Also, I get a lot of moms who tell me that they "didn't need a birth plan." Or, that they just "winged-it." That is good for them. To each their own. However, I was encouraged by my nurses and doctor to do one. Also, it is and was really comforting going through the plan with my doctor. It helps me prepare mentally and feel less anxiety. My doctor then knows what I expect, and she sends a copy to the nurses for my file. Then, I don't have to repeat myself ten times, or if something were to go unplanned, they all know what I prefer without having to ask me.
I posted on Facebook that I had finished my plan (a relief for me!). I had a mom, who is also pregnant, comment, "You must have written it down..Mine is done mentally..."
That's it. No more. No less. And, she never comments on my stuff.
Rant aside...here is my written plan! :) I added some notes too, just for my readers. What is in blue was not in the plan I gave to my doctor.
Cori [Last Name]’s Birth Plan
Due Date: September 14th, 2012
Due Date: September 14th, 2012
Supporters:
My husband, Heath [Last Name] and my sister [First & Last Name]
*Please be aware that my husband has high anxiety about hospitals, needles, and above all, surgery.
*Please be aware that my husband has high anxiety about hospitals, needles, and above all, surgery.
(I'm so glad that I included this. My doctor said that she had forgotten that Heath and I were "squeamish." Heath more so than I.)
Basics: This is our second baby. (I've heard this is important to let the nurses know. They won't be so "in your face.")
However, we
are still open to any and all information that your staff would like to share
with us about the labor and post labor processes. We trust the judgment of our
doctor and the nursing staff to make decisions that are in the best interest of
our baby and for me. We understand that
this plan is not set in stone and could change at moment’s notice. However, we have decided to share with you
what we hope to achieve with the birthing experience.
I feel as
though I should share my own anxiety about the IV and an epidural. I do
not like to be talked through these processes. I would rather look away and only be told when
the procedure is completed. – Thank you
Induction:
We are open to the idea of an induction, if it is recommended by our doctor. Otherwise, I would like to go into labor
naturally. (No such luck. This was before I knew about Olive being big.)
Pain Relief:
- I plan to request an epidural; however, I will not know when the proper time is for this. Please suggest it, when appropriate.
- As for other pain relievers, please suggest them if the situation seems appropriate. (Last time they did, and I took them! I don't even remember what it was. But, it made that additional hour before the epidural a tiny bit more bearable.)
During the Delivery:
- I hope to be sitting up during delivery.
- At this time, I do not want to use a mirror.
- I’d only like an episiotomy, if there is a medical emergency. Otherwise, please allow time for the perineum to stretch naturally.
Immediate Post
Delivery:
- My husband does not want to catch the baby; but, he does want to cut the umbilical cord. He will inform you, if he changes his mind.
- As routine, I would like to hold the baby immediately after the birth. (As in she plops her onto my chest right away. haha. I was not prepared for that with Lucy!)
- My husband and I do not wish to see the placenta after birth. (I really don't care to see it; but, the Xanax had Heath feeling so good last time he asked to see it. It was gross. I don't need to see it again.)
- If for some reason the baby needs to be taken from the room, I would like my husband to escort her when possible.
Post Delivery:
- If the baby surprises us and is a boy, then we would like a circumcision.
- I plan on trying to breastfeed; I have done it before. However, please advise me on when is a good time to do so. I can’t remember how much time passed post-delivery before I fed my first daughter. (I wanted them to know that it isn't my first time, so a nurse wasn't bothering me about how to do it.)
- I will accept guests before and after the baby has been breastfed and not during. (This was nice; this way the nurses knew that I didn't want them, or guests, coming and going while I was breastfeeding. I just don't feel comfortable doing it around people.)
- We are open to giving the baby its first bath; however, the nurses are welcome to do this in the nursery-area as well. (We gave Lucy her first sponge bath; but, we were also new parents. So, this time, either way is alright.)
- We do plan for the baby to sleep in the nursery overnight and to be brought into my room during feeding times. (We tried to have Lucy sleep in my room the whole time. No way. It didn't work. So, this time we will be sending Olive to the nursery to get some sleep; because when you get home, there is no nurse to relieve you in the middle of the night!)
- We plan to have the baby in my room during the entire day, throughout our stay.
Caesarean Option:
- I hope to avoid a c-section, if at all possible.
If one is necessary:
- I would like my husband and my sister to be present in the surgery room.
- Please keep discussion with me minimal. Considering my husband’s and my own anxieties, I do not wish to know what you are doing (making an incision, etc.).
- Once she is born, we do wish to see her.
- Also, please inform us of the steps you are taking with the baby (she is being weighed, checked, etc.).
- Although I realize there will be moments of separation, we would like to stay with the baby as much as possible. If I cannot go with the baby, please let my husband know if he is welcome to be with her.
Notes:
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
Ahhh...feels good to have it done. I feel so prepared! :) Now, to get that hospital bag packed. :[
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I would love to hear what you think! And, advice is always welcome! :)