Our Birth Plan!

(Created from www.birthplan.com)

Our wishes for Childbirth
Due Date: 19 April 2007
Patient of Dr Y
Scheduled to deliver at Thomas Medical Centre.

Feb 21, 2007

Dear Dr Y and the staff of TMC

We have considered carefully the various options and procedures for childbirth, and we have arrived at the following decisions. Thank you for your help in advance!

Sincerely,

Labour

1. I wish to be able to move around and change position at will throughout labor.
2. I will be bringing my own music to play during labor.
3. I would like the lights in the room to be kept low during my labor.
4. I would prefer to keep the number of vaginal exams to a minimum.
5. I would like to be given ice chips and milo drink during the first stage of labour
   

Monitoring

1. I do not want an internal monitor unless My baby has shown some sign of distress.
2. I wish to have continuous fetal monitoring
   

Labour Augmentation/Induction

1. If labour needs to be induced, we prefer to opt for C-section (LA)
   

Anesthesia/Pain Medication

1. I may wish to consider to have a standard epidural

Cesarean

1. If a Cesarean delivery is indicated, I would like to be fully informed and to participate in the decision-making process.
2. I would like My husband present at all times if My baby requires a Cesarean delivery.
3. I wish to have an epidural for anesthesia
4. If My baby is not in distress, My baby should be given to me immediately after birth.
   

Episiotomy

1. I would prefer not to have an episiotomy unless absolutely required for the baby's safety.
2. I would appreciate guidance in when to push and when to stop pushing so the perineum can stretch.
3. I would prefer an episiotomy rather than a tear.
4. I would like a local anesthetic to repair a tear or an episiotomy.
   

Delivery

1. I would like My husband and/or nurses to support me and my legs as necessary during the pushing stage.
2. Even if I am fully dilated, and assuming My baby is not in distress, I would like to try to wait until I feel the urge to push before beginning the pushing phase.
3. I would appreciate having the room lights turned low for the actual delivery.
4. I would like to have My baby placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.
   

Immediately After Delivery

1. I would like to have My husband cut the cord.
2. I do not want a routine injection of pitocin after the delivery to aid in expelling the placenta.
3. I would like to donate the umbilical cord blood if possible.
   

Postpartum

1. Unless required for health reasons, I do not wish to be separated from My baby.
2. I would like to have My baby 'room in' after I have had some time to recover.
3. I would like My baby with me during the day but in the nursery at night.

Breastfeeding

1. I plan to breastfeed My baby and would like to begin nursing very shortly after birth.
2. Unless medically necessary, I do not wish to have any bottles given to My baby (including glucose water or plain water).
3. I do not want My baby to be given a pacifier.
4. If I am unable to breastfeed after delivery for whatever reason and my baby is hungry, please feed my baby formula milk with a cup

*End*