Having a caesarean is not what we planned BUT we do understand that due to my prior uterine surgery this is the safest option for my baby and myself.
Our concern is that as the birth is surgically assisted, it may be highly medicalised, sterile, cold and detached. We want our baby’s birth to be a time of welcoming, warmth and connection. Therefore, what we are wanting is a birth that, as much as possible within the surgical setting, is ‘naturalised’. In no way are we wanting to put our baby or myself at risk, but we are also not wanting “medicalised” where “naturalised” is possible.
This birth plan is a guide for an ideal birth given the current circumstances for my husband, baby and I.
It contains things that are important for our family unit.
We however understand that flexibility is necessary and we are open to other suggestions and paths that may need to be taken due to medical reasons and we would like to be consulted first as the need/time arises.
Should I be unable to make decisions, I request all details and decisions about my medical care be discussed with my husband present.
We have set out below, in point form, our requests as we have a strong desire for the birth to be a bonding and welcoming experience.
We have heard many wonderful things about Mercy Hospital and we hope that you understand and support our birthing plan.
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Communication:
• We would like to have someone talk through the process of our baby’s birth whilst it is happening
Environment:
• We would like to supply the music to be played during our baby’s delivery
• We would like the theatre lights to be dimmed when our baby is delivered
Procedure:
• We do not wish to have a screen placed in front of us (please use one that lays flat across my stomach if required). If a screen is necessary, we would like it lowered when our baby is delivered.
• I would like to be placed on a slightly raised angle (45o angle to view and assist)
• I would like to have sterile hands/gloves (to help prevent infection in case of contact with wound)
• I would like to assist in the delivery of our baby (Once the babies head/shoulders are visible and out I would like to be guided in placing my hands under the arms of our baby and assist in lifting our baby out of my stomach onto my chest (as per most natural child birthing situations)
• If I am unable to assist in the delivery, we would like our baby to be placed on my chest immediately for skin-to-skin contact with a blanket placed over the top of us both
Contact with our baby:
• Following the delivery, we would like our baby to be placed on my chest immediately for skin-to-skin contact with a blanket placed over the top of us both. If the baby is unable to delivered directly to me, we would like it to be delivered to my hasband
• We would like the baby to remain on my chest whist I am being sutured
• If there is any medical reason that I should need to be separated from my baby, we request Matthew is to remain with the baby at all times
• We would like all paediatric examinations to be completed within the theatre room
Umbilical cord:
• We would like the cord to be clamped by my husband, only once the cord has finished pulsating
Placenta:
• We would like to view my placenta once it has been removed
Recovery:
• We would like to be together as a family whilst I am in recovery. If this is not possible, I would like to have a support person with me in recovery.
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Thank you very much for taking the time to read our Birth Plan, and we hope we can discuss any problems you see with it.
We thank you in advance for your support and kind attention to our choices, as we look forward to a wonderful birth.
Your support and co-operation is greatly appreciated.
