I have been putting off filling out my ‘Birth Plan’ for the hospital because, well, uhm, to be quite honest, I don’t have too many preferences. Truth is, I just want him out as safely and quickly as possible. Ideally, I would like him to come out on his own time, at his own pace, when he’s damn well ready. I don’t want to be induced and in a perfect world I don’t want him cut out.
The ‘Birth Plan’ I am expected to fill out is pretty short and since I haven’t put much thought into it, I really don’t know what to think of some of these questions. If anyone has any personal input regarding any of these questions and/or points I would appreciate hearing any and all advice regarding them.
First, I’m asked about my greatest concerns and fears — which I do believe I just mentioned in the first paragraph. I’m not sure if there are other things I should be concerned or fearful about that I haven’t thought about yet.
Second, I am asked “When I am in labor, I would like to:” and my options are:
- Walk around as much as possible.
- Use the birth ball.
- Use relaxation techniques, such as massage, music and water therapy.
- Have my partner and ___________ with me.
- Be monitored intermittently if there are no concerns regarding my baby’s condition.
- Have help from my nurse regarding position changes when indicated.
- Have ice chips as requested.
- Request medication/epidural as needed.
- Use the squat bar for pushing.
- Have a mirror available to watch my baby’s birth.
- Use aromatherapy.
- Other: ________________________________________.
Next I am asked “If my baby’s condition warrants, I would like” and my options are:
- More than two support people present for my birth.
- To have my partner cut the umbilical cord.
- To hold my baby as soon as possible.
- Support and suggestions regarding breastfeeding my baby while in the Birthing Unit.
- To keep the baby with me as long as possible after birth.
- To have the baby’s footprints put in my baby book.
- Other: ____________________________________________.
Lastly I am asked “If I have a cesarean birth, I would like to” and my options are:
- See and touch the baby in the operating room.
- Take pictures and videos during birth.
- Other: ____________________________________________.
Any and all input regarding any of these would be greatly appreciated as I plan to fill out my Birth Plan in the next few days.
Thank you!
Oh, and here’s a bump picture! [35 Weeks Pregnant]
Wow, i wasn’t even given the option to have a birth plan!! With my first, i was totally clueless. C-section never even crossed my mind because no one on either sides of our family had ever had one. Then BOOM Ella went into distress and i had to have an emergency C-section. With both of them, i wasn’t allowed to take pictures/video or even touch my babies. This was extremely hard on me and i just cried and cried laying on the operating table….some were tears of joy and others were of me just wanting to look at her for more than .2 seconds. If they give you the option for touching and taking pictures, take em’! You can always decide against it at the last minute. I’d be interested to hear what you are choosing on everything else
I’ll be posting my choices of my ‘Birth Plan’ hopefully later today. I haven’t even considered a c-section being a possibility, maybe I should so I can be mentally prepared for it. I’d stab a nurse or doctor if they told me we couldn’t take pictures. Seriously. No joke.
Uhh, I’m not a mother, and I had no idea birth plans were a thing but if it were up to me I would want as much interaction with the baby as possible.
I definitely agree with you on this one =D
I’m the crazy, childless aunt, but I think YES on footprints in baby book! I have no knowledge to give advice on anything else, so there you go!
I agree! I’m going to grab some really snazzy paper for them to print his feet for me. I definitely want them as a keepsake, even though I don’t know what I would be doing with them.
Inab on trying to hold my baby as soon as possible, holding the baby right after he is born help with the placenta coming out..calming or something..I don’t know. And it’s best to try nursing as soon as possible. My previous births were completely different, I was induced with both (special reasons for second) but I did not have to to get an epidural with second, she came too fast, and I held her as soon as she was born..overall that was my favorite birth experience.
Funny thing about a birth plan, is it really never goes the way you plan…so it’s more like guidelines..just remember to relax.
I don’t plan on it going the way I wish it to, but I want the nurses and doctors to know my wishes just in case. Most important, though, I just want him out as quickly, painlessly and easily as possible. Drugs or no drugs, I’m not picky, I just want it to be as successful and enjoyable as possible. =]
As a crazy baby lady (j/k)…after 4 kids – 2 vaginal births and 2 c-sections, and as a doula-in-training and certified nurse midwife-to-be eventually, here is my advice:
1) Walking around as much as you want helps labor progress naturally. Lying down on your back is really the worst possible position for laboring.
2) Being allowed to eat and drink clear fluids is good too.
3) Holding off on pain meds (especially an epidural) is a good idea. If you can avoid using one, good for you! But if you want one, take it. I just recommend waiting because it can slow down or stop labor – and possibly lead to a c-section.
4) Relaxation techniques are great! Shower or bath is nice, and many women feel it really helps with relaxation. Massage is good too. And I highly recommend a birthing (yoga) ball.
5) I HIGHLY recommend skin-to-skin with baby after birth – especially if you plan to breastfeed. Nursing right away is strongly recommended.
6) Supposedly, waiting up to 2 minutes before cutting the cord is good for baby’s oxygen levels. It was my plan with Jameson, but he had to be an emergency c-section, so it wasn’t an option.
Of course, in the end, it’s all up to you. And whatever you choose will be right.
If you have any questions, let me know.
1] Agreed. I don’t want to be a slave to the bed. I want to be functional as much as possible.
2] If they deny me of such I might become a cuntasaurus rex, no joke.
3] I want to hold off as long as possible, but I’m not against it by any means.
4] We have a hot tub in the room, I may take advantage of this.
5] I do, too. It’ll be on my Birth Plan for sure.
6] I’ve read that and I’ll be mentioning it on my plan. I would hate to miss that opportunity if given it.
Thanks!!! =]