Birth Plan

I know that not a lot of Moms and Moms-to-be that I've talked do have or are doing a birth plan. I had one with my daughter, and even though I didn't follow it much, it was still nice knowing that I had a plan. The one thing I did learn from the birth plan that I made with my daughter and this one, is that I need to be more flexible.

I used Birth Plan | Pregnancy Today as a template and added my own phrasing. Some of what I've added is based on my labor and delivery experience with my daughter. Some things are based on research I've done since finding out that this baby is a little boy.

When it's all typed out with the title page, it comes to about 4 pages. With Lily, the doctor faxed a copy to the hospital the day before my induction. With Nicholas, I have an appointment with the hospital's birth planner to handle the tour, pre-registration, and to add a copy of the birth plan to my file.

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My Wishes Regarding the Birth of Nicholas David-Alger

Mother
Sara

Physician
Dr. Perez

Delivery
PVN

Due Date
23 February 2011

Support Staff
Lisa, RN (sister)
Chandra (friend)
Bev(friend)

Please refer to the baby as Nicholas whenever possible.

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LABOR

I would like to be free to walk around during labor. I also wish to be able to move around and change positions throughout.

I would like to have fluids by mouth.
Preferences:

regular Sprite or Sierra Mist (no diet)

red or orange Jell-o (no sugar-free)

chicken or beef broth

hot tea with sugar

grape, cranberry, or apple juice

I would like to bring my own music and movies to listen to and watch. If possible, I would also like to have access to the Internet.

I would like the IV to be done soon after I am admitted.

I would like to wear my glasses at all times.

MONITORING

I do not want an internal monitor unless Nicholas shows signs of distress and it becomes necessary.

LABOR AUGMENTATION / INDUCTION

I do not wish to have the amniotic membrane ruptured unless signs of fetal distress require internal monitoring.

If labor is not progressing, I would like to walk or use the birthing ball first. If those are unsuccessful, I would like Pitocin administered before the amniotic membrane is ruptured.

ANESTHESIA / PAIN MEDICATION

I will ask for pain medication.

If I feel that I need them, I would prefer an injection of narcotic pain relief. If I feel that was insufficient, I will ask for a standard epidural.

CESARIAN

Unless absolutely necessary, I would like to avoid a cesarian.

In the case that a c-section becomes necessary, I want Lisa Smith present at all times. I would like to be awake for the procedure, if possible, and to have the standard medication.

So that I can view the birth, I would like the screen lowered just before the delivery of the baby.

If he is not in distress and does not require medical attention, I would like to see Nicholas face-to-face as soon as I can.

EPISIOTOMY

I would prefer an episiotomy rather than a tear.
I would like a local anesthetic to repair the episiotomy or tear.

DELIVERY

I would like a mirror available so I can see the baby's head when it crowns. I would also like to be able to touch the baby's head when it crowns.

Assuming the baby isn't in distress, I would like to wait until I feel the urge to push before beginning the pushing phase. However, if I lose focus, I would like to be coached in this to prevent any stress on the baby.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER DELIVERY

I would like Lisa to cut the cord.

If Nicholas requires medical attention and must be taken from the delivery room, I would like Lisa to accompany him.

I do not want a routine injection of Pitocin after the delivery to aid in expelling the placenta. I would like to see the placenta after it is delivered.

POSTPARTUM

I would like the baby to "room in" and be with me at all times.

I would like a shower, even just a quick one, as soon as possible!

BREASTFEEDING

I plan to breastfeed Nicholas and would like to begin nursing shortly after birth. I do not want bottles given to the baby. I would also like to meet with a lactation consultant.

Nicholas may have a pacifier.

CIRCUMCISION

I do not want my son to be circumcised.

PHOTO / VIDEO

I plan on taking still photographs and videos during labor and the birth.

OTHER

I do not want David to be present during labor or the delivery. If he does come to the hospital during these, I wish that he be escorted to a waiting room or asked to leave. I do not want or need the stress and drama that would accompany his presence.

I would like my support staff present for labor and delivery. I would like to keep visitors during labor to a minimum. I would like visitors to check-in with the nurses' before coming into my room during labor.

My daughter, Liliana Madeline (almost 4), will be visiting her new brother and I at the hospital.

I would prefer that no students, interns, residents or non-essential personnel be present during my labor or the birth.