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What MY Natural Birth Plan Looks Like

As the time draws closer for Baby A to make her appearance, so does the need for my birth plan.
 
 
When I had Hasting, I didn't really HAVE a plan. I basically just went in, and did what everyone else did -- because it's all that I knew. I really don't even think that I knew natural birth was a possibility to be honest (woah right?) So after I had him, I met some awesome people. I was introduced to the concept of so many things I never knew existed. I began researching on my own, and here I am, almost 2 years later, planning my OWN natural birth.
 
I understand that natural birth isn't for everyone. Before I share my birth plan, I would like for it to be known that the options I have outlined in my plan are options that my husband and I have done extended research on. They are options that we have chosen to be best suited for our family. I hope that by me sharing my birth plan that it will help to empower women to know that they have a choice. It is their birth.
 
With that, I give you my birth plan :)
 
 

Natural Water Birth Preferences for Baby A—by Lindsay & Chad Gray

We have chosen the Water Birth method of a quiet, relaxed, natural birth. Careful consideration has gone into our birthing preferences and we truly believe that you will do your upmost to help us attain our wishes for A’s joyous birth. We realize that as labor ensues, we may wish to change our preferences and wish to feel free to do so. Should special circumstances arise that would cause us to deviate from our natural birth plan, we trust that you will provide us with a clear explanation of the procedures you may anticipate before proceeding, as well as options available. Please know you will have our complete cooperation after we have the opportunity to discuss the decision between ourselves. We ask that the following preferences be honored in the absence of any special circumstances.
Labor Requests
- To have no IV, but will consent to a Hep Lock if necessary.
- To move around freely, and have dim lights and music.
- To not be offered pain meds or asked if I am in pain
- To allow water to break naturally if it hasn't done so already.
- To not permit observers, unnecessary staff, or interns in room without consenting first.
- To have no internal monitoring in the absence of fetal distress.
- To take fluids and nutritional snacking when needed.
- To have minimal number of vaginal exams to avoid premature release of membranes.
- To use natural oxytocin stimulation in the event of stalled or slowed labor (nipple or clitoral stimulation) and have the uninterrupted privacy to do so.
 
Delivery Requests: (in birthing pool)
- To allow natural birthing instincts to facilitate A’s decent as much as possible, using mother directed breathing until crowning takes place.
- To allow mother to touch A's head as she crowns and to receive A with guided help of midwife.
- Care during delivery and birth to be based on the wellbeing of mother and A, and not time constraints, check lists, and the personal needs of hospital staff.
- To push in whatever position feels most comfortable at the time.
-  To have no vacuum or forceps used.
- I prefer no episiotomy unless absolutely required for A’s safety.
- I prefer to try all natural options before considering a C-Section and will only consent to a C-Section for imminent medical reason.
 
Immediately After Birth Requests (in birthing pool and hospital bed)
- Please place A immediately on my chest and leave her there.
- Once the cord has finished pulsating, please allow Chad to cut the cord.
- Immediate breast feeding to assist in natural placenta expulsion.
- Allow the Uterus to contract naturally.
- Preserve Placenta for Placenta Encapsulation Specialist to pick up.
- Allow Chad to hold A skin to skin while I get out of birthing pool and into bed.
- Please do not wash A until at LEAST 24 hours, and allow Chad and I to give the first bath.
- Uninterrupted opportunity to bond and breastfeed skin to skin.
-Please do not give A a pacifier, bottle, formula, or sugar water unless there is a true medical need and after consulting with us.
- Chad or I will accompany A in the event of a surgical procedure or NICU.
 
Newborn Procedures
We have chosen to decline:                                              We will consent to:
Eye Ointment                                                            -    PKU Test
Hep B Vaccine                                                          -    Hearing test
Vitamin K Shot                                                         -    Necessary emergency treatment
 


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