby boy. Although it’s a bit of a drive from our home, I recommend (hospital) to everyone. I am here to VBAC another (big?) baby.
Labor Support - I am seeing the midwives at CRM, my husband, Michael will be with me, and my doula is ___________________
During Labor
● Bloodwork/IV - “hard stick” is apparently an understatement. During my last birth, they grabbed someone from a different floor to do the IV, and there is only like one guy in (my) County who can get blood from my arm. If you have a needle whiz, don’t hold out on me!
● If things get hairy (super serious)- please explain to me what is going on and give me a chance to react. I do not do well with people trying to move my body, put an oxygen mask on my face, administer medication, or forcibly extract the baby without asking or explaining. If the room is filling up with medical personnel, I would like to be informed why.
● PAIN - I have been through this before without medication, and I have wonderful support people who will assist me with relaxation, breathing, and pretend to listen to my rants.
● Monitoring/Tub -I would appreciate wireless telemetry so that I can move. I am a lot more comfortable if I can zone out in the tub when things are intense.
● Ambiance - dimmed lights. I don’t need the whole incense or monks chanting or Enya playing, but I really can’t stand bright lights.
● Epidural/Spinal - I need to be able to hold on to my husband, because I will be a freaking mess with a needle going in my back.
After -
● I want that baby right away! (I know, who doesn’t.) I should be a pro at nursing by now but I could use some help with the first latch. Newborns are so little and it’s been 2 ½ years.
● Antibiotic eye ointment - One of my sons had an allergic reaction and could not open his eyes for a week. Please use as little as humanly possible. Or, could this be tested on the skin before being applied?0 -
Samantha, that is quite an exhaustive list! Fortunately, our hospital seems to line up with our preferences for the most part. And hopefully I will get there are 9 cm and it wont ever come out of the bag...0
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Samantha, that is quite an exhaustive list! Fortunately, our hospital seems to line up with our preferences for the most part. And hopefully I will get there are 9 cm and it wont ever come out of the bag...
It is, haha -- I've heard a few different things about the hospital I'm delivering at so instead of freaking out at that time, I want it all written down beforehand. I am nearly 100% positive I won't need any of it though (:
.....can ya tell I'm a complete control freak, lulz
ETA: I am epileptic and due to the high risk of having multiple seizures during the delivery/labor stages, my neurologist recommended that I have an "extensive" one just in case (: But even if that wasn't the case, I would probably still have a long one because I'm a freakout like that (:0 -
I've put that I'm open to using aromatherapy, the birthing pool, the birthing ball, TENS, Entonox and am open to other suggestions for pain relief.
That I would also like to stay mobile with limited monitoring.
That I would like to avoid stitches and an episiotomy and can deal with small tears.
That I am not against me or my child receiving blood or other medical procedures if deemed necessary.
That I am happy for baby to have Vitamin K by injection.
And that baby's dad has full and unlimited access to baby at all times (incase I'm out of it).0 -
My birth plan is simple - I want to be induced and I'm going to attempt an epideral again (even though the first two failed). I really don't care about much else because there's no control over the things that I'd want.0
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I know you wanted short and sweet but this is what I am using (I found it on the internet somewhere and added/removed some thigns that were a bit unnecessary for me). I didn't need one with my first as everything went just the way I had wanted but I'm always wanting to be over prepared for some reason, haha (:
-Samantha (:
Birth Plan:
Full name:
Partner’s name:
Today’s date:
Due date:
Doctor’s name:
Hospital name:
Please note that I:
[ ] Have group B strep
[ ] Am Rh incompatibility with baby
[ ] Have gestational diabetes
My delivery is planned as:
[ ] Vaginal
[ ] C-section
[ ] Water birth
[ ] VBAC
I’d like my…:
[ ] Husband:
[ ] Parents:
