Birth Preferences for *XXX*

We are happy to be known as *XXX*.

We’re hoping for a natural childbirth without unnecessary intervention or the use of drugs. We appreciate your support with our birth preferences.

Whilst we would prefer for an active, drug-free birth we do realise this may not be possible and in case of emergency would like to be transferred to the Princess Royal Hospital at Haywards Heath if possible.

As *DH* has a Suxiomethionine deficiency we will require a resus team and ITU standing by at the hospital if we are transferred. This also means that any drug stronger than gas and air is NOT to be given or offered unless it is absolutely necessary in the eyes of the midwives and ourselves.

ACTIVE BIRTH

I'd like the freedom to choose positions, use the shower or bath and walk around in labour as desired.

I’d prefer not to be offered drugs; I am aware of the options for pain relief and will ask for gas and air if needed. If I request drugs whilst in transition, please tell me that I am nearing the end and let me re-evaluate my request.

As long the baby and I are fine, I would prefer to be free of time limits and not have my labour augmented.

After birth, I would like to have the baby placed on my chest straight away without being cleaned up first – I would also like to attempt to feed my child straight away.

I would like to birth the placenta naturally without drugs (although I may request differently on the day) and for my husband to cut the cord once it finishes pulsating.


CAESAREAN

If a caesarean becomes necessary I’d like:

For my partner to be with me at all times (aside from scrubbing up and the transfer to the hospital).

For the screen lowered so we can witness the birth of our baby. I would ideally like to know what’s going on at all times, although I understand that this may not be do-able from a medical point of view.

Unless prevented by medical emergency, I would like my baby to be placed on my chest while you complete the procedure.

To be sure that a double layer suture is used and not a single layer in order to improve my chances for a future VBAC.

For the cord to stop pulsating before you clamp and cut it.

The opportunity to breastfeed our baby in recovery.


AFTER BIRTH

All newborn procedures (weighing and measuring) to wait until I have had time to bond with and breastfeed our baby.

I’d prefer not to have the routine Syntocinon injection to help deliver the placenta

Unless forceps or a C-section has been required, or the birth has been very long and traumatic, we would prefer for our baby not to receive a vitamin K injection.

I would like my husband to stay with me for as long as possible so the baby is used to him.




Thanks for that Kelly - here's mine (heavily based on your template, but also after some discussion with the midwives so I know what they will and won't do!).