[amazing_love]

I'm putting mine together and was wondering if any of you still have a copy of yours? I want to make sure i don't miss anything. If you wouldn't mind me taking a peek, i'd appreciate it Any advice is also welcome.

[A*LOT*OF*HOPE]

I have no advice, but I do remember someone posted there birth plan on here and it was amazing!! Hopefully they share it with you!!

[♥Ashley♥]

I remember too, I think it was Angela..or Kate? Maybe im way off but I remember a really good one as well!

[amazing_love]

I searched and found Bre's birth plan and that helped a lot. I'd like to view more if anyone has theirs though

[**jessie**]

Wish I could help you. I didn't write out an actual plan. My wishes were relatively simple, and I just expressed them to my midwife upon my arrival. If you do write one, I would advise to keep it very short and to the point or the staff will not have time/nor the desire to read through it all.

[Angelaosaurus-rex]

Resi had a great one too!

[IamMom]

Krista - I don't have a copy of mine anymore but I used the one from babycenter dot com. It's nice cause it has each "decision" listed and then you just check the box for which way you would want to decide on that one...and of course there is space to add your own things. Mine was very pro-drugs, pro doctor intervention and trusting my doc/hospitals knowledge and ways of doing things.

I definitely did not want anyone in there besides DH, me and the nurses and doc. I put that I prefered not to have an episiotomy if I didn't have to have one...definintely wanted the epidural...did want baby to bf right away (after she was cleaned up etc.)....did want DH to cut the cord....did not want mirrors or things like that....but because of my epi I was able to just discuss what I wanted to happen along the way. The one I used that I noted above has alot of stuff on there that will jog your memory as to what you want.

Good luck!

[♥Ashley♥]

Oh yea it was Bre's was very good!

[LisanAndy]

I just made known what I wanted during the 9 months of prenatal appointments and once I got to the hospital. The nurses go over everything with you there and write down everything on a chart

[freesiangel]

This was mine. Yes, long. Very. It's a compilation of several different birth plans that I found online. I tailored it to fit our needs.

My Name

Due Date: 10/09/2009
Patient of Dr. ****
Scheduled to deliver at **** District Hospital



We have prepared this Birth Plan to help you understand our philosophy and the kind of care we hope to have for the birth
of our child. We expect, and trust, that our practitioner will seek our opinion on all issues that may affect our
birth experience or that deviate from this plan. We wish for as natural a birth as possible, avoiding unnecessary procedures
and medications.

We would like to direct, but know we cannot control, our childbirth experience. When this Birth Plan is respected, then,
if we need to deviate from its general guidelines, we will feel better about the change. Let us know right away if you
think we need to change plans, and why the change is necessary. We would like to be part of the decision-making team
and to be consulted about and asked for our consent before any medical procedure is performed. In addition, we would
like any medical procedure explained as it is performed. We fully realize that emergencies can happen, and that in the
case of an emergency, the health care team will take the best steps for our family.

Sincerely,



Lauren & Jeremy

<img alt="" width="1" height="1">

Birth Team

• It is important to us that we remain together at all times during the labor and delivery (vaginal or cesarean).
• While we understand and can appreciate the need for training and teaching, we highly value our privacy and
  would like to keep the birth team to the minimum necessary number, which excludes residents, trainees, and other
  nonessential personnel.

Labor

• I would like to be free to walk around during labor.
• I wish to be able to move around and change position at will throughout labor.
• I would like to be able to have fluids by mouth throughout the first stage of labor.
• I would like the environment to be kept as quiet as possible.
• I would like the lights in the room to be kept low during my labor.
• I would prefer to keep the number of vaginal exams to a minimum.
• I do not want an IV unless I become dehydrated (a heparin lock is acceptable if I must have something).
• Prefer to walk to the bathroom when needed.
• I would like to wear contact lenses or glasses at all times when conscious.
• Prefer option to film and/or photograph.

Monitoring

• I do not wish to have continuous fetal monitoring unless it is required by the condition of my baby.
• I do not want an internal monitor unless my baby has shown some sign of distress.

