The Husband and I have faithfully been attending our Bradley classes to help prepare us for the birth of baby girl. My goal is a vaginal, unmedicated birth. Although our preferences may not have been your preferences, I thought it would be nice to share our plan.
Disclaimer: I am well aware, like any plans you make in life, things are subject to change and in the end the heath of our daughter and myself are of highest priority.
Birth Preferences
o End
goal: A healthy mom and a healthy
baby girl!
o Overview: We chose ("name of our hospital") for the birth
of our daughter because of your reputation for allowing women to birth
naturally.
o We
understand that situations may arise that would cause deviation from this
plan.
o We
expect that any doctors/nurses/midwives would discuss all procedures with us
before they are performed – including why it is necessary, risks, benefits and
alternatives in order to help us make the best possible birthing experience for
all involved.
LABOR
o Our
desire is to use the Bradley Method as much as possible to help facilitate our
desire for a med-free birth.
PROCEDURE PREFERENCES
Vaginal Exams Minimal
internal vaginal exams.
During
any vaginal exam, I would prefer for my membranes to not be broken.
Augmentation If
baby and mother are healthy, I prefer to go at least 12-14 days over my due date. If induction
becomes necessary, I
would like to try natural techniques first (with guidance of my practitioner).
IV I
would prefer a heparin lock over an IV.
Please place it in my forearm.
Fetal Monitoring I
prefer to be only intermittently monitored to allow for as much mobility as possible during
labor.
Pain Relief I
am prepared to try to handle pain with natural and alternative methods. Please do not offer pain
medications.
2nd Stage Labor I
would prefer no time limits on pushing, as long as baby and mom are healthy.
It
is important to me to push instinctively.
I
would prefer to tear, rather than receive an episiotomy.
Please
use methods such as oils, compression, massage and encourage me to breathe properly
for
slower crowning.
BABY
o As
long as my baby is healthy, I would like for her to immediately placed skin-to-skin
on my abdomen after birth. I
would like for her to stay there for a minimum of two hours.
PROCEDURE PREFERENCES
Cord Cutting Please
wait for the umbilical cord to stop pulsating before clamping.
I would like for Husband to then cut
the cord, if desired, after the pulsing has stopped.
Placenta I
would prefer for the placenta to be born spontaneously without the use of
pitocin.
Breastfeeding Please
do not allow any visitors until after my baby has successfully breastfed on both breasts (at
a
minimum of two hours).
My
baby is to be exclusively breastfed.
Do not offer formula, water, or any artificial nipples
I would like to
see a lactation consultant for further recommendations and guidance.
Rooming In I
would like full rooming in, no separation, no exceptions, unless my baby is
sick.
I
would like to have all routine newborn procedures in room.
Bath Please
do not bathe my baby.
Eye Drops Please
do not administer eye drops to my baby. I am willing to sign a formal waiver.
Vitamin K Please
do not administer vitamin K to my baby.
I am willing to sign a formal waiver.
Immunizations I
prefer any immunizations to be postponed to a later time.
Any suggestions? Things to add/delete? I'd love any additional feedback - as long as it's constructive and understanding that these choices are ours (my husband and myself) to make.
Same here. I don't like my baby to undergo vitamin K shot. Don't want my baby to feel pain at that early stage.
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