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Natural Birth
How soon is too soon? + birth plan
Hi ladies! I've been reading 'Natural Hospital Birth' and started writing out my birth plan tonight, but I have a couple questions.
The practice I go to is a rotation with 4 different MDs in it. I had to go to my family doctor until 24 weeks, and then was released to the 'OB clinic' for the rest of my pregnancy. With my last pregnancy one of the doctors I only met once before my son was born, and another I never saw at all, this time around, all except one of the doctors are new to me. I have my first appointment with one of the doctors next week.
My question is, is it too early for me to be going over my birth plan? I'm concerned that I'll end up with a doctor I've never met or only met once, but I don't want to come across as too eager and get a side-eye from my doctor. I'm pretty determined to have a natural birth this time, and I want to have my doctors on my side.
Here is my birth plan. Any thoughts or opinions are appreciated!
Name______
I am planning to have as natural a birth as possible. Having had a long induction/epidural birth with my son, delivering naturally this time is very important to me. Although I am flexible depending on the situation, I would like to avoid any interventions unless they are truly necessary. I appreciate everyone who is helping us birth our baby today.
Beginning Labour
? It is very important to me that I begin labour naturally, even if it means going past 42 weeks. I am open to any tests that need to be done to ensure my baby?s safety, but will only be comfortable with an induction if complications arise that absolutely require one.
? In the event of a necessary induction, I would like to try natural induction methods or having my membranes stripped before resorting to Cervadil or Pitocin.
? If my water breaks first, I would like to wait for contractions to begin on their own.
Support
? I would like to have my husband, Lance, and my doula, Trudy with me for support.
Pain Management
? I would like to be able to move freely during labour, and would like to avoid frequent fetal monitoring if possible.
? I would like to use water and other natural methods to manage pain.
? Please do not offer pain medication. I am aware of what is available, and if I need it, I will ask for it.
Pushing
? I would rather risk a tear than have an episiotomy
? I would like to push spontaneously with no time limit
? I would like to use the squatting bar or any birthing position that feels appropriate at the time
In Case of a C-section
? I strongly hope to avoid a c-section
? If it becomes necessary, I would like my husband with me at all times
? I would like to touch or hold my baby immediately after birth, before examinations.
? I would like to be able to breastfeed as soon as possible after birth.
After Birth
? I would like to hold and breastfeed my baby immediately after birth
? My husband would like to cut the umbilical cord
? We would like to donate the umbilical cord blood to ____
? I do not want routine Pitocin post partum
? I would like to avoid the use of formula
? I do not want any visitors until we have said we are ready (as we know there will probably be many)
? This baby is a boy and will not be circumcised
This discussion has been closed.
Re: How soon is too soon? + birth plan
I would have the discussion now. If you do want to switch care providers, earlier is easier than later. Nothing in your plan is that far out there - I had all of those things, almost. I didn't care about third stage pitocin, and we did delayed cord clamping. I kind of got the impression from my nurse that she didn't do a ton of natural births, but my doctor was great. (I'm in Saskatoon BTW)
When you print your birth plan for the hospital, you can take off the induction part.
My only other advice is to labour at home as long as possible - my doula helped a ton with that.
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I would start talking to them about your birth plan now...especially since you have 4 different OB's to discuss it with. You want to have time to get a feel for how supportive each OB will be.
I started out at an OB practice with 6 Dr's. Some were supportive and perfectly willing to accomodate my birth plan wishes, but others were not so willing. By my 24 wk appt, I still had not met all of them and decided to switch practices to one where ALL of my caregivers would be supportive. Best thing I ever did.