Preparing for Trig - The Plan

I am an avid believer that having no plan is NOT a good plan. Although things can change in an instant when it comes to birthing babies I like to be assured that my midwife and the nurses are well aware of my wishes so they can try to accomodate them as much as possible.
Providence does provide a template for a "Birth Plan' but it is pretty vague so I decided to take some time and research other plans. I wasn't surprised to find many women who have the same vision in their heads for their birth experiences.
Just like all things posted in this blog I think that this "plan" is something that I want to remember and be able to look back on when my boys are older.

Birth Preferences for Shannon D.

I understand that the following is for a best case scenario. I am very aware that things can change suddenly and interventions might be required for the safety of me and the baby. I only request that barring an emergency situation, I be informed prior to any procedures and be allowed to ask questions regarding the pros and cons. Thank you very much!

HOSPITAL ADMISSION & PROCEDURES

Once I'm admitted, I'd like:

*My husband, Matt, and our doula, Serena, to be allowed to stay with me at all times.

As long as the baby and I are doing fine, I'd like to:

*Have intermittent rather than continuous fetal monitoring and to try to stay hydrated by drinking clear fluids instead of having an IV to allow for freedom of movement.

*Be allowed to progress free of stringent time limits and have my labor augmented only if necessary.

LABORING AND BIRTH

*If available, I'd like to try a birthing ball, squatting bar, birthing tub, etc.

*I'd like to try the following pain-management techniques: acupressure, bath/shower, breathing techniques/distraction, hot/cold therapy, massage.

*Please don't offer me pain medication. I'll request it if I need it. If I request it during a contraction, please ask me again when the contraction is over if I still want the medication.

When it's time to push, I'd like to:

*Try different positions for pushing and birth.

 *Do so instinctively when I have the urge. Coaching would be appreciated during crowning to help reduce the likelihood of perineal tearing.

*Try perineal massage or a compress to help prevent tearing, though I would prefer to tear over an episiotomy.

After birth, I'd like:

*The baby to be placed right on my stomach or chest and to try to nurse immediately.

*Not to be given Pitocin to help deliver the placenta unless it's deemed necessary.

*I prefer that the umbilical cord stop pulsating before being clamped.

*My husband to cut the umbilical cord if he wishes.

*Any shots, tests, and procedures to be delayed an hour to allow time for skin to skin contact with the baby and nursing if the baby's health and safety allow it.

POSTPARTUM

While recovering, I'd like:

*All newborn procedures to take place in my presence if possible.

*My husband to stay with our baby at all times if I can't be there.

*24-hour rooming-in with our baby.

*I plan to breastfeed exclusively. Please do not offer our baby formula, sugar water, or a pacifier.