01 April 2010 @ 11:40 pm
My birth plan  
Our Wishes for Childbirth - Shannon N Kuhn

Due Date: 05/29/2010
Patient of Dr. Manning
Scheduled to deliver at Holy Spirit Hospital


04/01/2010




Sincerely,
Shannon Kuhn


Labor
  • I would like to be free to walk around during labor.
  • I wish to be able to move around and change position at will throughout labor.
  • I would like to be able to have fluids by mouth throughout the first stage of labor.
  • I will be bringing my own music to play during labor.
  • I would like the lights in the room to be kept low during my labor.
  • I would prefer to keep the number of vaginal exams to a minimum.
  • I do not want an IV unless I become dehydrated.
Monitoring
  • I do not wish to have continuous fetal monitoring unless it is required by the condition of my son.
  • I do not want an internal monitor unless my son has shown some sign of distress.
Labor Augmentation/Induction
  • I do not wish to have the amniotic membrane ruptured artificially unless signs of fetal distress require internal monitoring.
  • I would prefer to be allowed to try changing position and other natural methods (walking, nipple stimulation) before Pitocin is administered.
Anesthesia/Pain Medication
  • I realize that many pain medications exist. I'll ask for them if I need them.
  • I would like to have a standard epidural.
Cesarean
  • Unless absolutely necessary, I would like to avoid a Cesarean.
  • If a Cesarean delivery is indicated, I would like to be fully informed and to participate in the decision-making process.
  • I would like my boyfriend present at all times if my son requires a Cesarean delivery.
  • I wish to have an epidural for anesthesia.
  • If my son is not in distress, my son should be given to my boyfriend immediately after birth.
Episiotomy
  • I would prefer not to have an episiotomy unless absolutely required for my son's safety.
  • I would appreciate guidance in when to push and when to stop pushing so the perineum can stretch.
Delivery
  • I would like to be allowed to choose the position in which I give birth, including squatting.
  • I would like my boyfriend and/or nurses to support me and my legs as necessary during the pushing stage.
  • Even if I am fully dilated, and assuming my son is not in distress, I would like to try to wait until I feel the urge to push before beginning the pushing phase.
  • I would appreciate having the room lights turned low for the actual delivery.
  • I would appreciate having the room as quiet as possible when my son is born.
  • I would like to have my son placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.
Immediately After Delivery
  • I would like to have my boyfriend cut the cord.
  • I would prefer that the umbilical cord stop pulsating before it is cut.
  • I would like to hold my son while I deliver the placenta and any tissue repairs are made.
  • I would like to hold my son for at least 15 minutes before (he/she) is photographed, examined, etc.
  • I would like to have my son evaluated and bathed in my presence.
  • I plan to keep my son near me following birth and would appreciate if the evaluation of my son can be done with my son on my abdomen, with both of us covered by a warm blanket, unless there is an unusual situation.
  • If my son must be taken from me to receive medical treatment, my boyfriend or some other person I designate will accompany my son at all times.
  • I would prefer to hold my son rather than have (him/her) placed under heat lamps.
  • After the birth, I would prefer to be given a few moments of privacy to urinate on my own before being catheterized.
  • I would like to see the placenta after it is delivered.
Postpartum
  • Unless required for health reasons, I do not wish to be separated from my baby.
  • I would like to have my son "room in" and be with me at all times.
Breastfeeding
  • I plan to breastfeed my son and would like to begin nursing very shortly after birth.
  • Unless medically necessary, I do not wish to have any bottles given to my son (including glucose water or plain water).
  • I would like more information about breastfeeding.
  • I would like to meet with a lactation consultant.
Circumcision
  • I would like my son to be circumcised before we check out of the hospital.
Photo/Video
  • I would like to take still photographs during labor and the birth.
Other
  • My support person(s) is/are (support people) and I would like them to be present during labor and/or delivery.
  • I would prefer that no students, interns, residents or non-essential personnel be present during my labor or the birth.
 
