29-8-2008 - birth plan

My mood while writing this blog: Ok

so... i finally took the time to write out a birth plan. anyone who's already had children or already written one out, if you could please comment me to let me know if i left anything out i would appreciate it. thanks :]

Birth Plan for Kristen Rye

Due Date : October 3, 2008

Patient of Dr. Sara Schugars

We are looking forward to sharing our birth experience with you and have created this birth plan in order to outline some of our preferences for birth. We would appreciate you reviewing this plan, and would be happy to do so with you. We understand that there may be situations in which our choices may not be possible or that we may change our minds and therefore wish you to use this plan as a guideline only. Please feel free to ask if you have any questions or comments.

Birth Partners

I would like my fiancé Casey Carpenter, sister in law April Andres and Grandmother Linda Rye to be allowed in my room at all times during my labor and delivery.

After delivery, I would like any and all visitors to be directed to my room.

Labor
I expect that 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.

I prefer to drink throughout labor, as desired.

Please limit the number of vaginal exams.

Anesthesia/Pain Medication

I would prefer to go through the entire labor process without any pain medication.

If the pain becomes more than I can bear, I’d like to be offered a choice between and epidural and an IV drip of Stadol.

Perineal Care
I would rather have an episiotomy than tear.

Please offer me local anesthesia when administering or repairing any episiotomy or tear(s).

Delivery
Even if I am fully dilated, and assuming our baby is not in distress, I would like to wait until I feel the urge to push before beginning the pushing phase.

I would like the freedom to push and deliver in any position I like.

I would like a calm environment during the actual birth, with dim lights, quiet voices and minimal distractions.

Immediately after the birth
Please place our daughter on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.

My fiancé, Casey, would like the option to cut the cord.

I would appreciate being offered to see the placenta after it’s delivered.

Although I do not plan on breastfeeding on a regular basis, I would prefer to breastfeed immediately

following birth to help deliver the placenta and to allow the baby receive the colostrum.

Newborn Care
I would like to hold our daughter through delivery of the placenta and any repair procedures.

Please evaluate our daughter at my bedside and if possible on my stomach however, if our daughter must go for evaluation or medical treatment we understand.

Postpartum Care
I would prefer to have minimal visits by nurses in my room to allow for bonding between my baby and my family and friends.

Also, I would like the option open to have my baby taken to the nursery if I so choose to rest.

Breastfeeding
I do not plan to breastfeed and but I do want to nurse immediately following the birth. Therefore, I’d appreciate a nurse to offer bottles as needed after delivery.

Labor Induction
If my pregnancy progresses past 40 weeks, I would prefer to be induced.

Cesarean Section Delivery
If a caesarean is necessary, I expect to be fully informed of all procedures and actively participate in decision-making.

I would like my fiancé Casey, and Grandmother, Linda, to be present during the surgery if at all possible.

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 conditions permit, I would like either myself or my fiancé, Casey, to be the first to hold our daughter after the delivery.

If possible, I would still like to breastfeed our daughter immediately after the birth.

I would like our plans outlined here for after the birth to be followed as closely as possible as long as conditions permit.

If no complications arise, I’d like to be able to film the cesarean if at all possible.

Other Information

I have no problem with interns being in my room during delivery, labor and/or post partum care.

I have an allergy to penicillin. Please take that into consideration if my labor has begun before I’ve had the chance to have the Group B Strep test.