Writing My Birth Plan

When I was pregnant with Boo I didn't really sort out a birth plan, I filled out the questionnaire at the back of my Hand Held Notes, from what I remember the only thing I was insistent on was wanting a water birth but having no real clue bar One Born Every Minute what that really involved. It was of course one of the key things that went out of the window when I was induced.

My general birth experience, and further conversation with mummy friends and other forum users has taught me that a Birth Plan is mostly intended to get you to think about your options, and hopefully do enough research that you know labour has 3 stages and there are all manner of different forms of intervention. A birth plan is not a guarantee, and you shouldn't be disappointed in your labour experience just because your birth didn't go 'to plan' As such this time I have done research, and what I've produced is more the key points of information that I feel the medical team need to know that may otherwise get lost in my notes, or forgotten by my husband or the medical staff should a complication arise.

My Birth Plan.

General Notes.

If intervention needed move to c-section unless this is no longer possible.

I am happy for Medical staff in training to be involved in all stages of my care.

Stage 1 of Labour.

Want to stay as active as possible initially

monitoring with a doppler

using homeopathy

using Natal Hypnotherapy.

Stage 2 of Labour.

any stitches need to be deeper (Hypermobility Syndrome - see notes)

episiotomy preferred to taring

Vitamin K injection for baby

I want to cut the cord (if this is actually physical possible, I am bendy...)

Stage 3 of Labour.

Active third stage (Previous PPH - see notes)

Happy to receive blood products

baby should be checked for cafe-au-lait spots (Paternal NF1 - See notes)

I intend to breastfeed.

Would like to avoid formula

Will express if baby and I are separated

Would like to avoid bottle feeding (cup or syringe if baby and I are separated)

• Would like help with ensuring correct latch and feeding.

My birth plan is to summarise a straight forward summary of the complications that can arise from my and my husbands medical histories, my indicated consent for procedures and an indication of my feeding wishes.

I would still like to try a water birth but this is something I will discuss with both my midwife and my consultant between the 32 and 36 week scans when the situation regarding Bel's size becomes clearer, and if I get it then fabulous, if I don't I will convince myself I never wanted it anyway, because there are things that are more important, namely Bel making it into the world safely, whether that be naturally, or by c-section.

for anyone wanting to compare the different pain relief options there is a handy pdf from www.LabourPains.com

#BirthPlan #Labour #Childbirth #Pregnancy