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Planning Ahead: Birth Plans for Baby. Our Readers Write!

Have your say! Our popular weekly newsletter has been attracting some great comments from readers, especially about birth plans. Are you planning on using a birth plan for your labor and delivery? If so, share your birth plans with us. And read about the birth plans of other moms-to-be! Still unsure about your birth plan? Check out Pregnancy-Info's section on baby birth plans.

Share Your Birth Plans!

Name: Rajitha • Due Date: 05/06/2007

I am pregnant and it has been confirmed by a doctor, so right now we are busy planning for our baby and doing all the shopping for things like the nursery and clothing.

Name: Rana Shafaee • Due Date: 02/14/2007

My Personal Preferences The following is a statement of my birth plan and child birth choices. I have educated myself in each of these areas before making these decisions and hope to carry them out. I realize that complications may arise and in such instances trust my caretaker to make necessary decisions on my behalf. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this and helping me realize my birth plan. Attendants and Amenities I’d like the following people present during labor and/or the birth: 1) My mother, Barbara Nogueira 2) Friend(s) (rotation): a} Niki Y b} Christine Coulvion I’d also like: 1) To bring music 2) To dim the lights 3) To wear my own clothes during labor and delivery 4) To take pictures during labor and delivery Labor Once I’m admitted, I’d like: 1) Only my practitioner, nurse and guests present (i.e. please no students, residents or other un required hospital personnel 2) Minimal vaginal exams 3) To eat if I wish to (to my comfort, with no restrictions) 4) To stay hydrated by drinking clear fluids instead of having an I.V. (water, jell-o, Gatorade, ice chips, etc.) 5) To maintain mobility, walk and move around as I choose 6) As long as the baby and I are doing fine, I’d like to be allowed to progress free of stringent time limits 7) When it is time to push, I’d like to be coached on when to push and for how long 8) I’d like to try whatever feels right at the time for pushing and birth (position wise) Monitoring If fetal monitoring is required I would prefer to use an external electronic monitor Pain Relief I am attempting a natural childbirth I’d like to try the following pain management techniques: 1) Bath / shower 2) Breathing Techniques / distraction 3) Hot / Cold therapy 4) Massage ** PLEASE do not offer me pain medication, I’ll request it if I need it** If I decide I want medication for pain relief, I’d prefer (in order) 1) Demerol, if time allows 2) Nitrous Oxide 3) Regional analgesia (epidural, not spinal block) Induction I would like to avoid being induced but if induction becomes necessary I’d like to try using prostaglandin gel before the use of any other methods. Vaginal Birth I’d like: 1) To risk a small tear rather than have an episiotomy (local anesthesia for repair) 2) I would appreciate the room as quiet as possible when the baby is born (omitting the music) 3) In case the need arises and my baby needs help exiting the birth canal I prefer the vacuum over the forceps After birth I’d like: 1) To breastfeed as soon as possible 2) My mother to cut the umbilical cord Cesarean Unless absolutely necessary I would like to avoid a c-section. If the need arises, I’d like: 1) Regional analgesia (epidural) 2) My mother present at all times during the operation 3) Mother to cut the umbilical cord 4) The baby to be given to my mother as soon as he’s dried (as long as he’s in good health) 5) To breastfeed the baby in the recovery room (if it’s not possible to attempt it earlier) Placenta I’d prefer not to have an injection of pitocin or anything else after the deliver to aid in expelling the placenta; I would rather let my body expel it on its own time Sick Infant In the event my son is ill I’d like 1) To breast feed as possible 2) Unlimited Visitation 3) To be able to handle the baby (holding, care of… etc.) 4) If the baby is transported to another facility I would like to accompany him. Postpartum After delivery, I’d like: 1) All newborn procedures to take place in my presence 2) My mother to stay with the baby at all times, if I can’t be there 3) A second set of footprints made to take home 4) To have a cot provided for my mother 5) I plan to breastfeed exclusively 6) I plan to feed my baby on demand 7) I believe it’s procedure now but just incase I’d like 24 hour rooming in with my baby Circumcision If I decide I would like him circumcised, I’d like: 1) It to take place while we are still in the hospital 2) The use of anesthesia before it is preformed

Name: Megan • Due Date: 02/19/2007

I will tell you that it is great to write a birth plan but keep in mind the doctors/nurses/residents are there for you and your baby's safety, so please be flexible, and don't be disappointed if things do not go as planned. Remember if you do not want medical intervention there are other alternatives: midwives, home births, etc. However, if you chose to go to a hospital keep in mind they also have been delivering babies for a long time and there are reasons for not eating during labor, using pitocin after delivery of the placenta (to prevent post partum hemorrhage), forceps vs vacuum, etc. Also keep in mind since mothers have been going to the hospital the rate of maternal and fetal death have decreased. Good luck to all.

Name: cynthia • Due Date: 04/20/2007

i'm scared to give birth but all all the same excited. i have waited for this for a long time and i dont know the sex of my baby yet, my doctor cant see clearly, how do i buy baby stuff now? I'm so confused about all of this but i love my baby to bits, im 28 weeks pregnant now.

Name: bala • Due Date: 06/08/2007

eager to have more idea..and well carebut we are strong and he is doing great! I would love to have some guidelines about birth plans. Thanks DON'T!!! Don't be afraid of offending your doctors or nurses... They are there for YOU, to provide YOU with care! Sure, in the case of emergencies, they will be able to direct you in the best course of action, but please... remember that childbirth is a natural process, and it's only recently that women (in particular American women) have begun to rely so heavily on hospitals for "assistance" through this process. Please- don't worry about offending doctors.

Name: Silvia • Due Date: 05/12/2007

This is my first baby... I am 39 years old and, it looks like, my baby boy will be born before the due date... some risks, some concerns... but we are strong and he is doing great! I would love to have some guidelines about birth plans. Thanks

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