It's quite long so apologies for taking over the thread with it!
My Birth Preferences-.
Companions
?The companions I have chosen for my birth are my partner, and his mother, . Both know my wishes, have read this birthing plan and are happy to support me in this.
Birthing Environment.
?If I am in labour during the night time, I wish the lights to be dimmed, if during the day I would like my curtains to be closed.
?As I am not overly keen on spending much of my labour in hospital I do not want the room to seem over-medicalised which is why I am asking for the above.
Labour
?Although I am a VBA2C, I do not want to be treated differently to any normal labour.
?I am willing to have CFM for the beginning of my labour but if I want to move around as long as the baby is coping well I wish to change to intermittent fetal monitoring.
?Please do not treat me like a potential rupture of scar. The statistics on this show the actual risk is minute so although I appreciate people being aware that it may occur I do not want it to be at the forefront of my labouring experience.
?If I am overdue I will not consent to induction unless my baby is compromised.
Pain Management
?Because I have been careful to not take anything that may harm my baby for the last 9 months I want to ensure that this continues in labour. I know that drugs cross the placenta rapidly and I wish to protect my child from this.
?Encourage me to vocalise my labour and not feel inhibited by this, as it can be surprising and confronting to hear myself like yelling or moaning.
?If I ask for an epidural or a caesarean section, please do not take me up on that immediately, I may just be scared and need support. I need to be informed when I can still have an epidural and when I must make my decision by but I really want to try to do it without.
?If I do require some pain relief I am willing to try gas (entinox) I understand it can help me to focus on my breathing and to get through each contraction.
Cuts and Tears
?I would like the midwife to assist me in avoiding a perineal tear by encouraging me to deliver slowly. I believe that delivering in a good position and waiting until I feel the natural urge to push will help me to avoid this.
?If at all possible I wish to avoid an episiotomy
?A small tear is preferable to an episiotomy
?I do not want stitching unless the tear is deep
?I want a local anaesthetic to be used if I need stitches.
The Birth
?I wish my partner to be present at all times.
?Forceps/ventouse only in an emergency and after consultation and discussion with me and my partner.
?I want my partner to find out the sex of our baby.
?On delivery I want baby to be placed on my chest, skin-to-skin and a blanket is good care if a cold baby and this is my preference.
?My partner is to cut the umbilical cord.
?If any extra care is needed for baby, I wish my partner to go with it. I do not want baby to be left alone without either of its parents at any time.
?I am not decided on which position I wish to give birth in, I would like encouragement to find a way that suits me best.
After the Birth
?I want my other children to be present as soon as possible, depending on the time of day.
?I want to breastfeed and also to allow baby to breastcrawl to initiate breastfeeding so skin-to-skin contact is extremely important.
?I am happy for my baby to have the vitamin K injection
?Baby is not to be fed formula at any point.
?Baby to be examined by any health professionals only with parents authorisation and in our presence.
?If there is any concern regarding baby we wish to be told immediately.
?I plan to keep the baby near me following birth and would appreciate if the evaluation of the baby can be done with the baby on my abdomen, with both of us covered by a warm blanket, unless there is an unusual situation.
Caesarean Section
?Having had two previous c-sections, I do not want another without dire need.
?Caesarean Section can only proceed with my consent.
?I will not accept a Caesarean section for time limit reasons, if my baby is still healthy.
?I will not accept a Caesarean section for maternal tiredness, an epidural may be enough to give me a rest and try again.
?I do not want to be left without anyone I know before the operation, no pre-operative abandonment.
?I want my partner to cut the baby's umbilical cord.
?I want my partner to tell me the sex of the baby please do not announce it for him.
?I have already had a caesarean operation, please use the existing transverse scar.
?I wish to have skin to skin contact with my baby, please leave one arm accessible/unrestricted.
?I may be depressed about the birth and need to talk about it without any criticism for feeling the way I do.
Breastfeeding
?I am planning on breastfeeding my baby exclusively.
?I wish for skin-to-skin contact immediately for at least 10/15 minutes before any checks, unless checks can be performed whilst baby is on my abdomen.
?I do not want anyone to give my baby formula or to supplement its feeding.
?Although I have previously breastfed, I would appreciate full support with this baby.
Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that aids me during labour incase I forget or do not get the chance later. I understand that in certain situations my birth plan will not be able to be adhered to completely and ask that my wishes are taken into consideration as much as possible. The main objective is to get baby out safely but I wish this experience to be one I look back on positively and not full of regret.
Thankyou.
Signed???????????????????????????????.
In the end I had a CS as there were placental issues but my care team were really good with my birth plan and everything I asked for was adhered to, the anaesthetists even told every person that entered the room not to mention baby's sex as Dad was going to do it.