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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: Shana • Due Date: 03/27/2007

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: Melissa • Due Date: 07/12/2007

Its good to know im not the only one wimpy about pain. im dreading having to have an epidural even though ive been told it doesnt hurt that much. im quite small and its been suggested that i wont be able to give birth naturally, has anybody else experienced this?

Name: Ashley • Due Date: 03/07/2007

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 advanced 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: Maria Murphy • Due Date: 07/17/2007

This is my second pregnancy. I'm 36 years old. I lost the first one just when I was getting into the second trimester. Very sad. But I'm now excited and looking forward to carrying a healthy child.

Name: Felisha • Due Date: 12/13/2006

I wanted to make a birth plan but am unsure of how. can some mothers who have done this before give me a few tips. Also i dont want to offened my doctors and nurses in making a plan will they really be ok with me doing this?

Name: Robyn Lace • Due Date: 03/24/2007

This is my first child. I'm 35 years old. I'm really looking forward to giving birth to a baby girl. I would appreciate receiving the birth plan so that I can assess the development of the baby week by week.

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