Sharing my birth plan

lolob45

Had a breastfeeding class today and they briefly discussed the importance of a birth plan, even with a cesarean. I am at risk for PTL and have concerns about our baby being in the NICU so I figured this is something I should at least prepare. I'm having a medically necessary c-section. I've had so little control the last 8wks and i'm sure i'll have very little control during delivery but this helps make me feel like I can at least get my wishes out there and hopefully half of them listened to. Thought i'd share for anyone who is interested. I'm not looking for feedback or judgement... wanted to provide as a resource for other mommies-to-be!

I plan to review this with my ob during our next apt. 

Prior to Surgery

• Please administer the urinary catheter after the epidural/spinal has taken effect
• Please ensure all medications are suitable for breastfeeding
• I’d like a non-drowsy, anti-nausea med, if possible

During Surgery

• We would like to play our personal song list during the c-section
• My partner is to remain with me at all times up until Madison’s birth, then he is to stay with her
• One or both hands/arms to be left free to touch/hold Madison after delivery
• I ask that the surgery be performed slowly and to be explained to me as it happens
• No sedatives after birth. I want to remember my daughter’s first day of life.
• Please reinforce my uterus and use dissolvable stitches for closing me up 
• Warm blanket during surgery if possible
• We would like to be able to take photos/video of our daughter immediately following birth
• Please hold the baby up over the partition as soon as she is born 

 Madison -  Immediately After Delivery

• If possible allow the cord to continue pulsing after birth so Madison may start breathing on her own while still attached to the placenta. Keep cord long for daddy to cut
• If Madison is doing well medically, please allow for me to hold her, skin-to-skin, immediately after delivery, suctioning, weighing and measuring and while my incision is being closed. If am not able to do this, my husband is to hold her, skin-to-skin, after suctioning/weighing/wiping down (no swaddle) ASAP. Myself or my husband will hold her while she is being foot printed, getting bracelets on and while the paperwork is being filled out. 
• I request that all evaluations, including pediatric exams,  be done in my presence.

 Recovery

• Once back in our room to recover, we would like to be alone with Madison to nurse and continue skin to skin for at least 1-2 hours prior to receiving guests.
• I would like to request the assistance of a lactation consultant during this time. 
• If someone arrives to visit, please check with my husband or I as to whether we are ready for company before allowing them in our room.
• I am willing to be up and walking as soon as possible 
• I would like my Catheter & IV out as early as possible & to eat as soon as possible

Feeding & Sleeping Plans

• I will be nursing on demand and whenever Madison is fussy to help stimulate my milk supply and to soothe her. I would like Madison to stay in our room at all times (including overnight), unless medically necessary to be in NICU. 
• Madison is NOT to receive formula for supplementation or a pacifier, unless medically necessary and discussed with me first
• I will not have my own pump during my stay; I request use of a hospital-grade pump if I must use one in place of breastfeeding naturally 

If Madison is At All Unwell or Unstable

• I would like my husband to accompany her to the NICU or nursery; she is not be without him. I would like to provide pumped breast milk for her in the event she is unable to breastfeed and I would like to hold her, skin-to-skin, whenever possible. I ask to be updated on her status should this happen.
• If my husband is with Madison in the NICU and I am alone in the recovery room I request that my mother be brought in to sit with me. I would like to pump during this time.

Arielle27

I think it's great that you are prepared!

You may, however, wish to (re)consider the length of the preferences sheet... If you do have ptl especially, there may not be much time for all staff members involved to read over this entire list.

I've always heard that the rule of thumb is to include only essentials in a bullet point list that is at least 14 points typed and fits on one page. Maybe you can have some copies of this full list with you in case you do have time and a stress-free environment to share and discuss this list, but then also copies of a shortened, more essential list.

Not trying to stress you out, hopefully being helpful!!

chicagobride_07

I wish you the best, but please remember to be ready for anything. I had to have a medically necessary c section under general anesthesia, and my daughter was whisked away to the NICU and put on a ventilators to save her life. She is now a healthy 3 month old and thriving. In the end, a healthy baby is what is most important. GL!