[ ] Other children:
[ ] Doula:
[ ] Other:
…present before AND during labor
During labor, I’d like:
[ ] Music played (I will provide)
[ ] The lights dimmed
[ ] The room as quiet as possible
[ ] As few interruptions as possible
[ ] As few vaginal exams as possible
[ ] Hospital staff limited to my own doctor and nurses (no students, residents or interns present)
[ ] To wear my own clothes
[ ] My partner to film AND/OR take pictures
[ ] My partner to be present the entire time
[ ] To stay hydrated with clear liquids and ice chips
[ ] To eat and drink as approved by my doctor
I’d like to spend the first stage of labor:
[ ] Standing up
[ ] Lying down
[ ] Walking around
[ ] In the shower
[ ] In the bathtub
[ ] Whatever I feel to be comfortable at that time
I'm not interested in:
[ ] An enema
[ ] Shaving of my pubic area
[ ] A urinary catheter
[ ] An IV, unless I’m dehydrated (and a heparin or saline lock IS/IS NOT ok)
I’d like labor augmentation:
[ ] Performed only if baby is in distress
[ ] First attempted by natural methods such as nipple stimulation
[ ] Performed by membrane stripping
[ ] Performed with prostaglandin gel
[ ] Performed with Pitocin
[ ] Performed by rupture of the membrane
[ ] Never to include an artificial rupture of the membrane
For pain relief, I’d like to use:
[ ] Acupressure
[ ] Acupuncture
[ ] Breathing techniques
[ ] Cold therapy
[ ] Demerol
[ ] Distraction
[ ] Hot therapy
[ ] Hypnosis
[ ] Massage
[ ] Meditation
[ ] Reflexology
[ ] TENS
[ ] Epidural
[ ] Nothing
[ ] Only what I request at the time
[ ] Whatever is suggested at the time
During delivery, I would like to:
[ ] Squat
[ ] Semi-reline
[ ] Lie on my side
[ ] Be on my hands and knees
[ ] Stand
[ ] Lean on my partner
[ ] Use people for leg support
[ ] Use foot pedals for support
[ ] Use a birth bar for support
[ ] Use a birthing stool
[ ] Be in a birthing tub
[ ] Be in the shower
[ ] Whatever I feel to be comfortable at that time
I will bring a:
[ ] Birthing stool
[ ] Birthing chair
[ ] Squatting bar
[ ] Birthing tub
As the baby is delivered, I would like to:
[ ] Push spontaneously
[ ] Push as directed
[ ] Push without time limits, as long as the baby and I are not at risk
[ ] Use a mirror to see the baby crown
[ ] Touch the head as it crowns
[ ] Let the epidural wear off while pushing
[ ] Have a full dose of epidural
[ ] Avoid forceps usage
[ ] Avoid vacuum extraction
[ ] Use whatever methods my doctor deems necessary
[ ] Help catch the baby
[ ] Let my partner catch the baby
[ ] Let my partner suction the baby
I would like an episiotomy:
[ ] Used only after perineal massage, warm compresses and positioning
[ ] Rather than risk a tear
[ ] Not performed, even if it means risking a tear
[ ] Performed only as a last resort
[ ] Performed as my doctor deems necessary
[ ] Performed with local anesthesia
[ ] Performed by pressure, without local anesthesia
[ ] Followed by local anesthesia for the repair
Immediately after delivery, I would like:
[ ] My partner to cut the umbilical cord, if he chooses at the time
[ ] The umbilical cord to be cut only after it stops pulsating
[ ] To deliver the placenta spontaneously and without assistance
[ ] To see the placenta before it is discarded
[ ] Not to be given Pitocin/oxytocin
If a C-section is necessary, I would like:
[ ] A second opinion
[ ] To make sure all other options have been exhausted
[ ]To stay conscious
[ ] My partner to remain with my the entire time
[ ] The screen lowered so I can watch baby come out
[ ] My hands left free so I can touch the baby
[ ] The surgery explained as it happens
[ ] An epidural for anesthesia
[ ] My partner to hold the baby as soon as possible
[ ] To breastfeed in the recovery room
I would like to hold baby:
[ ] Immediately after delivery
[ ] After suctioning
[ ] After weighing
[ ] After being wiped clean and swaddled
[ ] Before eye drops/ointment are given
I would like to breastfeed:
[ ] As soon as possible after delivery
[ ] Before eye drops/ointment are given
[ ] Later
[ ] Never
I’d like baby’s medical exam and procedures:
[ ] Given in my presence
[ ] Given only after we’ve bonded
[ ] Given in my partner’s presence
Please don’t give baby:
[ ] Vitamin K
[ ] Antibiotic eye treatment
[ ] Sugar water
[ ] Formula
[ ] A pacifier
I’d like baby’s first bath given:
[ ] In my presence
[ ] In my partner’s presence
[ ] By me
[ ] By my partner
I’d like to feed baby:
[ ] Only with breastmilk
