Birth plans...
I decided we needed a birthing mix, some of my choices so far(feel free to make suggestions)-
- Push it- Salt N’ Pepper
- Eye of the Tiger- Survivor
- Lightening Crashes- Live
- Baby By Me- 50 Cent
- Hot in Here- Nelly
- We are the Champions- Queen(should probably be the ending song)
- Marvelous Things- Eisley
- My Lovely-Eisley(This song reminds me of T and USS’s Eisley)
Also I believe we need to pick out some sort of birthing spirit animals… We’re bringing a fleece blanket with a narrative scene of wolves on it so clearly my birthing spirit animal should be a wolf… Jeff’s can be Uno the cat.
And my birth plan-
- If I shit myself do not tell me, it will never leave this room.
That is all.
It appalls me that people ask for surgical residents/med students to not even watch their surgeries.
I recently read a post where a pregnant woman who is having a planned c-section has requested in her birth plan that no medical residents nor medical students watch nor participate in her surgery or anything to do with her newborn.
Now my question to her, and all other mothers making this request, is how do you think your current OB learned how to give the excellent care they’re rendering to you? From reading books and looking at pictures? Hell no! They learned by watching and by doing.
What if every mother made such ridiculous requests? What if every PERSON made such ridiculous requests? How would we train our up and coming surgeons? Our other doctors? Specifically, our OBGYNs? How do you think residents and students would learn if not by doing it themselves?
Also, let me ask you this. Would you rather have a doctor that has NEVER actually PERFORMED the surgery before but instead was forced to read about it in books alone, because women like you refused to be part of the education of our future doctors?
If your answer is no then you really have no right to not let residents and students at least WATCH your surgery and post-surgical care. I mean really, you could afford to throw them that bone after they’ve allowed you the privilege of a safe and calm birthing experience.
Our Birth Preferences
Thank you for taking part in this important and special event with us. We are so grateful for your support and assistance in bringing our baby into this world! Our main priority is a healthy baby and a healthy mom. As long as things are going medically well, the following are our preferences for the birth.
Sincerely, Heather & Richard Bruhn
Labor
- Please assign us a nurse who is supportive of natural childbirth
- I would like the freedom to move around during my labor, including walking, changing positions, as well as the use of my birth ball and laboring in the shower
- I would like to drink water freely throughout labor
- In the event that labor slows down, I would like the option of walking or nipple stimulation to speed labor
- I prefer not to have an IV unless medically necessary
- Please do not offer pain medication or an epidural unless requested by the both of us, not just one of us
- I would appreciate encouragement during delivery to use instinctive, natural pushing techniques without time limitations
- I would appreciate measures to reduce tearing (natural pushing techniques with controlled pressure at crowning, counter pressure on perineum, warm compresses, and perineal massage), since I prefer not to have an episiotomy unless medically necessary
- I would like to touch my baby’s head as it crowns and have a mirror available
- In case of a Cesarean, as long as the baby is fine, I would like to have her on my chest or skin-to-skin with Daddy as soon as she is delivered.
Birth & Recovery
- Please, if possible, place baby on Mommy’s tummy immediately after birth
- Please allow the umbilical cord to stop pulsating before letting Daddy cut it
- I would like our baby to remain with us for at least the first hour or two of life
- I would like the Vitamin K shot & eye care to be done with my baby in my arms after the first hour of life
- I would like the bath to wait until after our first couple of hours together as a family, and please allow Daddy to accompany her to the nursery to assist in her first bath
- I would like to breastfeed within the first hour and plan to breastfeed exclusively on demand. Please do not offer our baby a pacifier, formula, or a bottle.
(I’ve been putting off posting this for a while, but here it is for those of you who have asked! I would like to add that these are our preferences as long as everything is going along smoothly. I know that you can’t plan a birth, but I’m hoping that most of my wishes will be honored by the hospital, especially since they were approved by my doctor)
Confession 007
I have relinquished my birth plan.
I still want to go into labor naturally. I still am set to try to have an unmedicated birth. However, the whole “LeBoyer Birth” experience, probabbbbbly won’t happen. And I’ve accepted that if I cannot handle the pain, then medication might be imminent. I think when it comes down to the wire, and it’s time to go, we’re both going to be basketcases. I’m also believe labor will be QUICK (it was 3 times before). I will throw a SHIT FIT if they take my baby away from me, however. We will be co-sleeping at home, so there is no reason for her to leave my side in the hospital, unless daddy has her <3
My Peaceful Cesarean Birth Plan
{Some notes: Edited to remove Baby’s name, and other little tidbits. I did look up Cesarean birth plan templates and rewrote some opening paragraphs to suit my needs as suggested.
