Updated December 12, 2008
Bryan and I have been working on a birth plan after much ado with hospital protocol. Ideally, I would like to have my baby at a birthing center with a midwife but our city doesn't have one and the practice of homebirth midwifery is alegal in Indiana- a sticky complicated mess!
I continued to pursue finding a certified professional midwife but the nearest CPM is 2 hours away, we didn't think the traveling conditions would be an ideal situation for a labor/delivery in probable icy conditions for the CPM and back-up doctors are far and few. Who knew having a natural child birth could become such a black market ordeal!?
So here we are stuck in battle with the medical intervention world. I would like to note that I am very thankful for health care professionals and medical interventions when they are necessary but when it comes to birth I have a rather "crunchy" point of view after all, women have been safely bringing babies into the world for thousands of years! (Alright, I will come down off of my soap box) Before you write me off as being completely insane watch the "Business of Being Born"
...and now without further ado my birth plan. Please review and suggestions are welcome!!
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Birth Plan for: ____________
Scheduled to deliver at________ Hospital: MD
I realize that a birth plan is a list of preferences and that things don't always go as planned.
My primary request is to be fully informed and part of the decision-making process. Should I become incapacitated or unable to fully participate in the decision-making process, please consult my husband regarding any matters related to this birth plan, labor and delivery.
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First Stage Labor
* A heparin lock without IV, I will self hydrate
* Intermittent fetal monitoring
* No continuous or internal fetal monitoring unless medically necessary
* Fluids and soft foods by mouth throughout the first stage of labor
* Internal vaginal exams kept to a minimum
* Freely walk around, use the shower, birthing ball from home and change position at will
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Labor Augmentation
* As long as the baby and I are fine, I would like to be free of time limits and labor augmentation
* Prefer to allow the amniotic membrane to rupture naturally
* Changing position, walking or nipple stimulation before the amniotic membrane is ruptured or pitocin is given
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Pain Medication
* We are striving for a drug free childbirth, please do not offer pain medication. I'll ask for it if I need it.
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Cesarean
* If a Cesarean is necessary, to be fully informed and to participate in the decision-making process
* My husband present at all times if my baby requires a Cesarean delivery
* Leave one arm free to touch baby when born
* Double-layer suturing of the uterus (not single layer suturing)
* If not in distress, my baby should be given to my husband and myself immediately after birth
* Breastfeed as soon as possible after a cesarean delivery
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Second Stage Labor & Delivery
* I would like to choose my birthing position, including squatting with a bar or on hands and knees
* If I am unmedicated, to wait to push until I feel the urge, even if there is a delay after full dilation
* Baby placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery
* Hold my baby while I deliver the placenta and any tissue repairs are made
* Deliver the placenta naturally without a pitocin injection or cord traction
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Episiotomy
* In the absence of fetal distress, I prefer to tear rather than have an episiotomy but am open to Doctors discretion
* Guidance and perineal massage when pushing so the perineum can stretch naturally
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Postpartum
* Baby evaluated and bathed in my presence
* Delay antibiotic eye drops and Vitamin K shot for 1-2 hours after birth so that bonding time is not interrupted
* We decline the Hepatitis B vaccine for our newborn
* Full-time rooming in with baby and no separation unless medically required
* My husband to accompany our baby at all times if it must be taken to receive medical treatment
* If bili lights for jaundice are required, please bring them to my recovery room instead of baby going to the nursery
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Breastfeeding
* I will be breastfeeding exclusively and would like to begin nursing very shortly after birth
* Do not give my baby anything by mouth (pacifier, glucose water, formula) without my expressed verbal consent
Its official, the baby will be here and not a moment too soon. These days Mommy finds herself loving naps, preparing meals in advance for the freezer, cleaning franticly, scolding kitties for getting furry paws near baby merchandise, and wishing for a new back. My once rhinestone adorned belly button is a mere memory that has been replaced with purple trails of motherhood, former "cheerleader legs" are cultivating cottage cheese, and swelling is what happens when I look at a can of Campbell's soup. The sleepless nights that my snoring produces are starting to catch up to my more than accommodating husband's nerves and despite my aches, pains, and complaining, I am thankful for each and everyone that brings us a step closer to meeting the blessing that God knitted in my womb.
