Been reading through these, lots of excellent awesome plans.

I think mine is going to be pretty rough. I had great support last time and am returning to the same hospital with the same ob.

At home:

1. Stay at home for as long as possible/sensible. Don't forget how long it now takes to get to the hospital
2. Utilise the shower as pain relief.
3. Call mum to come and look after DD.

Hospital

1. Soft music and lighting when possible
2. Be as mobile as I can
3. Use the shower/bath for pain relief
4. Rely on DH and midwife for physical/emotional support
5. Avoid labouring on back unless I absolutely have to (ie - in the instance of a vaginal examination)
6. Avoid drugs. I know what is available but not one worked previously. NO epidural as a back injury makes it virtually impossible to get it into my back.
7. Episiotomy okay in the instance of a forceps delivery but like previous birth, I insist on prior warning. Please warn DH if incision is to occur.
8. DH is to announce the baby's gender upon birth and cut the cord.
9. Skin on skin contact immediately after birth. If I am unable to have contact due to medical emergency reasons, please allow DH skin on skin contact
10. I plan to breastfeed
11. If I am unable to hold baby or baby must leave me in the case of a medical emergency, please allow DH to remain with baby at all times. If the time we are separated is prolonged, please call my mum to assist me.

Notes to DH:

- In supporting me, I give you permission to refuse an epidural if I am unable to say so and you believe it is in my best interests to avoid one.
- Remind me that I can do this. I have done it and we have a beautiful daughter waiting to meet her brother/sister.
- Remind me that I should use all of my breath to push baby out (well, we all have our duh moments)
- Have the camera ready and get the photo just like you did with DD - of the midwife handing her to me

I might come back to update this, but so far feeling pretty comfortable. I had great support in birthing DD and I have complete faith in returning to the same people.