Everything chosen for our son has been researched and what works for us, I will not justify a single one of them. Please don’t get offended by what I’ve written pertaining to breastfeeding. I’ve used formula too, I simply feel that its use in the hospital will sabotage establishing breastfeeding because I’ve actually been there.}
In the most ludicrous un-ordered list style;
Appointment
Friday was my 31 week appointment with the midwife. This time the setting was not in the clinic but in my house and my husband was present as we were there is discuss the birth plan.
As it goes, after weighing up all of the options we’re quite open-minded to the type of birth. The only thing that I am very cautious of is the after care and sharing a ward with other people with no privacy: people just dropping by, pulling back a curtain that I didn’t want moved, photographers barging their way to the baby (yes, really - that happens). THAT would make the birthing experience hell for me. I became somewhat emotional thinking about it and my lovely midwife was very sympathetic and noted down all of my concerns on the plan.
The bump was measured as 31cm for 31 weeks (again, bang on perfect). We’re still not sure on the orientation of the baby. I think it might have turned but I still feel some low down movements. If the midwife still isn’t sure at the next appointment I’ll need another scan.
Is it really awful of me to put on my birth plan that I don’t want every student midwife under the sun to examine me?
I know they have to learn and all, but when I had Jacob, I had probably 6 or 7 different people giving me an internal exam, and it was less than enjoyable, to say the least. I was very much ‘go with the flow’, but I want to be more in control this time, and I don’t WANT a million and one people doing the exact same thing.
Day 7 -
What is your birthing plan?
I haven’t written it out for the doctor or talked to anyone about it, but I have a general idea of what I want. I wanted a water birth at first, but that apparently isn’t an option around here. ): This is pretty much what I want though -
I want to try for a natural birth, and have a nurse/doctor/midwife that supports that. I want to be checked the least amount possible and let everything progress naturally. I want to be able to drink water during labor. I don’t want an IV unless it’s medically necessary. I don’t want to be stuck in bed during labor. I want the option of walking around, using a birthing ball, laboring in a bath/shower, ect. I don’t want to be coached while pushing, and I don’t want any “time restraints”. I want dimmed lights and the least amount of noise possible while giving birth. I want the least amount of people in the room possible. I want to hold her as soon as she’s born. I want the doctor to cut the cord. I want her to remain in the same room as me for the first 2-3 hours of her life.
& I think that’s about it so far.
Things that can be included in a birth plan in the case of cesarian delivery.
These requests can be used in the case of a planned/scheduled cesarian, but they are especially important to consider even if you plan on having a vaginal birth. A sudden, unplanned cesarian can be a lot to process, and potentially traumatic, so it is important to feel that you have as much say in the process as you want. These are some statements/requests you can consider including in your birth plan and discuss with your doula/midwife/OB prenatally.
In the event a cesarian section is medically necessary (or planned)…
- I would like to obtain a second opinion from another physician, if time allows.
- I would like to be fully informed and to partake in the decision-making process.
- I would like to avoid general anesthesia.
- I do not wish my partner and labor support person(s) to be removed from the room during surgical preparations.
- I would like my partner and labor support person(s) to be present at all times, even if general anesthesia is necessary.
- I do not consent to having my arms and hands fastened down unless I am unable to manage them and they risk contaminating the sterile field.
- I would like to view the birth, so I would like the curtain lowered just before delivery.
- I would not like to view any part of the process, so I request that the curtain remains up and that the nurse remove any reflective equipment.
- I wish for my labor support person(s) to take pictures/videotape the delivery.
- If the baby is not in distress, I request that it be given to my partner, labor support person, or me immediately after delivery.
- I do not wish the baby to be separated from me unless it is in medical distress. If we must be separated I request that my partner or labor support person accompanies him or her.
- I would like to see the placenta.
- I would like to be acknowledged and informed throughout and immediately after the delivery.
Calling all mumblrs!
Would you let your 5yo be at the birth of their younger sister? Naomi has asked if she’s going to be there when her little sister is born, but I’m in 2 minds whether or not to allow it - She knows what happens during the birth and she’s watched OBEM without batting an eyelid (the SO caught her watching it at 9am the other day!)
But I’m personally stuck on whether to say yes, or no… I’m homebirthing so there’s no hospital rules to worry about!
Would you allow your 5yo to be there?
“If you want a birth plan, then consider a homebirth because otherwise you are having to negotiate on someone else’s playing field. You don’t know where the towels are = you aren’t in control”
—Student Midwife / blogger
I always freak out when I go to someone else’s house and don’t know where the towels are. What if I suddenly had to escape? Or negotiate a home loan? There is no control without towels.
Birth Plan
I decided to go ahead and post my birth plan :) I’m really happy with how it turned out and I’m not looking to change anything so as much as I appreciate everyones advice I’m not really seeking any on this. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about it though. Thanks!
My goal is to have a natural child birth with as little intervention as possible.
