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.

Birthplan for ______________________

Paragraph about yourself and your birth team:

We would like:

DURING LABOR:

• Natural, drug-free birth (remaining flexible) or Medication is desired and will appreciate support and decision making around this
• Calm atmosphere
• Be informed about all procedures/treatments
• Remain as mobile as possible = telemetry unit or intermittent monitoring if possible

DURING PUSHING:

• If guided pushing becomes necessary I would prefer calm gentle guidance from _____________ and Felicia
• Protect the perineum with massage, slow guidance with pushing/stretching

AFTER BIRTH:

• Baby placed on birthing person’s belly and skin to skin as long as possible
• Please allow the cord to stop pulsating before clamping (even if it takes longer than 1 minute)
• 15-20 minutes of limited activity with baby after birth, if possible.
• I am sending my placenta with Felicia Y/N

NEWBORN CARE:

• Vitamin K Y/N
• Eye ointment Y/N
• Hep B vaccine Y/N

Key Questions for when a medical procedure or treatment is suggested:
**These do not need to be included in your birthplan**

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?