Unmedicated, VBAC, Water labor. Beautiful. My birth plan:

A few of my friends that are keen on the idea of natural labor asked what my birth plan looked like. I used a free printable PDF found on earthmamaangelbaby.com . It's awesome because the plan itself is already geared for a natural labor experience anyways, so it worked for us. Below is the way I filled mine out. Hope this helps anyone hoping for a natural labor! Happy birthing!!

Before Labor Begins:

As long as the baby and I are healthy, I would like

to go at least 10 to 14 days over my due date before

inducing labor.

If NST observation becomes necessary after my due

date, I am flexible and support this procedure.

Please obtain my permission before stripping my

membranes during a vaginal exam.

During a vaginal exam, I prefer at no time to have

my membranes broken unless there is an emergency

situation.

Induction:

If induction becomes necessary, I would like to try

natural induction techniques first (with the

guidance of my practitioner):

·       Breast stimulation Walking

·       Sexual intercourse

·       Stripping membranes Rupturing membranes

Talk to my practitioner about alternatives to treatments such as antibiotics

Environment:

Upon arrival at the hospital, I prefer to have my

partner with me at all times.

Birthing room Room with a shower and/or bath

Birthing ball Birthing tub/pool/shower

I would like to have dimmed lights. I would like for people entering the room to speak

softly.

I would like to wear my own clothes during labor and

delivery.

I would like to have a TV available.

I would like to have my birth photographed. I would like to wear my glasses or contact lenses

unless removal becomes medically necessary.

Pain Relief:

Please only offer pain medications if I ask for them.

·       Breathing techniques

·       Distraction techniques

·       Acupressure Massage

·       Water/bath/shower

Ideally, I want to be able to walk around and move

as I wish while in labor.

I would like to feel unrestricted in accessing any

sounds of chanting, grunting, or moaning during

labor.

Monitoring:

Please always keep my door closed while I am in

labor.

Intermittently monitored to allow for as much mobility as possible

I am seeking my practitioner's assistance with this

technique.

Second Stage Labor:

As long as the baby and I are healthy, I prefer to have no time limits on pushing.

Squatting Hands and knees

Standing upright Whatever feels right at the time

I prefer to have no episiotomy and risk tearing (unless I'm having a medical emergency)

Apply hot compresses Use perineal massage

Encourage me to breathe properly for slower

crowning.

Please use a local anesthetic for repairs.

The Delivery:

I prefer to have the lights dimmed for delivery or,

if it is daylight, to access only natural light.

Please tell me when to push

As long as my baby is healthy, I would like my baby

placed immediately skin-to-skin on my abdomen with a

warm blanket over it.

Please do not separate me and my baby until after my

baby has successfully breastfed on both breasts.

Please delay all essential routine procedures on my

baby until after the bonding and breastfeeding

period (i.e., bathing).

Cesarean:

My partner is to be present at all times during the

c-section.

Ideally, I would like to remain conscious during the

procedure.

I would like the baby to be shown to me immediately

after it's born.

I would like to have contact with the baby as soon

as it is possible in the delivery room.

I prefer to have a hand free to touch the baby. We would like to film or photograph only the baby

after delivery.

I prefer a low transverse incision on my abdomen and

uterus.

If my baby is healthy, I would like to hold my baby

and nurse it immediately in recovery.

I would like to sign any waivers necessary to permit

me to be with my baby in recovery.

As long as my baby is healthy, I would like my

partner to be the baby's constant source of

attention until I am free to bond with it (i.e.,

holding, skin-to-skin contact, etc.).

Third Stage Labor:

Please wait for the umbilical cord to stop pulsating

before it is clamped.

Please allow my partner to cut the umbilical cord.

I would like to delay routine pitocin after the

placenta is born unless there are any signs of

hemorrhaging.

I would like the option of taking home the placenta.

Newborn Procedures:

If the baby has any problems, I would like my

partner to be present with the baby at all times, if

possible.

I would like to have routine newborn procedures

delayed until bonding and breastfeeding have

occurred.

I would like all newborn routine procedures to be

performed in my presence.

Please do not administer eye drops to my baby, I am willing to sign a formal waiver if need be.

Please do not administer vitamin K to my baby, I am

willing to sign a formal waiver if need be.

I prefer any immunizations be postponed to a later time

We would like to give our baby his/her first bath

using our own non-toxic baby products.

Please do not circumcise my baby.

We would like to wait, and delay the PKU testing until we are ready to leave the hospital

My baby is to be exclusively breastfed.

Formula Pacifiers

Any artificial nipples Sugar water

To be transported with my baby if possible. To breastfeed or express my milk for my baby.

To have as much bodily contact with my baby as

possible.

My Hospital Stay:

As short as it can be.

I prefer to have my partner stay with me for the

duration of my hospital stay.

I would like my other children (regardless of age)

to be allowed to visit with me for as long as they

wish or as long as hospital policy permits.

We are vegan, if food is given during stay, please

note we do not intake dairy or meat.