I would like Jake, and my Mom, Lois ****, to be present before, during, and after delivery.
I would like only my doctor/midwife, nurse(s) and birth partners to be present during my delivery. No additional staff members or students.
I would like to have intermittent rather than continuous fetal monitoring if possible.
I do not want to be given Pitocin at any point during or after labor.
I do not want to get an epidural, if I choose to take pain medications please discuss other options with me. Do not pressure me to get an epidural. I would like to be free to move around, eat and drink whenever possible during my labor. I do not want to be given an IV unless it is necessary.
If a C-Section is necessary I would like to receive a second opinion if time permits, as well as have time to discuss it privately with my family before being asked to consent to the surgery. If I do need to have a C-Section I would like to be fully conscious. I would like Jake and my Mom to be present during the surgery and for Jake to hold the baby as soon as possible after the surgery.
I would like to use a shower/bath tub during labor.
During delivery I would like to push spontaneously, as well as taking some directions from the doctor/midwife. I would like to push without time limits as long as the baby and I are not at risk.
I do not want to receive an episiotomy and would prefer to tear naturally. Please do not perform an episiotomy on me unless it is absolutely necessary for the safety of my baby.
I would like to deliver in a position that helps avoid tearing, use hot compresses, oils and massage.
I would like to try different positions during labor and delivery such as a side lying position, squatting position, all fours position and leaning positions. I would like to use a birthing ball and squatting bar as needed.
I would like my Mom to catch the baby, and immediately place her on my chest after delivery. I would like immediate skin to skin contact and to breast feed as quickly after the birth as possible.
I do not want the cord to be cut until it has stopped pulsating completely.
I would like to delay all newborn procedures (eye drops, bathing, shots) until we have breastfed and bonded with the baby (I do not want any time limits on this, as long as the baby is healthy).
Because of the natural benefits of vernix, I would like to rub it in to her skin rather than having it wiped or washed off. I do not want her to be bathed in any way after birth and I would like Jake and I to give her first bath.
We will be breastfeeding exclusively and I do not want any bottles, pacifiers, sugar water or formula given to the baby.
I would like to meet with a lactation consultant as soon as possible if I am having any trouble breast feeding.
I would like the baby to stay in the room with us at all times unless medically necessary. If I cannot be with her I would like Jake to stay with her at all times.
I would like to discuss leaving the hospital early if everyone is doing well.
Birth Plan
- Other than Pete, only my parents, sister and Kim allowed in hospital room with me while I’m in labor; ONLY Pete in the room when I’m in active labor.
- Squatting or kneeling position for birth, basically anything but on back (use birthing ball?).
- Baby doesn’t leave Pete’s sight.
- Pain med IV instead of epidural.
- Delay cord cutting?
- Skin-to-skin contact/Breast feed as soon as possible (in delivery room?).
- If it’s a boy, do NOT circumcise!
- Keep placenta for placenta encapsulation.
- Do NOT wash baby after birth (let vernix soak in on it’s own).
My birth plan is making be feel like a major hippie, I just hope I have enough fight to get what I want and what is best (in my opinion) for the baby.
I’m sure I’ll be adding more, but that already seems like so much! Is that asking too much? I don’t know.
Birth Plan
My birth plan is to avoid going to the hospital at all costs. I do not wish to go to the hospital unless it is a life or death matter, and I will trust my doctor/midwife Dr Lori’s judgement.
I would like to eat and drink freely throughout labor. I plan on having organic coconut water & organic red raspberry leaf tea, along with Native Remedies birth drops. I’ll also have light snacks like fresh pineapple.
I want the majority of my early labor to be spent alone with my husband Patrick, and for it to be romantic. When I reach active labor, I would like the support & encouragement of my husband, my midwife & her assistant, and I would like someone to take photographs.
I would like people to talk in soft voices, as I will be in my own little world, visualizing & concentrating for the most part. I would like the lights to be dimmed, to have candlelight & incense, and to have relaxing music playing. I have my own playlist of push songs for when I am fully dilated. I would like to labor in the shower or bath, or on my birthing ball, and I have massage oil for Patrick to use on me. I would like to give birth in a birthing pool in the baby’s room when it is time to push, and for Patrick to be in the pool with me. I will rely on my instincts & get into whatever positions are most comfortable.
I want to push slowly to avoid tearing. If I do tear, I would like to try using nori seaweed to heal before trying stitches. I want Patrick to catch the baby, and for the baby to immediately be placed on my chest. Any help with breastfeeding would be much appreciated, since I was never able to establish a latch with my first child. I would like the cord to be clamped after it stops pulsating, and to have my placenta encapsulated. I do not want the baby to have a vitamin K shot or eye ointment, and I prefer rubbing the vernix into their skin to scrubbing it off. I want Patrick to be the 2nd person to hold the baby & have skin-to-skin contact with them.
