So, i've written my birthing plan and I wanted some feedback on it.

ATTENDANTS AND AMENITIES

I'd like the following people to be present during labor and/or birth, my husband Dave - and my Doula Sandi -.

I'd also like to bring music with me, have the lights dimmed at all time, wear my own clothes during labor and delivery, and also to take pictures/videos during labor and delivery.

LABOR

During labor i'd like the option of going home if i'm not in active labor. Once i'm admitted i'd like my partner to be allowed to remain with me at all times, to stay hydrated by drinking clear fluids instead of having an IV and, to walk and move around as I choose.

As long as the baby and I are doing fine, I'd like to have intermittent rather than continuous electronic fetal monitoring and to be allowed to progress free of stringent time limits.

If they're available, I'd like to try a birthing stool, a birthing chair, a squatting bar, and/or a hot tub/whirlpool.

When it's time to push, I'd like to do so instinctively. During pushing and birth I will lay in whatever position I feel is most beneficial/comfortable at the time. As long as my baby and I are doing fine, I'd like the pushing stage to be allowed to progress free of stringent time limits.

I'd like to try the following pain-management techniques, bath/shower, breathing techniques/distraction, and massage. Please don't offer me pain medication. I'll request it if I need it.

VAGINAL BIRTH

I'd like to view the birth using the mirror, touch my baby's head as it crowns, risk a tear rather than have an episiotomy, and for my partner to help "catch" our baby. 

After birth i'd like, to hold my baby right away; putting off any procedures that aren't urgent, to breastfeed as soon as possible, to wait until the umbilical cord stops pulsating before it's clamped and cut, for my partner to cut the umbilical cord, and to not get routine oxytocin (Pitocin) after I deliver the placenta.

C-SECTION

I'd like to not have a c-section unless it's vital for my own or my baby's health. If I do have to have a c-section i'd like my partner present at all times during the operation, the screen lowered a bit so I can see my baby coming out, the baby given to my partner as soon as he's dried (as long as he's in good health) and, to breastfeed my baby in the recovery room. 

POSTPARTUM

After delivery, I'd like all newborn procedures to take place in my presence, my partner to stay with the baby at all times if I can't be there, to stay in a private room, and to have a cot provided for my partner.

I plan to breastfeed exclusively.

Please don't offer anything to my baby at any point.

I'd like my baby fed on demand. I'd like 24-hour room-in with my baby. 

CIRCUMCISION 

I do not want my son circumcised.

I'd like my other child(ren) brought in to see me and meet the new baby as soon as possible after the birth and I'm interested in checking out of the hospital early.

Tags: birthing, plan, labor, delivery, baby

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