Labor Augmentation/Induction

• As long as the baby and I are fine, I would like to be free of time limits and not have my labor augmented.
• I do not wish to have the amniotic membrane ruptured artificially unless signs of fetal distress require internal monitoring.
• I would prefer to be allowed to try changing position and other natural methods (walking, nipple stimulation) before Pitocin is administered.
• If ROM occurs at onset of labor, I prefer to wait 12 hours or more before inducing if our condition permits.

Anesthesia/Pain Medication

• No pain medications to be offered unless requested.

• Pain relief through breathing, massage, counter-pressure, changes in position, water (tub/shower) and emotional support.

Episiotomy

• I would prefer not to have an episiotomy unless absolutely required for my baby's safety.
• Desire to try for intact perineum with massage, support, and hot compresses.
• Local anesthetic is permissible for performing & repairing an episiotomy.

Delivery

• I would like to be allowed to choose the position in which I give birth, including squatting.
• I would like my husband and/or nurses to support me and my legs as necessary during the pushing stage.
• 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.
• I would appreciate having the room lights turned low for the actual delivery.
• I would appreciate having the room as quiet as possible when my baby is born.
• If pushing is not progressing efficiently, I would like to be reminded that sometimes changing positions helps. I would like to be encouraged to try one or more of the following delivery positions: squatting, side-lying, standing upright, hands and knees on floor, kneeling with arms resting on bed/chair, or semi-reclining on bed-knees pressed to chest with support person behind providing counter-pressure.
• As long as the baby and I are fine, I would like to be free of time limits on pushing.
• I would like to have my baby placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.

Immediately After Delivery

• I would like to have my husband cut the cord.
• I would prefer that the umbilical cord stop pulsating before it is cut.
• I would like to hold my baby while I deliver the placenta and any tissue repairs are made.
• I would like to have my baby evaluated and bathed in my presence.
• I plan to keep my baby near me following birth and would appreciate if the evaluation of my baby can be done with my baby on my abdomen, with both of us covered by a warm blanket, unless there is an unusual situation.
• If my baby must be taken from me to receive medical treatment, my husband or some other person I designate will accompany the baby at all times.
• I would prefer to hold my baby rather than have him/her placed under heat lamps.
• I do not want a routine injection of Pitocin after the delivery to aid in expelling the placenta.
• I would like to delay the eye medication for my baby until a couple hours after birth.
• After the birth, I would prefer to be given a few moments of privacy to urinate on my own before being catheterized.

Postpartum

• Unless required for health reasons, I do not wish to be separated from my baby.
• I would like to have my baby "room in" and be with me at all times.

Breastfeeding

• I would like to nurse immediately after delivery if possible.
• Unless medically necessary, I do not wish to have any bottles given to my baby (including glucose water or plain water).
• I do not want my baby to be given a pacifier.
• I would like to meet with a lactation consultant.

Photo/Video

• Prefer option to film and/or photograph.

Cesarean

• Unless absolutely necessary, I would like to avoid a Cesarean.
• If a Cesarean delivery is indicated, I would like to be fully informed and to participate in the decision-making process.
• I would like my husband present at all times if my baby requires a Cesarean delivery.
• Assuming the baby is well, I would like to hold our baby on my chest.
• I would like to breastfeed as soon as possible.

Premature Birth/Ill Baby

• If our baby is not well, we would like to: accompany our baby, or have the father accompany our baby, if transported to another facility; breastfeed exclusively, or provide my expressed milk for our baby; have unlimited visitation; hold, rock and care for our baby, if possible; visit NICU as much as possible; and have all procedures explained before/as they are performed as our baby’s condition permits.

We thank you for taking the time to go over this Birth Plan, and appreciate your cooperation in getting our new family off to great start!



__________________________________________________ ________________________________
Physician Date Mother Date Father Date

[JediRach]

I am definitely going to make one of these. Does someone have a link to Bre's birth plan?

[soImarriedAnerd]

Since the only way I would go to the hospital was a Crash c/s mine is only for that and some newborn care so it wouldn't be much help. It was either Breannas or Resi I made a ton of comments on to help out. I'm better at ready it and suggesting things! LOL

[Mars]

I never made one since I was using a birthing centre and they knew exactly what I wanted. But I ended up being transferred to the hospital in emergency so regardless of where you go, I think it's good to make one.

