Real Birth in the Twin Cities
Birth Plans and Birth Stories: Erica and Bill
Erica and Bill's birth plan was written near the end of her first pregnancy. Erica felt that a natural birth was ideal but wanted to keep an open and flexible attitude as she wasn't sure what to expect or how she would handle it.
There are a few strong points of their birth plan worth noting; it is concise, fitting on one side of one page, making it more likely to be read by staff. It also has a spirit of thankfulness and flexibility. Throughout the plan Erica and Bill reiterate their desire for effective communication about procedures and interventions rather than blanket refusals.
Modesty was important to Erica. She placed this at the top of her birth plan and she told, me, her doula about her preferences.
Birth Preferences
for Erica and Bill (Vaginal & C-section birth)
Particular preferences for our stay at
Private
and Modest � Erica is shy, and since this is a new experience, privacy and modesty throughout the process is much appreciated to help create a relaxed
atmosphere.
o
Some
ways to achieve this:
Quiet
Low
light
Minimal
intrusion
Labor
Management:
o
Erica
plans on laboring at home during early labor.
o
Will
have a Doula participating and helping Erica out. Bill will be there through the birth.
o
Please
remind Erica to frequent the bathroom.
o
Erica
would prefer to not be on her back during labor.
o
Please
remind her to walk around (would like to be as active as possible).
o
Water
is very relaxing for Erica.
o
Erica
has done a bunch of research, and would like to have labor as natural as
possible. She would like to use
positions and alternative pain techniques rather than other types of pain and
medical management.
C-Section:
o
Please
use a spinal block rather than the epidural as anesthesia
o
Please
clamp the cord long
o
If
possible, when the baby is taken away, can the dad accompany the baby and the
doula stay with Erica?
o
Can
the doula be present during the c-section?
Once
the baby is born:
o
Please
postpone standard procedures such as bathing, weighing, etc� while we get to
know the little one after he/she is born (unless a medical condition requires
him/her to be taken away, of course).
Please
allow the cord to �stop pumping� before cutting
Rh
factor � Erica is O negative
Please
consult with Erica and Bill before the following are administered: vitamin K,
and prophylactic antibiotic ointment (no history of STDs). (She tested negative
for Beta strep)
Other
items:
o
Erica
values good communication and would prefer to hear details. Erica and Bill want to be involved in their
care � please talk to them before routine procedures are undertaken.
o
Please
do not break Erica�s water. If you must,
please ask. Historically, her mother and
her sisters� water breaks naturally towards the end of labor.
o Thank you very much for your efforts on our behalf. We really appreciate your assistance during this time!!