here is my birth plan too
Birth Preferences Sheet
My birthing partner and I have given careful consideration to each specific request on this birth preferences sheet, and we feel that it represents our wishes at this time. We understand that these choices presume a normal pregnancy and birth and we realise that as labour progresses, we may choose to change our thinking. Should a situation arise that constitutes a medical emergency, please know that you will have our complete cooperation after we have had an opportunity for an explanation of the medical need and have sufficient time to discuss the decision between ourselves.
My husband Rob will be my birth partner. I request that my birth partner stays with me at all times and is fully informed and involved in any decision making process.
Rob can be contacted on xxxxxxxx
Important Information
I have gestational diabetes that I have controlled well with diet since diagnosis.
I have symphasis pubis dysfunction (SPD) and must be encouraged not to aggravate this, by adopting appropriate positions during labour and birth. I find lying on my back especially painful, and that maintaining the same position for prolonged periods also aggravates my condition.
Coping With Pain
I will use:
? Breathing and relaxation techniques
? Partner massage
? TENS
? Entonox
? Bath / Birthing Pool
I do not want to have an epidural for vaginal birth as this could aggravate my SPD and cause damage to my pelvis. I would prefer not to use Pethidine.
First Stage
? I am hoping for a natural birth using only natural pain relief, Entonox and a warm bath / birthing pool where possible. I would like to be offered any natural therapies available such as aromatherapy/acupuncture but will ask for any drugs should I feel it necessary. I plan to bring my own birthing ball.
? I do not want my labour speeded up by medical intervention unless there is a risk to me or my baby, and only after full discussion with me and my birth partner.
? I would like to remain active and use whatever gravity assisted positions I find comfortable during all stages of my labour. If the baby appears to be poorly positioned or labour is not progressing well for some reason, I would appreciate it if you could suggest changes of position or movements that might help. I understand that because of my gestational diabetes I may need to be monitored, and would appreciate that consideration be taken to ensure any monitoring does not inhibit my desire for an active birth.
Second Stage
? I would like to give birth with an intact perineum and would appreciate your help and guidance to achieve this. I would prefer to tear than to have an episiotomy, but will consider an episiotomy where this should be necessary to prevent severe tearing and long term damage.
? I hope that my baby?s entry into the world will be gentle with dim lights and soft voices.
? We would like the cord to remain intact until it has stopped pulsating. My husband would like the choice of whether or not to cut the cord at that time.
? I wish to have a managed third stage but for the syntometrin to be injected after the cord has been cut.
After Delivery
? I would like my baby to be placed on my chest as soon as possible after delivery to establish skin-to-skin contact.
? I intend to breastfeed my baby and would appreciate your support to establish this. Under no circumstances should my baby be bottle fed or given formula without our consent.
? If, for some reason, I am unable to hold my baby while the placenta is delivered, I would like my husband to hold him/her using skin-to-skin contact.
Vitamin K
I would like vitamin K to be administered by injection after the birth.