Birth Plan

My mom kept bothering me to create a birth plan, so I finally did. I used a book as a reference for what to include. I told my mom that I didn't want to give it to my doctor or the nurses at the hospital, because I didn't want them to feel "challenged" by it. I did give Josh and my mom copies though, so that they could advocate for me.

Here it is:
Jenn 's Super Duper Birth Plan!!!
Hi, I 'm Jenn, and this is my birth plan. Although I am pretty strong willed, if given the information needed to make an informed decision, there is some flexibility. I am an RN, so don t be afraid to give it to me straight, honesty is always appreciated. It is my goal to have as natural a birth as possible. Caregivers should be encouraging, supportive, and open to my preferences. If I feel there is a mismatch between me and the caregiver, I may request a staffing change.
For Sure Attending birth:
Joshua Husband
Deanne Johnson
May Attend:
Tracey Husband
Jenica Husband
Other visitors welcome, but ask me first - may ask them to leave before actual birth
Labor Options:
Activity:
- Will walk frequently
- May want to use bath
- Multiple positions
Food and Drink:
- Will drink and eat at will
- No IV fluids
Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring:
- Intermittent external monitoring or stethoscope
Pain Medications:
- Do not want pain medications AT ALL - please do not offer me them, I may yell at you.
Birth environment:
- Music, family, peaceful environment - no negative people pleaseJ
- Minimal disturbances
- Students can be present if they want
Birth Options:
Activity:
- Will walk frequently
- May want to use bath
- Multiple positions
Food and Drink:
- Will drink and eat at will
- No IV fluids
Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring:
- Intermittent external monitoring or stethoscope
- If there is concern for baby, may monitor continuously with external monitor
Pain Medications:
- Do not want pain medications AT ALL - please do not offer me them, I may yell at you.
Pushing Techniques:
- I will push how I want, for as long as I want
- Please do not coach me or yell at me to PUSH , etc.
Perineal Care:
- ABSOLUTELY NO EPISIOTOMY
- Warm compresses/other measures to prevent episiotomy?
Personal choices:
- Would like Josh to catch baby and cut cord
After Birth Options:
Immediate care of baby:
- Place skin to skin immediately, dry off on my chest
- Blanket may be put over baby, but do not wrap baby up
- Please delay use of vitamin K, newborn exam, blood tests, and eye medication until one hour after birth
- Wait until placenta has stopped pulsating to clamp cord and cut
Contact with baby:
- In room with me continuously - not in nursery
Presence of spouse:
- Staying in room with me
Feeding:
- Will breast feed within first half hour after birth
- No formula
- Sugar water with permission from parents only
Circumcision:
- Yes if baby is a boy
Unexpected circumstances:
If difficulties arise, staff must consult with me (or Josh if I am unable) before taking any actions whatsoever such as: Forceps, Vacuum, Episiotomy, Cesarean Section, Internal Fetal Monitoring, Pitocin
I would appreciate a thorough description of the circumstances and why further actions may be necessary, as well as other options that could be used instead, so that I can make an appropriate and educated decision.
If a cesarean is necessary:
- Josh and Deanne can be present
- Josh should go with baby if the situation warrants separation
- I would like to be fully awake during procedure

And that is it! Like I said in the intro, I can be flexible, but why not try to get what you want? I don't regret my birth story in any way, shape, or form, and I think that is in large part due to how well I educated myself for this birth. I knew my options and I was prepared for things to change in case of emergency. If I ended up with a c-section due to things going south, at least I knew that I had done my best to prevent that from happening, and it was obviously what was best for my baby.