Our Birth Plan

As the day gets closer and closer, people keep asking me what my natural birth plan is.  Well, in case you're wondering, here it is!  And before you get to thinking I'm one of those crazy ladies with a long birth plan, this all fits onto one page in Microsoft word.  It's a compliation of things I've discussed with Andrew, my doctor, my doula, and of course, Dr. Google:

While I understand that certain procedures may become necessary, I am prepared for a natural, unmedicated labor and delivery – including no unnecessary medical interventions, freedom of movement during labor and delivery, intermittent monitoring, no on-going IV, and limited cervical checks.  Please do not offer me pain medication.  I will request if needed.

Labor

I would like to:

• wear my own hospital gown and bathing suit
• move, walk around and change position at will
• use the shower/bathtub
• not have the amniotic sac artificially ruptured
• avoid Pitocin and try other natural methods to help with progression

Monitoring

• I prefer intermittent fetal monitoring.

Cesarean

Should this become necessary, I would like to:

• privately discuss this option with my husband and doula (except in a true emergency).
• have my husband present at all times.
• have an epidural for anesthesia and want to be conscious.

Episiotomy

• I would prefer to tear naturally
• I would like to try warm compresses

Delivery

I would like to:

• wait until I feel the urge to push
• encouraged to try different pushing positions
• have our baby placed on my chest immediately

After Delivery

• My husband would like to cut the cord.  We would like to delay the cord cutting until it has stopped pulsating.
• Should our baby need to taken from the room for more evaluation, my husband would like to accompany our baby at all times.
• We opt for all standard hospital treatments for newborns (Hep B, eye ointment, etc.)

Breastfeeding

• I want to breastfeed as soon as possible after delivery.
• Please no bottles or pacifiers

Other

• My support people are my doula, Kadi ******, and my husband.  I would like them to be present during labor and delivery.  No other visitors are allowed until after delivery, unless I specifically request them to join.