Birth Plan

Birth Plan

I have a birth plan. A plan that I would love to see executed the day my little one comes into the world. In my Bradley Class our instructor talked about the importance of having our wishes/desires written down on paper, however I saw it as homework and tried hard to get out of doing it. Don't get me wrong I want a drug free birth and the extensive planner in me wants a perfect birth. I just don't want to have to think about the day in and of its self, because lets face it plan or no plan I can't control what goes on the day Kai arrives. So after reading several examples online I began to type out the plan I wanted implemented the day I would meet the baby I have waited three years to meet. Here is the plan I have for Kai's Birth...

To: Caregivers at (insert hospital name)

We are very pleased with our choice of Dr. Timmins and (insert hospital name) for our upcoming birth.

We are well-prepared and educated and have done everything we can to stay healthy and low risk during this pregnancy. We are looking forward to a beautiful, natural birth and would appreciate all of the kind, encouraging care that you can provide.

Since this is a very special event in our lives. We have some preferences that may be different than your standard routine. We respectfully request that you consider our wishes as outlined below in the course of a normal labor and delivery thank you in advance for any and all assistance you can provide us with during our stay. We would appreciate if you:

·         Don’t offer us any pain medication we will let you know if we need it.

·         Allow only Mom, Dad, and Doula present during labor and during delivery. Anyone else should be directed to the waiting room.

·         Would use a heparin lock for IV so that mother can still move around and walk as needed during labor.

·         Would only give updates on dilation progression to Dad and Doula as the mother would like to focus on laboring and progressing.

·         Allow freedom of movement both in and out of the bathtub or shower, and walking in and outside of our room during labor.

·          Permit various ways of pushing when the time comes (Hands and Knees or Lying Sideways position) Dad and Doula may hold mothers legs during pushing. (please no stirrups)

·         Place baby directly on mother’s chest for bonding and breastfeeding after birth.

·         Delayed cord clamping and have dad cut the cord after it stops pulsing.

·         Allowed for Placenta to be taken home after birth.

·         Could make sure no bottles, pacifiers, or formula are given to our son without our consent as we will be attempting to exclusively breastfeed.

These are our preferences in the case of an uncomplicated labor. If a complication (medical emergency) does arise, we will, of course, do whatever is necessary to keep mother and baby safe.