This was the birth plan we had in place for Brennan's entrance to the world! :-)
Birth Preferences for Amy Paine
We believe that free movement, choice of positions and a minimum of interventions is important for a smooth, non-traumatic, normal natural birth and we would be happy if you could support our birth in that philosophy. If there is no immediate threat to mom or baby, we wish to avoid an induction, pitocin, an epidural (or other chemical management), intermittent monitoring and restriction to a supine position during labor and avoid fundal pressure, an episiotomy and early cord clamping/cutting during second phase of birth. After birth, we want the baby to be put on mom's chest and her staying with mom and dad for an initial bonding and breastfeeding time.
1. Birth Partner
*Husband (James Hudson) and Doulas (Annette Boese and/or Lisa Fincaryk) be present throughout labor and delivery.
*** Should the mother be unable to communicate her wishes during any point of the procedure due to being unconscious or any other reason, James (the father) is to make all medical related decisions on care of the mother and baby.
2. Room & Account
*Private room to be booked for labor, delivery, and recovery.
*I wish to receive a western diet, but reserve the right to change this if not satisfactory.
3. Throughout Labor and Delivery
*If the baby and I are fine, to be free of time limits.
*Please, no augmentation of labor, no pitocin, amniotomy, or stripping of the membrane
unless deemed necessary for the baby’s health.
*Ice packs can be requested.
*I would like to try various relaxation techniques (such as focusing, breathing, massage and
acupressure) with help of doula and partner.
*No cellphones allowed in the room.
*Voices to be soft within room.
*Soft light (maybe some candles) and calming music to be played, unless it is a medical
emergency and full lighting is needed.
*I would like to wear my own clothes (not hospital issued) to ensure maximum comfort.
*Apart from Dr. Lee, no students or non-essential personnel to be in the room unless our
permission is given.
*To be allowed to move around as much as possible and assume labor positions of
choice (squatting, on all fours, lying on my side).
*Intermittent monitoring of the baby’s heartbeat.
*Minimum number of vaginal exams and only with permission.
*No IV fluid line, although a Heparin lock is acceptable.
*Not to have an epidural unless I ask for it. Please have an anesthesiologist available the
whole time in case it is needed.
*I would like to manage my pain on my own. Please do not offer drugs for pain relief. I will
ask for it if I need it.
*Before doing anything, you let us know and explain to us why it is necessary.
*If a C-section is necessary, my husband to be present the whole time.
4. STAGE 1 Labor
*No enema unless requested.
*No catheter unless requested.
*I would like to drink fluids and eat light snacks.
*Use of a shower, if desired, before membrane rupture.
5. Delivery
*I would not like to lie on my back.
*I would like to adopt whatever position feels right for me at that time.
*An up-right position or an alternate gravity inducing position during the pushing stage to help with the birthing, please.
*I would like my husband and/or nurses to support me and my legs as necessary
during the pushing stage.
*No one put their hands on my abdomen to “push the baby down” unless it is a medical
emergency.
*Not to be coached or told when to push by medical staff. My husband and/or doula will
offer prompts to birth the baby, please let us.
*To be allowed to rest and wait if I do not have the urge to push straight away, if the baby
and I are fine.
*I would like the baby to be allowed to crown without pushing.
*I would like for my husband’s voice to be the first voice my baby hears upon delivery.
*Measures taken to try to ensure an intact perineum (warm compress, massage with
lubricant, gentle pressure on baby’s head to stop it coming too quickly).
*I would not like to have an episiotomy without our consent.
*If stitching of the perineum is necessary, please use local anesthetic.
*If there is no medical emergency, I want to avoid c-section.
*In case of c-section, I would prefer epidural anesthesia spinal block, if possible, in order to
remain conscious through the C-section.
*Please lower the screen just before delivery so I may see the birth of the baby.
*If my baby is not in distress, my baby should be given to my husband immediately after
birth.
6. Immediately Following Delivery
*Not to have my baby’s nose and mouth suctioned unless it is medically necessary.
*Please don’t bathe the baby immediately post-birth – excess blood, material and fluids can
be gently removed from the face and head area mainly. Do not remove excess vernix.
*Skin to skin contact with my baby. Immediately after delivery, if the baby and I are both
okay, please put the baby straight on my chest, for a minimum of 30 minutes.
*To wait until the umbilical cord has stopped pulsating before being clamped and cut by my
husband.
*Please allow the baby to breast feed immediately to assist with the natural delivery of the
placenta. Please no pulling, pitocin, or uterine massage unless deemed necessary.
*To avoid injection to help control bleeding and deliver the placenta, unless medically
necessary.
*My husband to carry the baby to nursery for checking, and be allowed to stay in the
nursery while the checks are being done, so that he can learn what is happening.
*I can bathe/shower after birth.
*I would prefer not to be catheterized until I've had 4-5 hours to attempt urination on my
own.
7. Baby Care
*First bath to be given – father to be present and video tape/photograph this. This can
occur 1 day after birth.
*Please perform all baby physical exams and procedures with my husband present at all
times and inform him about the results (Apgar score).
*Do not give my child an injection of Vitamin K. I prefer oral drops.
*Baby to be put straight onto breast, postpone Vitamin K drops, eye ointment, weighing,
hepatitis B vaccination etc. till bonding of 3-4 hours.
*Please separate vaccinations by at least 24 hours.
*Please install the baby in my room at all times, if possible.
*Breast feeding only, please no bottles, artificial nipples, formula, glucose, or water.
*Please don’t wake mother or baby for routine vitals and check-ups unless immediately
medically necessary.
*English-speaking Pediatrician on duty.
*If my baby is sick at birth, I would like to start breast feeding as soon as possible.
8. Other
*Several copies of Korean and English birth certificate to be given.
*Following the birth of my baby, when footprints/handprints are taken, please place them in
our baby book as well.
*Please keep in mind that this our first child and we don’t speak Korean.
*I would like to take still photographs during labor and the birth.
*I would like to make a video recording of labor and the birth.
*Please provide us with an immunization record for our baby in English.
We thank you in advance for your support and kind attention to our choices. We look forward to a wonderful birth.
