Preparing for Birth

I will bring a rolling suitcase filled with:

• Hotpacks
• Aromatherapy vaporizer
• Massage oils/lotions
• Ipod and speakers loaded with a variety of music
• Focal points
• Handheld fan
• Strand of twinkle lights

I recommend that you pack two separate bags for your trip to the hospital: one bag for labor and one for after the baby is born.

The labor bag usually requires less. Labor rooms can be really small and space is limited. Keep in mind that we will most likely be traveling to the hospital in the middle of the night and the laboring person will be having contractions every 4 – 5 steps…the less you have to carry up the better.

Pack another bag to leave in the car with all of the things you will need after the baby is born – this is usually the bigger bag.

Labor bag

• Shower shoes or flip-flops
• Swim suit for partner/husband
• Shower accessories (toothpaste, brush, chapstick, etc.)
• 2 pillows in brightly colored pillow cases (in a garbage bag)
• Cooler with food – frozen entrees, bagels, muffins, popsicles, applesauce, fig newtons, hard boiled eggs, coconut water.
• Chargers and power strip

Postpartum bag

• Nursing gowns
• Nursing bras
• Breastfeeding book
• Breastfeeding pillow
• Any other items you feel appropriate for your hospital stay

I will assist you in filling out a birthplan such as the one below. The birthplan preferences listed are just a sampling of some of the more common desires people  have for their births. These do not have to be your desires, feel free to modify the birthplan as is appropriate for you.

What I most like about this birthplan is how organized, short and to the point it is. It is not necessary to list such things as “No bright lights, dim lights only” – such a request is easy enough to accomplish.

Note how positively this birthplan is phrased. It is not necessary to use words such as; no, don’t or never. With respect and creativity we will be able to relay your wishes to all involved.

Birth Preferences for ______________________

Paragraph about yourself and your birth team:

We would like:

DURING LABOR

• Un-medicated, drug-free birth (remaining flexible)
  OR will attempt to get as far as possible without medication may opt for Epidural
  OR would like an epidural when timing seems right or pain is unmanageable.
• Calm atmosphere
• Be informed about all procedures/treatments
• Remain as mobile as possible

DURING PUSHING

• If guided pushing becomes necessary I would prefer calm gentle guidance and be encouraged and supported to push in different positions.
• Protect the perineum with massage, slow guidance with pushing/stretching

AFTER BIRTH (If baby does not require assistance)

• Please allow cord to stop pulsating before clamping EVEN IF IT TAKES more than 30 seconds
• Baby placed on mothers belly skin-to-skin
• As much time of limited activity with baby after birth, if possible.
• Delay all non-critical medical procedures until we have had a chance to breastfeed, eye-ointment yes/no, Hep B yes/no, bath will be delayed 24 hours

Please no episiotomy or instrumental delivery unless it is a true medical emergency. Please assist us with position changes and other ways to change the situation before opting for those.

We are attempting biological instinctive nursing and would appreciate support but also requesting to allow mama and baby to attempt without grabbing mothers breast or baby’s head.

Listed below are not part of your written birth plan. These are key questions for when a medical procedure or treatment is suggested:

1. Is there a problem?
2. Is this an emergency or do we have time to wait?
3. What are the benefits or advantages of doing this?
4. What are the risks or disadvantages?
5. If we do this, what other treatments or procedures might be needed as a result?
6. What else could we try first or instead?
7. What would happen if we waited before deciding?