[ ] Only with formula
[ ] On demand
[ ] On schedule
[ ] With the help of a lactation specialist
I’d like baby to stay in my room:
[ ] All the time
[ ] During the day
[ ] Only when I’m awake
[ ] Only for feeding
[ ] Only when I request
I’d like my partner:
[ ] To have unlimited visiting
[ ] To sleep in my room
If we have a boy, circumcision should:
[ ] Be performed
[ ] Not be performed
[ ] Be performed in the presence of me AND/OR my partner
As needed post-delivery, please give me:
[ ] Extra-strength acetaminophen
[ ] Percoset
[ ] Stool softener
[ ] Laxative
After birth, I’d like to stay in the hospital:
[ ] As long as possible
[ ] As briefly as possible
If baby is not well, I’d like:
[ ] My partner and I to accompany it to the NICU or another facility
[ ] To breastfeed or provide pumped breastmilk
[ ] To hold him or her whenever possible
like this gives a basis to build on id add the bills too what you will and wont pay for0 -
Birthing plan
Attendants:
• I would like my husband, Chris, to be with me at all times
• Only my midwife and husband are to be present unless additional staffs are medically necessary.
• Its ok to leave my husband and I to labour alone, we feel confident asking for additional help when we need it.
Birthing Environment:
• I would like for people entering the room to speak softly.
• Please always keep my door closed while I am in labour.
• I'd like for the lights to be dim during late labour/pushing.
Labour Props:
I'd like to try a:
• Birthing stool
• Squatting bar
• Birthing ball
• Bath and/or Shower
• Husband
Some freedom please:
• I wish to eat and drink if I want
• I wish to walk and move around as I choose
• I would like to spend as much time as upright as possible
• I wish to wear my own clothing
Please DO NOT put an IVC in me unless necessary for a procedure. I do not consent to an IVC being left in me during labour.
Interventions:
• I prefer intermittent rather than continuous foetal monitoring
• I prefer minimal internal vaginal exams or at my request only.
Pain Relief:
I would like to try a number of non-medical pain relief options such as:
• Bath if its available
• Shower
• Positioning
• self-hypnosis/ focus
• massage
Please don't offer me pain medication. I'll request it if I need it.
Pushing:
• When it's time to push, I'd like to be squatting or kneeling
• I wish to push instinctively and be allowed to progress free of stringent time limits as long as my baby and I are doing fine
Delivery:
• I would like to view the birth using a mirror
• I may wish to touch the babies’ head as it crowns, but I will decide this at the time.
I do not want an episiotomy- I prefer a tear over an episiotomy
After Birth:
• Skin to skin contact straight away
• Do not pressure my baby to breastfeed quickly, we will do it when we are both ready.
• Please give me the oxytocin injection straight after the baby comes out or per hospital procedure. My husband has needle phobia and I wont tell him about the needle if you don’t.
• Wait until the umbilical cord stops pulsating before it's clamped and cut- Chris will cut the cord.
• My baby to get Vita K and Hep B injections per hospital policy (send my husband to make phone calls while you do this )
• No visitors other than grandparents/husband/daughter in the first 24 hours after delivery.
Feeding:
• Breastfeeding is very important to me.
• I plan to breastfeed exclusively.
• Do not offer my baby formula or a pacifier
• If for some reason my baby is placed in NICU, is too small to feed at the breast, or has some other complication, my husband will bring in my breast pump so that I may express milk for the baby.
• If I am quite unwell, I would like a nurse /midwife to help me and/or show my husband how to help me express breast milk.
• If I require additional medications due to complications I prefer to get breastfeeding safe medications.
In the event of an Emergency C-Section:
• Chris present at all times during the operation
• The screen lowered a bit so I can see my baby being delivered
• The baby to be given to Chris as soon as he's dried
• I would like to breastfeed my baby in the recovery room
Other complications:
• I am OK with a ventouse or forceps assisted delivery. I prefer ventouse to forceps.
• I am OK with any necessary blood transfusions.
• If my baby or I need to be transferred, we would like to stay together.
• I am an organ donor, excluding corneas.0 -
bump for later0