[bittersweet]

Err...I haven't made one. I don't plan on making one either. I can advocate for myself and baby while I'm in the hospital. In the event I can't, I trust DH to make decisions for us. There really isn't anything that could happen I would be super upset about. I trust the Drs and nurses are doing what is best for me and the baby.

Only thing I will specially request is no Hep B shot and no artifical nipples (paci or bottle). And I've asked DH to make sure he has an eye on the baby at all times in the event I am sleeping, drugged, etc.

[greeneyes]

It's long, but here is mine:

Kate and Lee Rxxx's Birth Preferences
North Central Baptist Hospital

Dr Txxx and Hospital Staff:

We have chosen you to attend the very special event of our child's birth. We trust in your expertise and in your sensitivity to our individual needs and wishes. Thank you in advance for your support and encouragement during our birth. The following is our "ideal" birthing. We ask that you consider each of our choices and accommodate them when possible.

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY: In the event that the situation becomes life-threatening for either Kate or our baby, we will, of course, yield to any request for life-saving intervention, upon the briefest consultation. In the strong likelihood that we have the normal birth that we are expecting, we ask that you refrain from any routine interventions or measures we have not previously agreed upon.

Pre-Admission: We will complete all forms prior to labor and would like to stay at home as long as possible. If upon arrival to the hospital Kate is deemed to be in early labor (under 4 cm, with no complicating factors), we will decline admission until a later time when Kate feels to be more progressed.

Upon Admission:

Hydration: Kate will hydrate herself with water and juice if desired, and will be happy to accept a Heparin Lock. IV to be implemented only in the event of complicating factors.

Movement: Kate will be moving around freely and will assume any position that she finds comfortable.

Monitoring: It is our desire to decline EFM, but prefer intermittent monitoring when necessary. Internal monitoring, upon our consultation, to be used only in life-threatening situation.

Room environment: We will be performing various self-relaxation techniques and for this reason we will bring soft music, used dimmed lighting, and ask for the staff to kindly use a low voice - avoiding references to "pain", "hurting", or "hard work". These words are disruptive to our relaxation process, and we thank you for respecting these unique needs. Please do not ask what Kate's "pain level" is, or offer us drugs. "What is your comfort level?" is more much more appropriate and will avoid introducing pain into the birthing process. We appreciate your help!

Photography: We would like to have the opportunity to record our baby's birth with still photographs and video camera.

Support: We, Kate and Lee, will be supported by our professional Birth Assistant, Carol Mxxx. She is a certified Doula and has attended many hospital and out of hospital births, including cesarean section. We will require her continuous presence during our labor and birth. We authorize her to be present during any examinations or procedures.

Management of labor: It is our strong desire to allow our birthing to proceed upon its natural course, in the absence of complications, without restriction to time. If an increase in oxytocin becomes necessary, we would like to use natural methods before our consent will be given for Pitocin or artificial rupture of membranes.

Pushing: Because we are using relaxation for childbirth pushing techniques, Kate will be using positions she finds effective, and this will be completely mother-directed. We ask that the staff respect our request and not direct us how to push, unless and emergency arises.

Perineal massage: We ask that the staff assist us with warm compresses and olive oil massage of the perineum. We have been preparing for a birth with no episiotomy and appreciate your patience and support as our baby crowns.

Birth of our baby: Please allow our baby to be born without pulling on her head or turning it unless there is shoulder dystocia. We also ask that our baby's cord be allowed to stop pulsating before clamping or cutting, and Lee will cut it at that time. We ask that you treat our baby with gentleness at all times, and that we be allowed to hold our baby immediately upon birth.

Newborn procedures: We will be declining antibiotic eye ointment and Hepatitis B immunization. We ask that no Vitamin K shot be given unless the birth is deemed "traumatic" to the baby, upon which we will consult and decide at that time.

Birth of placenta: We request that Kate's placenta be delivered without the use of traction unless a complication arises. We understand that this may take a few extra minutes and we certainly appreciate your patience with us.

