i have quickly put together my birthplan, could someone just read it to see if it sounds ok?!

[iampgatlast]

hi ladies

i wasnt planning on doing a birthplan as i am aware things rarely go to plan anyway but my mw has strongly suggested it. I have been putting it off until now 39+1. could someone just read it and give me their thoughts?

thanks in advance xxx

My Birth Plan

· During the birth my partner will be present, I shall have my mum and nan in the background for added support if needed.
· I would like to keep the birth of my baby boy as natural as possible which is one of the reasons I have opted for a home water birth.
· I have a tens machine to use for pain relief, when this is no longer sufficient I would like to use my birthing pool and then use the gas and air when needed.
· I would like to keep internal examinations to a minimum and only have them carried out when extremely necessary, I do not mind the babies heartbeat being monitored at regular intervals whilst I am in the water.
· I would like the delivery of the baby to be in the water and preferably me the one to catch him for immediate skin to skin contact.
· I am aiming to breast feed so would like my baby to go on the breast as soon as possible.
· I would like an assisted 3rd stage and for my baby to have the vitamin k injection.
· I am fully aware of the reasons I may have to transfer to hospital and trust my midwife to advise when/if this is neccasary but I would really like to avoid this, if it is a question of pain relief I would like to be supported and encouraged to go for aslong as I can at home before transferring.

[LadyMuck]

Looks good.
Are there any methods of pain control which you would specifically not want, even if transferred to hospital?
What about episiotomy? For/Against/neutral?

[donbean]

perfect, just perfect.
Its reasonable, what you want and to the point, perfect.
Such an exciting time for you, what wonderful wonderful times you have ahead of you.
Enjoy every moment.

[iampgatlast]

thanks girls - shall go ahead and print it off now and put in with my notes.

ladymuck - i asked mw about doing a birthplan for the hospital and she said no just the one for home, but i really only intend on going to hospital for emergency reasons so i am guessing that all control will then be taken out of my hands anyway.

[LadyMuck]

Clearly it won't be exactly the birth that you have planned, but they won't force certain methods of pain control on you if you don't want. And again an episiotomy can still be a matter of choice in certain circs.

But understand if you don't want to include them!

[iampgatlast]

yeah i can see what you are saying, maybe i should do an "alternative" one for the hospital.
thanks for the advice

[EllieKat]

Very clear and concise, makes mine look like a three volume novel! (must go and trim it)

I would advise an alternative to cover the scenarios you don't want to have to cope with, just in case. (That's why mine is so long - I tried to cover all eventualities!)

[Tommy]

if you have to go in to hospital, it may all be a bit frantic/emergency and then no-one (including you) will care what your birth plan says

[maxbear]

Useful to know if ok for a student to come. Great experience for students to attend a homebirth.

[whomovedmychocolate]

I'd add - 'I take tea with skimmed milk and no sugar and marmite on my toast thanks' but apart from that it looks fine.

[ItsNeverTooEarlyForPopcorn]

We had a check list of requirements. There was only 2 things I requested 2nd time around.

1. That the drips were put in by my wrist rather than middle of my hand. (much easier to manouvre manoover move around)

1. The midwife checks how far I'm dilated before another top up of epidural is administered. (ventouse delivery 1st time around)

[hunkermunker]

Is there a reason for you having an assisted third stage? Seems a shame to introduce drugs to your system if you've had a natural delivery?