13-7-2009 - My birth plan draft 1

My mood while writing this blog: la la la la

Here is what I have ladies! Tell me what you think!

Preferences for Labor and Birth
Brittany Ariana Joiner

Due Date: October 29th, 2009
Patient of Dr. Wasson and Dr. Zeid / Good Shepard Medical Center

July 2009

To Whom it May Concern

Since this is our first child we would like to have the feeling of some sort of control for her delivery. Please read over this and please don't throw it out because it is simply to make us feel comfortable during such an overwhelming time. If any of these needs cannot be met or must be changed, please let us know as much as possible ahead of time so that we may better prepare ourselves. Thank you for reading!



Please Note
-I would like to wear contact lenses or glasses at all times when conscious.


Labor (Click here for articles about labor and birth.)
-I expect that doctors and hospital staff will discuss all procedures with me before they are performed.
-I would like to be free to walk, change positions and use the bathroom as needed or desired.
-So I can stay as mobile as possible, I would prefer to have a heparin lock adminstered instead of an IV.
-I would like to play my own music.
-Please allow me to vocalize as desired during labor and birth without comment or criticism.
-To preserve my privacy and dignity, I would prefer that everyone knock before entering.


Labor Induction/Augmentation
-I would like to avoid induction unless it is medically necessary.
-If my pregnancy progresses past 40 weeks, I would prefer to base the decision to induce on the results of the baby's biophysical profiles, not on my own personal discomfort or impatience.
-I would like to try alternative means of labor augmentation, like walking or nipple stimulation, before pitocin or artificial rupture of membranes is attempted.
-If induction is necessary, I would like to attempt it with prostaglandin gel or another means before pitocin is administered.


Anesthesia/Pain Medication
-Please do not offer anesthesia/analgesia unless I ask for it.
-If I ask for pain relief, please feel free to offer nonmedical choices for coping and/or remind me how close I am to the birth.
-If pain relief is considered, I would like to try a narcotic before an epidural.
I am planning on attempting a natural birth as much as possible, however, if I ask for pain medication, please suggest to me the lightest forms before progressing into heavier pain- numbing drugs.


Cesarean Section Delivery
-I feel very strongly that I would like to avoid a cesarean delivery.
-If a cesarean is necessary, I expect to be fully informed of all procedures and actively participate in decision-making.
-I would like My Husband to be present during the surgery.
-Please explain the surgery to me as it happens.
-I would prefer general anesthesia in an emergency only.
-I would prefer epidural anesthesia, if possible, in order to remain conscious through the delivery.
-If possible, please do not strap my arms to the table during the procedure.
-If conditions permit, I would like to be the first to hold My Daughter after the delivery.
-If possible, I would like to breastfeed My Daughter immediately after the birth.
-If conditions permit, My Daughter should be given to My Husband immediately after the birth.
-I would like our plans outlined here for after the birth to be followed as closely as possible.
-Please lower the screen just before delivery so I may see the birth of the baby.


Perineal Care
-I prefer not to have an episiotomy unless it is medically indicated.
-To avoid episiotomy or tearing, My Husband or my labor assistant will perform perineal massage with oil and apply hot compresses.
-To help my perineum stretch, please help guide my pushing efforts by letting me know when to push and when to stop.
-Please administer local anesthesia when repairing any episiotomy or tear(s).
-Please suture tears only if necessary.
I would like to avoid an episiotomy at all costs... only if she is too big please.


Delivery
-Even if I am fully dilated, and assuming My Daughter is not in distress, I would like to wait until I feel the urge to push before beginning the pushing phase.
-I do not want to use stirrups while pushing.
-I would like the freedom to push and deliver in any position I like.
-I would appreciate help from My Husband and staff supporting my legs as I push.
-I would like to have a mirror available and adjusted so I can see the baby's head crowning.
-I would like the opportunity to touch my baby's head as it crowns.
-I would like to have the birth recorded with photographs, video tape and/or tape recording.
I do not have to have the video or photographs taken from the view of the child coming out but from my POV at my head.


After birth
-Please place My Daughter on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.
-I would like to breastfeed My Daughter immediately.
-My Husband would like the option to cut the cord.
-Please allow the umbilical cord to stop pulsating before it is cut.
-Please show me the placenta after it is delivered.
-Please remove my IV/Heparin lock/catheter as soon as possible after delivery.
If possible I would like to keep the placenta to plant underneath a tree to celebrate my daughter's life.
As of this moment, my husband and I are still in the consideration stage for banking her umbilical cord blood. Please support us should we decide to go through with it.


Newborn Care
-I would like to hold My Daughter skin-to-skin during the first hours to help regulate baby's body temperature.
-I would like to hold My Daughter through delivery of the placenta and any repair procedures.
-Please evaluate and bathe My Daughter at my bedside.
-If My Daughter must go to the nursery for evaluation or medical treatment, My Husband, or someone I designate, will accompany My Daughter at all times.
-If available, would prefer erythromycin eye treatment or other antibiotic eye drops instead of silver nitrate.


Postpartum (Click here for postpartum features.)
-I would prefer not to be catheterized until I've had some private time to attempt urination on my own.
-I would like My Daughter to room-in with me during the day, but stay in the nursery at night.
-I would like My Daughter in the nursery at night, but brought to me for breastfeeding on demand.
-I would like my My Husband to room-in with me.
-Assuming I feel up to it and My Daughter is healthy, I would like to be released from the hospital as soon as possible following the birth.
-I would like permission for access to my chart and the baby's chart.


Breastfeeding (Click here for information about breastfeeding.)
-I plan to breastfeed and want to nurse immediately following the birth.
-Please do not give My Daughter supplements (including formula, glucose, or plain water) without my consent, unless there is an urgent medical necessity.
-Unless I am unable to give my consent, please do not give My Daughter any supplements without first informing me of the reason(s) and seeking my consent.
-Please do not give My Daughter a pacifier.
-I would like to know more about breastfeeding.
-I would like to meet with the staff lactation consultant.


Additional notes
-I would like to take still photographs during labor and the birth.
-I would like to make a video recording of labor and/or the birth.