birth plan
“If you're planning to use aids such as a birthing stool or ball, make sure this is included in your plan”
BIRTH PLAN EXAMPLE ONE:
• I have been to antenatal classes and want to use the helpful positions that I've experimented with to move labour along.
• I am planning to use relaxation and massage techniques to ease the pain, but I've also hired a TENS machine, which I'm beginning to use at home.
• I'm hoping to deliver naturally, but, if I need any assistance, I'd prefer to have a ventouse rather than forceps delivery.
• Unless there are good medical reasons, I'd like to avoid artificial rupture of the membranes and electronic monitoring.
> however, to discuss this with your midwife prior to labour, as many hospitals will have strict rules as to the number of people who can be present in the delivery suite.
Pain relief: Include both what you're planning to use in the way of pain relief and what you categorically do not want. Remember, however, that if the medical team decide at some point that you require a particular form of pain relief, such as an epidural, then it is wise to follow their advice.
Birthing position:Do you want to be upright and mobile during your labour? Or do you want to use any particular position for the birth?
Birthing aids: If you're planning to use aids such as a birthing stool or ball, make sure this is included in your plan. Similarly, if you'd like to listen to music during labour, make sure your birthing partner and midwife are aware. (In most cases you'll need to bring your own CD player and CDs).
Breaking water: Some hospitals will use the practice of 'breaking the waters' to speed up labour. Are you happy to have your waters broken artificially? If not, say so.
6MODERNMUM Autumn 2016
Assisted delivery: If your labour does not go smoothly and you need medical assistance, such as forceps, ventouse or Caesarean delivery, include your views in your plan. Again, however, remember that, should this assistance be required, it is down to the medical team to do whatever is best for you and your baby.
Umbilical cord:Who do you want to cut the umbilical cord?
Baby's first moments: Do you have any special wishes for your baby's first moments? For example, do you want to have your baby placed on your stomach or liſted into your arms as soon as he or she is born?
Feeding baby:How are you planning to feed your baby? Make sure you clearly state whether you wish to bottle or breast feed.
Injections:Most hospitals now give vitamin K to newborn babies to prevent a rare but serious blood disorder. Tis can be given by injection or by drops. It is not, however, compulsory, so if you don't wish your baby to be given vitamin K say so in your birth plan. Remember though that doctors strongly recommend that your baby is given vitamin K. „
• I want to hold my baby as soon as possible after birth and put him to my breast straight away.
BIRTH PLAN EXAMPLE TWO:
• I'd like to remain as active and mobile as possible during labour with the help of my birthing partner, my husband.
• I don't yet know which pain relief I will use, but would like the chance to discuss it with my midwife at the time.
• I would like to be kept informed about how labour is progressing and, if I need medical intervention, I would like the chance to talk through the options, if there is time.
• When my baby is born, I would like my husband/partner to cut the cord.
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