Birth Preferences

Some people feel that a birth plan is a recipe for disaster. I think it is a good idea to have one as long as you keep an open mind. I choose to use the term birth preferences. I have written my preferences below. My doctor has approved and signed it. Check with you physician to see what is allowed where you are delivering.

My Birth Preferences

My husband and I have chosen you as our medical advisors and birthing facility, as the people we want to assist us when our baby is born. We have chosen to birth our child naturally into this world. We are looking forward to a quiet relaxed environment. From everything we have heard we are assured that you ill do your best to help us attain a joyous, memorable, and most satisfying natural birth.

The information that follows is a copy of our birth preferences:

Pre-Admission Requests 

• To complete all required paperwork during pre-admission visit to eliminate interruption during relaxation of labor
• To delay labor induction to 42 weeks unless deemed medically necessary
• To delay labor induction for a considerable period after a membrane rupture if we show no signs of infection
• To remain at home as long as possible before going to the hospital

For Hospital Admission

• To refrain from having any practice or procedure that could risk us not having the most natural birth possible (unless medical emergency)
• The opportunity to discuss our birth preferences with our assigned nurse
• To self hydrate and to decline routine IV prep upon admission (Hep Lock is okay)
• To have a quiet labor and birthing room with dim lights and music supplied by me
• To have only intermittent monitoring after the mandatory 20 minute strip at admissions
• Keep our baby's gender a secret (we don't want to find out)

During First Stage of Labor

• Only necessary hospital staff and husband allowed in birthing room
• Do not offer pain relieving drugs and labor enhancing procedures
• Internal monitoring only in the case of emergency
• Nutritional snacking if labor is prolonged
• Freedom to change positions or use labor positions of choice
• Minimal number of vaginal exams
• Do not rupture membranes
• To enjoy labor tub or shower if needed
• Quiet during uterine surges (contractions)

During Birthing

• No coaching to "push"! Allow my body to use its abilities to deliver our baby slowly without force
• Episiotomy only if necessary and only after discussion

Following Birthing

• Immediate skin to skin contact, if all is well
• Cord to be clamped and cut only after pulsating has ceased
• Wait for natural placental delivery
• No cord traction, manual removal, or Pitocin unless necessary

For Baby

• Baby to remain with me and the father
• Father and baby stay with me during hospital stay
• If it is a boy do not circumcise him right away. We will wait 8 days from time of birth.
• Breastfeeding only

Your birth plan can be whatever you like. Depending on your birthing environment you can have certain freedoms. If you have any questions about my birth preferences feel free to ask.