Birth Plan

As I am working on writing Felix's birth story, I have been reflecting back on the birth plan we wrote months ago. I have been referring back to it to see how close we were to following it and I think we pretty much followed just about everything in it for the most part. Here is a look at what we had planned. Hopefully, the full story will be finished soon! (There is a section about my wishes should things end in a c section, but I did not post it here because, thankfully, that didn't happen.)

MISSION

We are planning a natural vaginal birth with as few medical interventions as possible. We realize that certain circumstances may call for medical intervention. If this happens, we ask for informed consent and would like to be involved in the decision-making process. My husband and our doula will be my support team and we prefer to be assigned to a nurse who is supportive of and willing to help us achieve a natural birth. Thank you for your assistance with our birth.
*My blood type is O- and our baby’s blood is incompatible, so I will require Rhogam after his birth.

LABOR

·         Please notify Dr. Scordalakes when we are in labor, even if he is not on call.

·         We prefer to use natural pain management techniques whenever possible. Please do not offer pain medication; I will ask for it if I need it.

·         We prefer a saline lock instead of an IV to allow for more movement.

·         We request intermittent fetal monitoring, unless there is a medical indication for continuous monitoring.

·         We prefer to use natural methods to augment labor (if necessary) and would like to wait for my water to break on its own.

·         I plan to eat and drink lightly as needed.

 

DELIVERY

·         During delivery, I would like to be in a position that is comfortable for me and would like to push spontaneously. We would also like to push without time limits, as long as both myself and our baby are not at risk.

·         I would prefer to use perineal massage, warm compresses, and position changes before resorting to an episiotomy, even if it means I may experience a tear.

·         After delivery, we would like to allow the umbilical cord to pulsate for at least 3 minutes before cutting it. Please allow my husband to cut the cord.

·         I would like the baby placed on my chest immediately after delivery for skin to skin contact and want to breastfeed as soon as possible. Please delay newborn procedures until we have had a chance to bond and breastfeed.

BABY

·         We prefer for our baby’s medical exam, procedures, and bath to be done in the room.

·         Our baby will be breastfed only. No formula or pacifiers.