Here is a list of some things we've been given to consider. I wanted to share all of them for my friends who are also currently pregnant even though we are not going to be using all of these techniques. I don't think I will be sharing my own birth plan with most people, because it is mine and my husband's decision for us. Sharing it will just open the door to people wanting to express their opinions and give advice on what we should do. But like I said, I did want to include it here for my pregnant friends.
Pre-Admission
[ ] To consider inducement only if onset of labor is unusually delayed and if there is medical urgency.
[ ] To use only natural means of inducement, moving to gels, Pitocin drip or other procedures as a last resort.
[ ] To remain at home as long as possible before going to hospital.
For Hospital Admission
[ ] To elect wheelchair assistance or to walk to room
[ ] To decline routine IV prep upon admission.
[ ] To return home until labor progresses further if less than 4 centimeters dilated and other factors do not warrant admission.
[ ] To have a private birthing room with subdued lighting and drawn drapes for both labor and birthing.
[ ] To bring a tape/CD player and have soft, lulling music in background.
[ ] To have the following persons present during my birthing:
[ ] husband
[ ] relative
[ ] other birthing companion
[ ] labor support person
[ ] To decline discussion on pain tolerance and pain levels
[ ] To have telephone inquiries relayed to my room;
[ ] No calls relayed- message only.
[ ] To request that induction will not occur before 42 weeks
During Thinning and Opening Phase of Labor
[ ] The patience and understanding of medical caregivers to refrain from any practice or procedure that could unnecessarily stand in the way of our having the most natural birth possible.
[ ] Only necessary hospital staff or cheerful observers, please. We ask that staff honor need for quiet and refrain from references to "pain", "hurt", or any offer of medication unless requested.
[ ] Husband/birthing companion and other labor support person present at all times.
[ ] To be free of blood pressure cuff between readings.
[ ] In teh absence of a medical necessity, only intermittent monitoring of baby's heart with fetoscope/doppler or manual use of EFM (Electronic Fetal Monitoring)
[ ] To take fluids and light foods, including juices, herbal tea, broth, toast, crackers.
[ ] To take nutritional snacking if labor is prolonged.
[ ] Freedom of choice to walk and move or not walk or move during labor.
[ ] To change positions and assume labor positions of choice.
[ ] Minimal number of vaginal exams- with permission- to avoid premature release of membranes.
[ ] To allow labor to take its natural course without reference to "moving things along."
[ ] To use natural oxytocin stimulation in the event of a stalled or slow labor- nipple or clitoral stimulation- and to be accorded the uninterrupted privacy to do so.
[ ] To be fully apprised and consulted before the introduction of any medical procedure
[ ] No augmentation of labor via Pitocin, amniotomy, or stripping of membranes without discussion and explanation of need.
[ ] To enjoy labor tub or shower prior to ROM (release of membranes) and even after if hospital policy permits.
[ ] To have the use of a birthing ball if one is available.
During Birthing
[ ] The patience and understanding of medical caregivers to refrain from any practice or procedure that could unnecessarily stand in the way our having the most natural birth possible.
[ ] To remain in tub for water birthing if available.
[ ] To allow natural birthing instincts to facilitate the descent of the baby, as much as possible, with mother-directed breathing down until crowning takes place.
[ ] Use of HypnoBirthing breathing techniques without staff prompts.
[ ] To birth in an atmosphere of gentle encouragement during the final birthing phase without "coaching." Please- calm, low tones, free of "pushing" prompts.
[ ] To assume a birthing position of choice that will least likely require an episiotomy.
[ ] Use of birthing stool or bed for squatting or leaping frog positing. Oil and hot compresses to avoid episiotomy.
[ ] No episiotomy.
[ ] Use of suctioning device rather than forceps if assistance is medically necessary.
[ ] That care provider allows for complete birthing before suctioning baby.
[ ] Videotaping of birth.
[ ] Use of mirror to enable me to see crowning and birth.
[ ] To have our other children present [ ] during [ ] shortly after birth.
[ ] Mother [ ] Father [ ] other birth companion [ ] to help "receive" the baby if at all possible.
[ ] Father to remain with baby in the event of a surgical procedure.
[ ] Allow up to 30 minutes if necessary for natural placenta delivery.
[ ] Immediate breastfeeding to assist in natural placenta expulsion.
[ ] Uterine massage to assist birth of placenta.
[ ] Natural nipple stimulation to assist in birth of placenta.
[ ] No cord traction (pulling on the cord), Pitocin, or manual removal of placenta unless there is an emergency.
For Baby
[ ] To have bright lights temporarily removed until baby is moved to mother's chest.
[ ] Allow vernix to be absorbed into baby's skin; delay "cleaning or rubbing"; use soft cloth when rubbing is appropriate.
[ ] Delay cord clamping and cutting after pulsation has ceased. [ ] Father/birth companion will cut cord
[ ] Cord to be cut by attending health care provider after pulsation stops
[ ] Allow baby to remain with me and/or birth companion for bonding 1-2 hours
[ ] Delay use of Erythromycin or other salve for baby's eyes to allow optimal sight for bonding.
[ ] Oral Vitamin K to be used if it is available; if not, delay injection until after baby is acclimated
[ ] Please, a soft cloth, blanket, or Chux pad between baby and scale.
[ ] For male baby, we request no circumcision.
[ ] Father will stay with mother and baby throughout the hospital stay.
[ ] To have footprints made in the baby's birth book.
[ ] Breast feeding several times during the first few hours after birth.
[ ] Breast feeding only. No bottles, formula, pacifier, artificial nipples.
I would like to learn about or have demonstrated for me the following:
[ ] Proper bathing of the baby [ ] Umbilical cord care
[ ] Taking baby's temperature [ ] Breastfeeding techniques
[ ] Using breast pump [ ] Calming the fretful baby
[ ] Normal sleep patterns
I know that looks like a lot. Not everything will apply. But it is important to be explicitly clear what your desires are, otherwise things may go against your birthing goals.
You can create your own printable birth plan here:
http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/free-birth-plan
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