Hi,

Here is a cut and paste of our birth plan for my VBA1C. Hope it helps ...



We are hoping for a natural childbirth without unnecessary interventions or the use of drugs. This birth plan is intended to express the preference and desires we have for the birth of our baby. We fully realise that situations may arise such that our plan cannot and should not be followed. However, we hope that barring any extenuating circumstances, you will be able to keep us informed and aware of our options. Thank you.

Miscellaneous:
• To complete all possible paperwork prior to admission
• To have pictures and video taken
• No calls to the room

First Stage (Labour):
• I would prefer to keep vaginal exams to a minimum & not to be told of my cm dilation unless requested
• Maintain mobility (walking, rocking, shower etc.)
• Please do not offer me pain medications, I am aware of the options and will ask for them if I want them, I will be using Hypnobirthing Relaxation techniques
• Please refrain from any references to “pain”
• I would prefer intermittent EFM unless continuous monitoring is medically necessary
• I wish to be free of time limits and not have my labour augmented unless in a medical emergency

Second Stage (Birth):
• Choice of position
• Prolonged length, if progress is being made
• To have a mirror available to enable me to see crowning and birth
• I would prefer to tear than have an episiotomy, but please use compresses, massage and positioning. I only consent to have an episiotomy if there is a genuine medical emergency, or it becomes apparent that I will sustain a severe tear in which an episiotomy would prevent/be less severe.
• Husband to receive (‘catch’) the baby if possible
• To wait until the umbilical cord stops pulsating before clamping and allow my husband to cut the cord
• Baby not to receive Hepatitis B injection on day of birth

Third Stage (Delivery of Placenta):
• Allow at least 40 minutes for natural placenta delivery (No manual removal or injection)

Baby Care:
• I would like our baby to be immediately placed onto my bare chest
• Allow vernix to be absorbed into our baby’s skin
• All newborn procedures (weighing and measuring) to wait until I have had time to bond with and breastfeed our baby
• I would like the opportunity to view the placenta
• Breast feeding only (no pacifiers, formula or glucose water)

If an Emergency Caesarean Birth is required:
• Partner present
• Video/Pictures taken
• Screen lowered to view the birth or mirror
• I would like to have the theatre nurse unbutton my gown so baby can be placed straight onto my bare chest.
• Delay the clamping and cutting of the cord until it has stopped pulsating
• Partner to cut/trim the cord
• Our baby to be with me in recovery and to be able to breast feed in recovery also. Should medical circumstances prevent this, I request that our baby be with her father at all times.
• In the unlikely event that I need to have a general anaesthetic for my caesarean I wish for the birth of the baby to be photographed and videoed so I can view this at a later time. I also wish for my husband and baby to be in recovery upon my waking and I would like our baby to be placed onto my chest in recovery as soon as I awake so we can commence the bonding and feeding process.