Breastfeeding: We will be excusively breastfeeding our baby and request that no bottles of any kind, pacifiers, or artificial nipples be given to our baby, and she will be rooming in with Kate at all times. Thank you for all of the care we've received during our pre-natal visits and in advance for the respect and assurance we know we'll receive from you during our birthing.

Yours truly,
Kate & Lee Rxxx

_________________________________________________ ____/____/____
Dr Txxx

[♥Ashley♥]

I love these! Im going to bookmark this thread!

[ShannonMVT]

Here is mine. A few things are not included if they didn't pertain to us or weren't an issue with our hospital. Not everything went "according to plan", some of it not by our choice and some of it by our choice.
Oh and some of the tips my doula gave me were don't make it TOO long, over a page and it's less likely to be read. I also tried to word my preferences in a positive manner.

Birth Preferences

I look forward to sharing my upcoming birth with you. I have created the following birth plan to help you understand my preferences for my upcoming labor and delivery. I fully understand that in certain circumstances these guidelines may not be followed, but it is my hope that you will assist me in making this the experience I hope for.

Labor
I would like to accept a Heparin Lock upon admission and have an IV implemented when it becomes medically necessary.
I wish to be able to move around and change position at will throughout labor.
If I am progressing slowly, I would prefer to be allowed to try changing position and nipple stimulation before pitocin is administered.

Support
We, Shannon and David, will be supported by our professional birth assistant, L***. We authorize her to be present during any examinations or procedures.

Pain Management
Please do not offer any type of pain medication during labor. If I decide I would prefer an epidural or other pain medication, I will request it. I am prepared to handle pain through techniques of self-hypnosis.

Delivery
I would prefer not to have an episiotomy unless required for the baby's safety. We request coaching for a slow birth of baby’s head to minimize any tearing.
I would like to have my baby placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.
We ask that our baby's umbilical cord be allowed to stop pulsating before clamping or cutting.

After Delivery
I would like to have routine newborn procedures delayed until bonding and breastfeeding have occurred.
I would like to have my baby examined in my presence and "room in" with me at all times.
If my baby must be taken from me to receive medical treatment, my husband will accompany him.
We wish to decline any eye ointment and postpone the Hepatitis B vaccine for our baby, but will be accepting vitamin K.

Breastfeeding
I will be exclusively breastfeeding and request that no bottles or pacifiers be given to our baby.

I also did an info sheet just for my Dh and my doula. I wrote this the night before I went into labor I think? I don't think they ended up reading it, I don't remember. I still think it was a good idea, it helped me be organized. I also had a handwritten sheet for Dh of things to do after the baby was born. (Phone number to call work and inform them I was taking mat. leave, etc)


Additional Info for David & L***


At home


-Remind me to drink fluids frequently and eat something
-David, call my mom when we are fairly sure "it is time" (as long as it is not the middle of the night) and again when we arrive at the hospital to confirm that I am being admitted. *edited to remove phone numbers*
-David, add any last minute items to my packed bag (following the list I have put on top of the bag)




At the hospital


-Upon admission, ask if I can be assigned a nurse who is familiar with and supportive of natural (medication free) childbirth.
-Distribute the candy/snacks to the L&D nurses upon arrival. There are two ziplocs in my bag for the nurses, one for the front desk and one for in the room.
-See that the lights in the room are dimmed.
-Help keep sound in the room to a minimum (i.e. monitor is not beeping, nurses are not talking loudly during contractions, etc) Noise is distracting to me, the less there is, the better.




I may listen to Hypnobabies scripts on my mp3 player. I also may find it helpful for you to use the Hypnobabies verbal prompts (start on page 28 of the birth partner guide)
The main one is to place your hand firmly on my shoulder and say the word "Relax".

I bookmarked this as well. Bre, could you post a link to yours? I remember it being Fab!

[amazing_love]

Here is a link to Bre's. Hopefully she doesn't mind me posting it
http://www.justmommies.com/forums/f5...irth-plan.html (My birth plan)

[Bre*n*Will=Reid]

ROLF- too bad my birth did not follow my plan AT ALL!

I loved Resi's and I couldn't have made mine without Angela's help!