Birth Plan

Here is our birth plan, Mike and I know things may change once labor actually hits but this is what we are hoping for:

We are excited to have you as part of our birth team. Below are a few general ideas of our expectation for our labor and birth experience.


Labor
- We intend to have a Natural Birth
- We know pain medication and an epidural is available, please do not offer them. We will ask if we want them.
- Please help us by suggesting natural pain relief options.
- Help us to keep the birthing room calm, quiet and as peaceful as possible.
- Intermittent fetal monitoring and a heparin lock are preferred. Megan will naturally hydrate with water.
- We would like to be allowed to progress free of stringent time limits and have my labor augmented only if necessary.
- When pushing I’d like to do it instinctively and be allowed to progress without a time constraint as long as the baby and I are doing ok. Please suggest numerous positions while pushing; if I seem to not be progressing.
- I would prefer not to have an episiotomy.

If a C-section becomes necessary we would like:
- Mike to present at all times during the operation
- the screen lowered a bit so I can see my baby being delivered
- the baby to be given to Mike as soon as s/he's dried, if appropriate
- to breastfeed my baby in the recovery room

After birth:
- Mike would like to cut the cord, if baby is healthy please wait until after the cord as stopped pulsing
- We do not know the sex of the baby, Mike would like to announce the sex.
- If a medical emergency shall arise with the baby, Mike will accompany the baby at all times
- Immediate skin to skin contact with mom is planned
- We plan to breastfeed and would like to within the first hour. Please hold all testing, weighing and bath until we have had a chance to try and bond.
- Please do not offer the baby a bottle or a pacifier
- All tests on baby shall be done in our presence, preferably in our room.