 |
|
Dr. Candace Cooley with patient
|
|
Making a Birth Plan
As you approach your due date, you will have heard about, read, and learned of many different
"birthing situations". Some experiences are better than others, often in large part
due to the amount of communication relayed between patient and physician. To ensure your
experience is what you anticipate and to avoid confusion, I recommend writing a birth plan -- a
brief synopsis of your expectations, barring any unforeseen complications during your
delivery. Following is a sample birth plan to use as a guideline, but certainly adapt it
to suit your personal concerns.
|
Sample Birth Plan
- The mother intends to move freely about while laboring until active labor begins.
- The mother would prefer no pain medication be routinely offered. Rather, she will
request it when necessary.
- The mother intends to receive an epidural when indicated as necessary by the physician.
- An episiotomy is acceptable to avoid unnecessary tearing of the perineum.
- The mother wishes to observe the birth by using a mirror in the labor/delivery room.
- The mother wishes that the baby be given directly to her after the birth.
- The father intends to cut the cord.
- If a C-section is necessary, the father intends to remain with the mother at all times
during the procedure.
- The mother and father have decided that the baby will NOT be circumcised.
- The baby will remain with one of his parents at all times. We realize that during nursing
shift changes, he/she may need to be removed for evaluation. However, if at all possible, we
wish that he be evaluated in our presence.
- The mother intends to breastfeed and requests that a bottle not be introduced without prior
coordination.
|