 
( 8 comments — Leave a comment )
(Anonymous) on April 4th, 2010 08:34 pm (UTC)
No need circumcise.
Did you know that there is no medical reason to circumcise and that no medical organization in the entire world recommends it? I see you want to avoid genital surgery for yourself, you can also avoid genital reduction surgery on your son. :D

Check out the following links for more information:
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/1/t012000.asp
Top 12 Myths About Circumcision and the Intact Male:
http://web.mac.com/jencoias/coiasfamily/12_MYTHS.html
Care of Intact Child:
http://www.drmomma.org/2010/01/basic-care-of-intact-child.html

Best Wishes,
Jen
sullengirl__altruistic on April 5th, 2010 05:54 am (UTC)
Re: No need circumcise.
Thank you very much! I'll look into it!
penny75 on April 5th, 2010 04:05 am (UTC)
I'm a RN. They won't cath you right after delivery. Everything is so swollen anyway and anytime a cath is used, there is potential for infection. They may want to cath you before delivery (a full bladder can impede the uterus) but you can ask for a bedpan if the epidural hasn't removed all the sensation. After delivery, they will most likely give you 4 - 6 hours to allow your bladder to work on it's own before re-introducing a catheter. Most nurses hate to traumatize the new mama more by cathing after delivery so they try everything possibly (warm peri-bottle, sitz baths) to get you to urinate on your own. So don't worry too much about that.

Also, if you're planning on breastfeeding you should know that circumcision can hamper that. It's fairly common that babies often refuse to nurse for anywhere from a few hours to a whole day after a circ. If that happens, the nursery will be required to give him a bottle to ensure hydration. I don't remember the exact studies but I'm sure you can find info by googling breastfeeding and circumcision. If you haven't already, I recommend you watch an online video of an infant circumcision. You will also want to talk to your doctor (or the pediatrician if he's the one doing the circ) about pain relief. Not all doctors really use pain relief. Some give the baby only a pacifier soaked in sugar water and say it's pain relief, but it's not. It's mainly just a distraction for the baby, yet he still winds up with a lot of pain.

Good luck!
sullengirl__altruistic on April 5th, 2010 05:54 am (UTC)
Thank you VERY much for the input! I will definitely read up on it more!
(Anonymous) on June 3rd, 2010 12:42 pm (UTC)
I was cathed after delivery. Its not uncommon they often do it if they think the placenta is taking "too long", which in my case was about 5-10 minutes.
(Anonymous) on April 6th, 2010 09:31 am (UTC)
Glad you will do a little more research on the topic of circumcision. It really is completely unnecessary and a very traumatic way to bring a child into the world. You've made some other very positive decisions that show you clearly want the gentlest entrance for this baby boy. Two other great sites are www.circinfosite.net and www.intactamerica.org

And if you choose to give your son the decision over the function and appearance of his most private area by leaving him intact here is a very important article that will help you protect him from foreskin ignorant care providers.
Protect Your Intact Son, Expert Medical Advice:
http://www.mothering.com/health/protect-your-uncircumcised-son-expert-medical-advice-parents
http://www.mothering.com/health/protect-your-uncircumcised-son-expert-medical-advice-parents

Laura: dittobactaqueen on May 24th, 2010 09:42 pm (UTC)
I ventured over here from pregnant and I wanted to thank you for posting this. I'm a first-time mother-to-be and I've been thinking about creating a birth plan, so seeing yours has been IMMENSELY helpful. It's so thorough, well-organized, and polite. Thank you!
sullengirl__altruistic on May 24th, 2010 09:55 pm (UTC)
Awe! Thanks for liking it! :) I'm a first time mommy too! I like birth plans and despite the comments above about circumcision, I think I'll still be getting it done to my little boy.

I wish you the best of luck with your pregnancy and if you need anything, let me know!! <3
( 8 comments — Leave a comment )