Some examples of birth plans

[jomc]

Hi ladies,

at my NCT class we were given some examples of birth plans and thought I would share with you as I have found them very useful

There are 2 types I have copied below: normal hospital delivery and a home waterbirth.

HOSPITAL:

[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]This plan is a reflection of my wishes for the birth but is in no way inflexible. I understand that for many reasons my plans may need to change to suit the needs of myself and Emily.[/FONT]




[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Induction[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] – If it comes to it, I would not like to be induced any earlier than the 16[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]th[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] February.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Companion[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] – I would like my husband [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]David[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] to be with me at all times. Should I not be in a position to make an informed decision, I will trust his judgment to do what he feels is best for myself and the baby. [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]I would not like to have groups of medical students involved in the birth.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Monitoring[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] – I would like monitoring of the baby to be kept to a [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]minimum[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] unless there is cause for concern. If a short, constant monitoring period is required I would prefer to sit upright or stand rather than lying down. [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]I would prefer to be vaginally examined only when absolutely necessary.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Mobility[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] – I would like to be as mobile as possible during labour and free to try [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]various positions[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] for both first and second stage. Ideally I would like to remain as upright as possible to allow gravity to take its course.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Coaching[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] – I would appreciate being informed of what is happening during my labour and having all processes explained to me before they are undertaken. Should myself and/or David need to make a decision regarding intervention I would appreciate reasons, all alternate options and amount of time available to make a decision being explained in advance.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Pain Relief[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] – I have a [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]TENS machine[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] which I would like to use for as long as it is effective. In addition I would like to have access to [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Entonox[/FONT] [FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]and possibly a hot bath for further pain relief for as long as possible. I would like to[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] avoid epidural or pethidine altogether.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Second Stage[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] – [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Gentle support[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] and firm guidance on when to push and how to minimize any damage through tearing would be appreciated. [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]I would like to be advised if an episiotomy seems necessary and all efforts made to avoid this being the case.[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Intervention -[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]If assistance is needed, please use [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]suction[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]rather than forceps[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif].[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Theatre[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] – If it is absolutely necessary to undergo a c-section I would like David with me. Please use a [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]spinal block[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]. I would like the [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]catheter inserted after anesthetic[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Post Birth[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] – I would like Emily to be [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]and have [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]skin-to-skin contact[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] for as long as possible, and to allow her to find my breast. We would like to take photographs but not of the moment of birth.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Umbilical Cord[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] – [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Please wait until the umbilical cord has [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]stopped pulsating[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] before allowing it to be cut.[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] David does not wish to cut the cord. [/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Placenta[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] – [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]I want to deliver the placenta [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]naturally[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] and without the aid of drugs, unless absolutely necessary.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Vitamin K[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] – I would like vitamin K to be administered to the baby via [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]injection[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif].[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Feeding[/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif] – I would like to breastfeed Emily. [/FONT][FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]I would like her to self-attach but if this does not happen then I would appreciate some help getting her latched on and getting my positioning right.[/FONT]


HOME WATERBIRTH:

