MY BIRTH PLAN
****RECENTLY REDONE ON 6/3/02!****
Name: Jessica Middleton
We realize that our birth plan is neiter a contract nor a gaurantee of an uncomplicated
labor. Our purpose is to introduce ourselves and to help you understand our preferences.
Our baby's health and well being is of utmost importance to us. We look forward to
working with you, and appreciate your cooperation in helping our family to achieve our
personal birthing goals.
History: I did not have a pleasant birth the first time around, and that is the main
reason I have made this birth plan. I was induced and stuck in bed. I wanted food but
nobody would listen (eventually Dr. Hostetler gave in and let me have food), I was so
drugged up I don’t remember most of the birth or what happened afterwards. When I
wanted to see my baby being born... nobody went and got the mirror even though there
was about 6 nurses and interns in the room. The dr that delivered my first son cut me open,
even though I was having no trouble pushing him out naturally. I didn’t get to witness my
baby’s first bath and nobody took a picture of it. The main thing I want is a birth I can
look back on and smile. I’m not looking for a perfect birth, or a painless birth, just one
where I am respected, listened to, talked TO not at, explained things and ASKED before
anything is done to my body.
I expect, and trust, that all involved parties in my birth will seek my opinion, and that of
my partner, on all issues that may affect my birth experience or that deviate from this plan.
Preferences for pain management: I am not against having pain medication. I would
love to do it natually if I can though, but am not against getting something if I feel I need
it. I do not want anything that requires me to stay in bed, makes me drowsy or will upset
my stomach. I also don’t want anything that will delay or prolong my labor. I will ask if I
feel I need pain medication but do not want it offered to me.
Before the birth:
- If the baby and I are fine, and if I go past my estimated due date, I would like to wait
until I go into labor naturally.
- If my water breaks at the onset of labor and there are no signs of infection, I would
ideally like to wait at least 24 hours before induction is considered.
- I hope to labor at home as long as I feel comfortable before going to the hospital.
Preferences for normal labor and birth:
First Stage:
- I would like to be allowed to eat and drink as desired.
- I would like to avoid an IV unless I become dehydrated.
- I would like to avoid a cathater unless medically nessacery
- I would like to be allowed freedom to move, walk and change postions as I please.
- I would be appreciative of any help that reduces my anxieties and sence of vulnerability.
Second Stage:
- I do not want to be told when to push.
- I would like to trust my body’s instincts when it comes to pushing.
- If my dr feels that pushing is not progressing, I’d like to be reminded that changing
positions sometimes helps.
- As long as my baby’s heart tones are good and it’s getting sufficent oxygen, I would like
to be free of time limits on pushing
- I would like to do any or all of the following to avoid an episiotomy:
-warm compresses applied to my perineum
- I would like local anethesia for repairs (stitches)
- I would like to view my baby’s entrance into the world by using a mirror.
- If possible and I feel up to it I would love to catch my baby as he/she decends.
Third Stage:
- I would like for my baby to be placed on my abdomen immediately following the birth
and to stay in my arms or in bed with me as much as possible.
- Suction airway only if necessary.
- My husband or I would like the opprotunity to cut the cord.
- If warming is necessary, please allow my baby to be warmed on my abdomen covered
with blankets.
If Complications Lead to a Cesarean Delivery:
-Please keep communication open. If, at all possible, please wait for my express consent,
or that of my partner, before initiating any procedure.
-It is important to me that my partner(s) be present with me at all times during the birth.
-Ideally, I would like to remain awake and aware, avoiding general anesthesia if possible
-Please discuss anesthesia options with me.
-Please use a low-transverse incision on my uterus and abdomen.
-I would like the screen to be lowered, or be able to use a mirror, so I can witness my
baby's entrance into the world.
-Please leave at least one of my hands free so I may touch my baby when he or she is born.
-Assuming the baby is well, I would like to hold my baby on my chest and/or nurse my
baby as soon as possible.
-Please remove my IV and catheter as soon as possible following my baby's birth.
-Please discuss options for postpartum medication, if needed, with me.
-Please provide me with nutritious food and drink as soon as possible.
First Hours After Birth:
- I would like to hold my baby, or have my baby on my stomach or in bed with me as
much of the time as is possible. I would prefer anything that can be done with me holding
the baby be done there instead of taking it to another part of the room. I would like to be
present for all newborn procedures and would like to delay whatever procedures we can
until we have had time to bond with the baby.
Eyedrops, Vitamin K and other Procedures:
- I understand that it is routine to administer antibiotic drops or ointment, such as
erythromycin, to newborn baby's eyes to protect against gonorrhea and chlamydia, as well
as other more common bacterial infections, but I would prefer my baby to NOT undergo
this treatment.
- Ideally, with either a vaginal or cesarean birth, I would like to postpone routine newborn
procedures until I have had a chance to bond with my baby.
- I would like to have any additional newborn procedures thoroughly explained to us.
- I would like for my birth partner(s) or me to be present during all newborn procedures.
Bathing and Circumsision:
- I prefer that the baby be gently wiped down to remove fluids, and wrapped in a receiving
blanket.
- I would like to be the one to give my baby it's first bath.
- The baby is a boy and we wish to have him circumsized.
Rooming In and Feeding:
- I prefer that the baby never leave my sight unless medically necessary.
- I hope to breastfeed exclusively.
- I do not want to be told WHEN to feed my baby. I will take the natural cues from the baby and feed when he/she is hungry.
If my baby is not well, I would like to:
- Breastfeed, or provide my expressed milk for my baby.
- Have unlimited visitation for my partner and myself.
- Hold, rock and care for my baby, if possible.
Postpartum Care:
- I hope to go home as soon after the birth as I feel comfortable.
~ Home ~ Dr's Appointments ~ Belly Pics ~ Baby's Name ~
Due Date: 9-26-2002
OB’s Name: Dr. Hostetler
Hospital: Meriter
Labor Support People:
Doug Middleton ~ Husband/Baby’s Daddy
Jenny Draeger ~ Doula
-sterile olive oil to massage and stretch my perineum
-encouragement to breath with my urge push, allowing me to move with the flow
and force of my uterus.
~ Cloth Diaper Stash ~
Things to Buy ~
The Nursery ~
Ultrasound Pics ~ 