Our Birthing Plan

Our wishes for Childbirth for Adi Gyana Kadian
Due Date: Oct 1, 2011
Patient of / St. Lukes of Allentown

July 27, 2011


We are looking forward to sharing our birth experience with you. We have created this birth plan in order to outline some of our preferences for birth. We would appreciate you reviewing this plan, and would be happy to do so with you. We understand that there may be situations in which our choices may not be possible, but we hope that you will help us to move toward our goals as much as possible and to make this labor and birth a great experience. We do not want to replace the medical personnel, but instead want to be informed of any procedures in advance, and to be allowed the chance to give informed consent. Please feel free to ask if you have any questions or comments. Thank you!

Labor
I would like to have an enema upon admission to the hospital.
I expect that doctors and hospital staff will discuss all procedures with me before they are performed.
I would like to be free to walk, change positions and use the bathroom as needed or desired.
So I can stay as mobile as possible, I would prefer to have a heparin lock adminstered instead of an IV.
Please do not administer an IV or heparin lock unless there is a clear medical indication that such is necessary.
I would like a quiet, soothing environment during labor, with dim lights and minimal interruptions.
I would like to play my own music.
I wish to labor freely in the birthing tub or shower.
As long as our baby is doing well, I prefer that fetal heart tones be monitored intermittently with an external monitor or doppler, even if the membranes have ruptured.
Please allow me to vocalize as desired during labor and birth without comment or criticism.
Please do not permit observers such as interns, students or unnecessary staff into the room without my permission.
To preserve my privacy and dignity, I would prefer that everyone knock before entering.
Labor Augmentation/Induction
I would like to avoid induction unless it is medically necessary.
As long as our baby and I are healthy, I do not want to discuss induction prior to 42 weeks.
I would like to try alternative means of labor augmentation, like walking or nipple stimulation, before pitocin or artificial rupture of membranes is attempted.
Anesthesia/Pain Medication
If I ask for pain relief, please feel free to offer nonmedical choices for coping and/or remind me how close I am to the birth.
I would like to avoid all narcotics, if possible.
I prefer an epidural to narcotic pain medication.
I would like to receive an epidural only if asked for and for it to be put off as long as possible.
Cesarean Section Delivery
I feel very strongly that I would like to avoid a cesarean delivery
If a cesarean is necessary, I expect to be fully informed of all procedures and actively participate in decision-making.
I would like Nathan, my husband to be present during the surgery.
Please explain the surgery to me as it happens.
I would prefer general anesthesia in an emergency only.
If conditions permit, I would like to be the first to hold our baby after the delivery.
If possible, I would like to breastfeed our baby immediately after the birth.
If conditions permit, our baby should be given to Nathan, my husband immediately after the birth.
I would like our plans outlined here for after the birth to be followed as closely as possible.
If conditions do not permit myself to hold the baby immediately, please give the baby to Nathan, my husband.
Perineal Care
I prefer not to have an episiotomy unless it is medically indicated.
I would rather have an episiotomy than risk a tear.
Please administer local anesthesia when repairing any episiotomy or tear(s).
Delivery
Even if I am fully dilated, and assuming our baby is not in distress, I would like to wait until I feel the urge to push before beginning the pushing phase.
I prefer to push or not push according to my instincts and would prefer not to have guidance or coaching in this effort.
I would like to have a mirror available and adjusted so I can see our baby's head crowning.
I would like a soothing environment during the actual birth, with dim lights and quiet voices.
I would like Nathan, my husband to help catch our baby.
Immediately after the birth
Please place our baby on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.
I would like to breastfeed our baby immediately.
Nathan, my husband would like the option to cut the cord.
Please remove my IV/Heparin lock/catheter as soon as possible after delivery.
Newborn Care
I would like to hold our baby through delivery of the placenta and any repair procedures.
Please evaluate and bathe our baby at my bedside.
If our baby must go to the nursery for evaluation or medical treatment, Nathan, my husband, or someone I designate, will accompany our baby at all times.
Postpartum Care
I would prefer not to be catheterized until I've had some private time to attempt urination on my own.
If available, I would prefer a private room.
I would like our baby to room-in with me during the day, but stay in the nursery at night.
I would like our baby in the nursery and brought to me on request and for breastfeeding.
I would like my Nathan, my husband to room-in with me.
Assuming I feel up to it and our baby is healthy, I would like to be released from the hospital as soon as possible following the birth.
I would like permission for access to my chart and our baby's chart.
Breastfeeding
I plan to breastfeed and want to nurse immediately following the birth.
Please do not give our baby supplements (including formula, glucose, or plain water) without my consent, unless there is an urgent medical necessity.
Unless I am unable to give my consent, please do not give our baby any supplements without first informing me of the reason(s) and seeking my consent.
I would like to know more about breastfeeding.
I would like to meet with the staff lactation consultant.
Additional notes
I would like to take still photographs during labor and the birth.