Journey with You

This birth plan is intended to express the preference and desires we have for the birth of our baby. It is not intended to be a script. We fully realize that situations may arise such that our plan cannot and should not be followed. However, we hope that barring any extenuating circumstances, you will be able to keep us informed and aware of our options. We would like to be notified before ANY medical intervention is performed. Thank you.

Induction:

• I would prefer to use natural methods to start labor and trust my body to progress labor spontaneously
• I do not wish to have the amniotic membrane ruptured artificially

First Stage (Labor):

• Dim lights.
• Peace and Quiet.
• Music of our choice.
• Would prefer not to have students, residents etc.
• Would prefer to keep vaginal exams to a minimum.
• Maintain mobility (Walking, rocking, up to bathroom, etc.)
• Eat and drink to comfort.
• Intermittent Monitoring (ACOG Standards) with an external monitor.
• Please do not offer me pain medications, I will ask for them if I want them.
• Relaxation techniques (breathing, focusing, etc.).
• Positioning as desired.
• Massage (back, foot, counter pressure, etc.).
• Ultra low dose epidural (walking epidural) if I ask for it
• Would like my son to present if he is able
• No routine IV

Second Stage (Birth):

• I would like to be allowed to choose the position in which I give birth, including squatting.
• Prolonged length, if progress is being made
• No forceps or vacuums unless absolutely necessary
• Spontaneous Bearing Down. Even if I am fully dilated, and assuming the baby is not in distress, I would like to try to wait until I feel the urge to push before beginning the pushing phase.
• Birth/Squat Bar
• I would like a mirror available so I can see the baby’s head when it crowns.
• I would prefer no episiotomy, but please use compresses, massage and positioning. If an episiotomy is necessary to prevent tear, I would prefer pressure episiotomy (Done without anesthesia)
• Local Anesthesia for repair a tear
• Would like my son to present if he is able
• Video/Pictures taken

Immediately after delivery:

• I would like to have the baby placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.
• Delay the cord cutting until after it has stopped pulsating
• Prefer husband to cut the cord
• I would like to have the baby evaluated and bathed in my presence.
• If the baby must be taken from me to receive medical treatment, my husband will accompany the baby at all times.
• I do not want a routine injection of Pitocin after the delivery to aid in expelling the placenta.
• I would like to see the placenta after it is delivered.

Baby Care:

• I would like to nurse my baby immediately after birth
• Breastfeeding exclusively, no formula
• No pacifiers or glucose water
• I would like to have the baby “room in” and be with me at all times unless required for health reasons or upon my request

Cesarean Birth:

• Unless absolutely necessary, I would like to avoid a Cesarean
• If a Cesarean delivery is indicated, my husband and I would like to be fully informed and to participate in the decision-making process.
• Spinal/epidural anesthesia
• Husband present
• Video/Pictures taken
• Screen lowered to view the birth or mirror
• Explain the surgery as it’s happening
• Free one hand to touch the baby
• If the baby is not in distress, the baby should be given to my husband immediately after birth.
• Husband to cut the cord
• Breastfeeding in recovery room