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Dear Midwife, [/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Here’s our plan for our baby’s birth, preferably in water at home.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Please feel free to help yourself to drinks, food, the bathroom… [/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]During Our Baby’s Birth[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]1st Stage [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I would like to remain at home for the birth. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I would like my husband (Steve) and son (Robert) to be present. Also my friend Rachel. My son will go to a childminders if convenient, but if he wakes up in the morning and I am in the later stages, he will stay. If this happens, Steve will look after Rob so Rachel can be my birth partner.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I plan to have my natal hypnotherapy CD and birth music playing.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Please let me wander around and be on my own if I want to. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I would like to have the curtains closed and dim lights[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I would like to remain as active as possible. Please encourage me to use my birth ball and to try gas an air (I wasn’t very patient with it last time) [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I would like monitoring of the baby to be kept to a minimum unless there is cause for concern. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Pain Relief [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I would like to use my TENS machine again as it was brill last time. Please encourage me to try gas & air. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I would like to stay out of the pool as long as I can so it feels more blissful when I do get in.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I would like to use the water birth pool for 1st stage and maybe the 2nd if all is well.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Advice will be welcome. Gentle support and firm guidance will be appreciated.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Transition [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I wish to be very centred on myself at this stage and to have no intrusion. [/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]2nd Stage [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I am flexible about delivering baby on land or in the water and would like to play it by ear. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I wish to know when the head is crowning.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I will appreciate advice and guidance at this time to hopefully prevent a tear. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I am very anxious about tearing as I feel my previous stitches were very tight. Please do everything you can to guard my perineum.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]We plan to take photographs but not of the moment of birth [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I wish to hold my baby straight away. I’d like to spend a long time holding baby and letting her find my breast. If placenta is delivered then, all the better. [/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]3rd Stage [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I wish the baby to suckle to encourage 3rd Stage. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]If placenta hasn’t been delivered already after spending time nursing baby, I am happy to have an actively managed 3rd stage.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I wish to exit the pool to deliver the placenta. I wish the cord to remain attached until it stops pulsating. Steve will decide on the day whether he wants to cut the cord.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]We would like our baby to stay with one of us at all times. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I wish to breastfeed as soon as is appropriate. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]We would prefer Vit K to be given orally unless things have gone very wrong and forceps or ventouse have been used. Then injection would be preferable.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Tears [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I hope to avoid this and will appreciate support to adopt positions to minimise tears. [/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Emergencies [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Me or Steve will discuss all eventualities as they arise. Please share any concerns with us as soon as they arise. It will help us to know the answers to these questions: [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]What is wrong? [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]What do you suggest and why? [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]What would be the possible outcomes with and without this intervention? [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]How much time do we have to make a decision? [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Are there any other courses of action open to us? [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]We will be guided by your advice.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]If we go to hospital I would like my husband and you to be with me in the ambulance. If Rachel is there, I’d like her to come in the ambulance and Steve to drive with Rob. Please remind him to bring the car seat![/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]In the event that assisted delivery is necessary I prefer ventouse to forceps. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]If baby has to be separated from me for any reason, please let Steve take a photo of her so I can see she’s ok.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Birth Room(s) [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]I intend to labour in the sitting room, dining room and bathroom. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]The birthing pool will be in the dining room. [/FONT]


[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Please remember my anti D[/FONT]

 

[JensBump]

Very useful I am going to write mine this week Thanks

 

[Lulabell]

Brilliant, thank you!x

 

[graci9]

That helps a lot! Thank you! Gonna do it today (even though i should of done it long time ago)....ups!!!

 

[Lulu_Laroo]

Sorry to butt in, and I really don't mean to put a downer on this thread, but don't put TOO much effort into writing a birth plan, because it really will all go out the window once you're in labour! xxxx

 

[Lilelephant]

I have decided not to write one lol
All I have put is that I have severe SPD so please to wrench my legs apart lol

 

[jomc]

Sorry to butt in, and I really don't mean to put a downer on this thread, but don't put TOO much effort into writing a birth plan, because it really will all go out the window once you're in labour! xxxx

This was explained to us but its still recommended so that ur wishes are taken into account if things dont go to plan

 

[Hunnie]

Sorry to butt in, and I really don't mean to put a downer on this thread, but don't put TOO much effort into writing a birth plan, because it really will all go out the window once you're in labour! xxxx

This was explained to us but its still recommended so that ur wishes are taken into account if things dont go to plan

This is why I wasn't going to bother writing one because I thought that I probably wouldn't care once I am in labour anyway but after seeing jomc's plans I think there are some particular points that need covering eg. OH being looked upon to make the correct decisions for both me and baby if I can't.

 

[Princess81]

You keep reminding me that I HAVE to do this soon

 

[jojo_2012]

I plan to turn up and deliver a baby by any means possible but my 1 bit of input will be to ask for no students/unnecessary bodies in the room.

 

[jomc]

I have decided not to write one lol
All I have put is that I have severe SPD so please to wrench my legs apart lol

 

[positivity :)]

great thread hun! i put a basic one together last week but have a few things to add now thanks to you xx

 

[jomc]

great thread hun! i put a basic one together last week but have a few things to add now thanks to you xx

No probs hun!

 

[Lisa_85]

My notes basically say who can be there and what i would prefer not to have if possible (epidural) That i will have the injection to help deliver the placenta and thats about it.

I know i should do more but i already have my own idea of my perfect labour and it wont actually happen so im just going with the flow as and when it starts.

I dont mind about students etc because they need to learn somehow.

xx

 

[Lulu_Laroo]

They didn't even ask me if I had a birth plan, they just asked what I wanted to do as I went along.