My Birth Plan

LABOR

I would prefer to avoid an enema and/or shaving of pubic hair.I would like to be free to walk around during labor.
I wish to be able to move around and change position at will throughout labor.
I would like to be able to have fluids by mouth throughout my labor.
I will be bringing my own music to play during labor.
I would like the environment to be kept as quiet as possible.
I would like the lights in the room to be kept low during my labor.
I would prefer to keep the number of vaginal exams to a minimum.
I do not want an IV.
I would like to wear contact lenses or glasses at all times when conscious.
If available, I would like to shower when I wish, and sit in a birthing tub when I wish.
I will be bringing a birthing ball, I wish to be able to use it freely.

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MONITORING

I do not wish to have continuous fetal monitoring.
I do not want an internal monitor.

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LABOR AUGMENTATION/INDUCTION

I do not wish to have the amniotic membrane ruptured artificially.
I would prefer to be allowed to try changing position and other natural methods (walking, nipple stimulation).
I do not wish to have pitocin administered at all.

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ANESTHESIA/PAIN MEDICATION

I realize that many pain medications exist I’ll ask for them if I need them.

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CESAREAN

I would like to avoid a Cesarean.
If my primary care provider determines that a Cesarean delivery is indicated, I would like to obtain a second opinion from another physician.
If a Cesarean delivery is indicated, I would like to be fully informed and to participate in the decision-making process.
I would like (coach) present at all times if the baby requires a Cesarean delivery.
I wish to have an epidural for anesthesia
So I can view the birth, I would like the screen lowered just before delivery of the baby.
If the baby is not in distress, the baby should be given to father immediately after birth.

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EPISIOTOMY

I would prefer not to have an episiotomy unless absolutely required for the baby’s safety.
I am hoping to protect the perineum. I am practicing ahead of time by squatting, doing Kegel exercises, and perineal massage.
If possible, I would like to use perineal massage to help avoid the need for an episiotomy.
I would like a local anesthetic to repair a tear or an episiotomy.

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DELIVERY

I would like to be allowed to choose the position in which I give birth, including squatting.
I would like my husband and/or nurses to support me and my legs as necessary during the pushing stage.
I would like a mirror available so I can see the baby’s head when it crowns.
I would like the chance to touch the baby’s head when it crowns.
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.
I would appreciate having the room lights turned low for the actual delivery.
I would appreciate having the room as quiet as possible when the baby is born.
I would like to have the baby placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.

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IMMEDIATELY AFTER DELIVERY

The umbilical cord needs to stop pulsating before it is cut.
I would like to have my husband cut the cord.
I would like to hold the baby while I deliver the placenta and any tissue repairs are made.
I would like to hold the baby for at least fifteen minutes before he is photographed, examined, etc.
I would like to have the baby evaluated and bathed in my presence.
I plan to keep the baby near me following birth and would appreciate if the evaluation of the baby can be done with the baby on my abdomen, with both of us covered by a warm blanket, unless there is an unusual situation.
If the baby must be taken from me to receive medical treatment, my husband or some other person I designate will accompany the baby at all times.
I would prefer to hold the baby rather than have him placed under heat lamps.
I do not want a routine injection of pitocin after the delivery to aid in expelling the placenta.
I would like to delay the eye medication for the baby until a couple hours after birth.
After the birth, I would prefer to be given a few moments of privacy to urinate on my own before being catheterized.

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POSTPARTUM

I would like a private room, if available.
Unless required for health reasons, I do not wish to be separated from my baby.
I would like to have the baby "room in" and be with me at all times.
I would like my baby to recieve the oral vitamin K instead of the shot.

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BREASTFEEDING

I plan to breastfeed the baby and would like to begin nursing very shortly after birth.
Unless medically necessary, I do not wish to have any bottles given to the baby (including glucose water or plain water).
I do not want the baby to be given a pacifier.

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CIRCUMCISION

I do not want the baby circumcised; I also do not want the foreskin retracted at all.
His penis is to be left intact the way God made it.


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PHOTO/VIDEO

I would like to take still photographs during labor and the birth.
I would like to make a videorecording of labor and/or the birth.

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OTHER

My support people are my mother and father, and also my mother in law and sister, and I would like them to be present during labor and/or delivery.
I would prefer that no students, interns, residents or non-essential personnel be present during my labor or the birth.
I will be making final decisions when the time comes as to who stays in the room with me during the birth.









Thats not quite perfect in my opinion. Any suggestions?