First draft of my birth plan

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ATTENDANTS
I only want the required doctors, nurses, and Kurt in the room. I didn’t have an audience while conceiving the child (that I know of) and I certainly don’t want that many witnesses to Kurt’s execution when I’m pushing out baby melon-head.

MY ENVIRONMENT

  • I want my partner to be allowed to stay with me at all times
  • I would prefer to stay in one room during labor, birth, and post delivery if available
  • Only my practitioner, required nurse(s), and Kurt present (please keep medical students and any roaming hospital personnel looking for something to do away from me)
  • I would prefer to be able to eat and drink during labor
  • I would prefer not to have an IV unless absolutely necessary
  • I prefer dim lighting and for the room to be kept relatively quiet
  • I want to wear my own clothes during labor and delivery
  • I would like to be able to walk around as I choose

FAIR WARNING TO NURSING STAFF
I don’t mind being comforted during labor; however I have a freakishly strong death grip when I’m in pain and I don’t let go. Do not take my hand unless you want to know what it looks and feels like to have a complete loss of circulation in one limb with the possibility of some bones crushing. If you think I’m joking or exaggerating take your cues from Kurt and watch where he stands each time I get a pained look on my face. – He knows!

FIRST STAGE OF LABOR

  • I do not want to be separated from my partner during labor or birth
  • I would like no time limits on laboring and prefer labor not to be augmented unless medically necessary
  • I wish to be able to move around and change position at will throughout labor

SECOND STAGE OF LABOR (PUSHING)

  • I’d like coach and/or nurse to support my legs when I push
  • I’d like to be able to try any position comfortable during pushing
  • Even if I am fully dilated, and assuming the baby is not in distress, I would like to try to wait until I feel the urge to push before beginning the pushing phase
  • As long as my baby and I are doing fine, I would like no time limits on pushing

ANESTHESIA – PAIN MEDICATION

  • I would prefer to try laboring without pain medication
  • If I decide I want medicinal pain relief, I’d prefer…? I’m not sure about this. I need more info before completing this part. All I know is I don’t want to rule out pain meds!

CESAREAN

  • Unless absolutely necessary, I would like to avoid a Cesarean

EPISIOTOMY
This is something else I’m not sure about at this time.

MONITORING

  • I do not want an internal monitor unless the baby has shown some sign of distress

POSTPARTUM

  • Kurt does not want to catch the baby, cut the cord, play with the placenta or anything else that may involve blood, guts, gore, and other such squishy things. – Please don’t even ask him unless you’re prepared to catch a fainting 6’ 4” man
  • If it’s possible I would like to donate my baby’s umbilical cord blood
  • I’d like to have baby’s first bath, assessment, and any other newborn procedures done in my presence, but please don’t hand her to me until she’s been cleaned up
  • I would like to see a lactation consultant
  • I would prefer to breastfeed exclusively and I would like to feed by her demand
  • Please don’t offer anything to my baby at any point especially not glucose water or pacifiers
  • If I am unable to breastfeed – water and formula are ok
  • I would like to have the baby be with me at all times and I would like a cot provided for my partner

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2 thoughts on “First draft of my birth plan”

  1. Most women can breastfeed. I want you to know I was cracked and bleeding and sore for 8 weeks with the first one, he ended up nursing until he was 17 months old. Don’t forget LaLecheLeagie is a great resource.

    Man you know what you want. I had no clue and my first delivery sucked rocks. Second kid, labor 3 hours, pushed 3 times (on my side), kid’s ears were out before my doctor made it in. He had the cord wrapped around his neck twice and now he’s my fairly sensible baseball boy.

    I want to see your partner faint…………..can I come just to gross him out? Pleaseeee.

  2. Thank you – I have La Leche League on my links page already :) I’m hoping that the cream that a friend recommended will keep me from cracking and bleeding – OUCH! It would be fun to watch Kurt get woozy – I’ll have to think about that. :P