My Birth Plan

This goes along with my Birth Story.  (See next post.)  I’ve had people ask, so I’m sharing it now. 

We were encouraged by our doctor and our doula to put together a Birth Plan.  I’ve taken out our names, and replaced them with the pronouns.  (With our full names in there, it reads like a more formal document.)  My doctor signed a copy of this and it went in my chart.

As you’ve probably figured out, I totally dig lists, and the opportunity to share my opinion makes me giddy.  We fully realized this was a “plan” and not necessarily the way things would go.  It was good to organize our thoughts before the big day, and I’m really glad we did. So, without further ado, here it is: 

Birth Plan 

She will be having her first baby at This Hospital.  Her primary OB/GYN is Dr. Y.  Her pediatrician is Dr. B.  Her goal is to have a labor and delivery, with no pain medication, if at all possible.  She understands that the health of the baby and mother are paramount.  She will be assisted by her husband and their doula. 

The following items are extremely important to her during labor and delivery:

• Do not offer drugs (or an epidural) for pain relief, unless medically necessary.
• She would like a heparin lock (or hep well) instead of a full IV.
• She would like to labor in a variety of different positions.
• She would like to have her husband and/or her doula with her at all times.

The following items are other preferences that she has for her labor and delivery:

• She would like to have the option to push in different positions.
• Please allow the umbilical cord to stop pulsating before clamping and cutting.

• She would like to cut the cord.

Regarding emergencies:

• Her husband can authorize procedures if she is unable to do so.

The following items are preferences in newborn care:

• She would like to try to breastfeed the baby as soon as possible.
• Please do not supplement with formula, unless medically necessary.

We trust the doctors and staff at This Hospital to help us make proper medical decisions in regards to emergency situations that may arise.  We also understand that certain circumstances may not allow all, or part of, this Birth Plan to be followed.  If possible, we would like to be kept informed of our choices and be given adequate time to discuss options and ask questions. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and consider this Birth Plan. 

~Signed by both of us