My birth plan

Whitney Harvey’s Birth Plan

Name: Whitney Harvey
                                               Attendant: Luke (Husband)

Amenities


I’d like: to bring music, dim the lights, take pictures and video during labor.

Hospital Admission and Procedures


I’d like: the option of returning home if I’m not in active labor.

Once admitted, I’d like: my partner to be allowed to stay with me at all times; I will allow any residents in training to be present during my labor; to eat if I wish to; to stay hydrated by drinking clear fluids instead of having an IV; to walk and move around as I choose.

Other Interventions


As long as the baby and I are fine, I’d like: to have intermittent rather than continuous electronic fetal monitoring; have as few vaginal exams as possible; have as few interruptions as possible; be allowed to progress free of time limits and have my labor augmented only if necessary.

Labor Props


If available, I’d like to try: a squatting bar, the whirlpool tub, an exercise ball

Labor Augmentation


I’d like labor augmentation: performed only if baby is in distress; first attempted by natural methods, such as nipple stimulation; membrane stripping performed before pitocin is administered.

Pain Relief


I’d like to try the following pain-management techniques: bath/shower; self-hypnosis; massage.

Please don’t offer me pain medication. I’ll request it if I need it.

If I decide I want pain medicine, I’d prefer: trying systemic medication before an epidural.

I would like the option of sterile water injections if back labor is present

Pushing

When it’s time to push, I’d like to: do so instinctively; be allowed to progress free of time limits as long as baby and I are fine; avoid forceps or vacuum extraction if possible.

I’d like to try the following positions for pushing and birth: semi-reclining; squatting; hands and knees; whatever feels right at the time.

Vaginal Birth


During delivery, I’d like: the room to be as calm quiet as possible; avoid an episiotomy if at all possible.

After birth, I’d like: to hold my baby right away, putting off any procedures that aren’t urgent; to breastfeed as soon as possible; my partner to be given the option to cut the umbilical cord.

C-Section


If I have a c-section, I’d like: my partner present at all times during the operation; to stay conscious; my hands left free if possible; the baby to be put on my chest as soon as she’s dried, if possible; the baby to be given to my partner as soon as she’s dried, if I can’t hold her and if it’s possible; my partner to accompany the baby at all times if possible; to breastfeed my baby in the recovery room.

Cord Blood Banking


I’d like to: donate cord blood to a public bank, if possible.

Postpartum


After delivery, I’d like: all newborn procedures to take place in my presence if possible; if not possible to take place in my presence, all newborn procedures to take place in my partner’s presence, if possible; my partner to stay with the baby at all times if I can’t be there; to be able to have my partner room-in at all times.

I’d like: 24-hour rooming-in with my baby.

If baby is not well, I’d like: my partner or I to accompany the baby to the NICU or other facility; to breastfeed or provide pumped breastmilk; to hold her whenever possible.

Feeding Issues


I plan to: breastfeed exclusively.

Please do not offer my baby: formula, sugar water, a pacifier unless there is a medical reason.

Discharge


I’d like to: be discharged from the hospital with my baby as soon as possible.