I am a planner… I feel like we have established that fact in our Cake relationship at this point.
But, in case you’re new around here… I am a big time planner. Like, write it ten times in different ways on different mediums just to feel better prepared for whatever is coming or happening type of planner.
So as we wait for baby -ONE MONTH TO OUR DUE DATE- I have had to really let go of control considering the fact you can’t really say to your kid, “Alright, come this day at this time so I can have everything ready, I feel prepared both emotionally and physically, and it’s just gonna be a hunkydory day.” Well, I suppose a scheduled C-section you can sort of have that… but even still- you never know! Something my midwife advised us to do was write out a birth plan. This not only helps you see on paper what you want from early labor from home all the way through postpartum, but it is an easy way to inform your nursing staff at the hospital of exactly what you want on D-Day. It will minimize questions, confusion, unwanted medications or action, and will keep you focused on what matters- bringing that baby here.
I wrote out my birth plan with help from a friend who had an identical birth to my dream plan. She said her husband literally just handed it to the nurses when they arrived at the hospital.
I also created check-lists that are hanging with my birth plan on the fridge for Paul when I go into labor. From what to make sure is in the car, who to contact, to “is the spare key ready for our friends who are set to come take care of Presley” and “lock the front and back doors.” I thought through everything he will be needing to do to hopefully help make those moments a little more at ease and less frantic. It will also give me the freedom to labor and stay calm rather than answering questions and running around like a mad woman trying to make sure everything gets done.
Easy Birth Plan Guideline for Non-medicated Birth:
Birth Plan for ______________
(A clear birth plan to give to nursing staff at hospital)
Mom:
Dad:
OB-GYN:
Baby’s Gender/Name:
Other People Allowed in Room During Labor
Name:
Relation to Mom-to-be:
Early Labor
-I plan to labor from home for as long as possible until active labor has begun. My midwife will be notified immediately once contractions/labor has begun, and I will keep in contact with her every 2 hours or less until told to leave home for hospital.
-I will be using breathing techniques and other learned natural methods of relaxation to manage labor pain.
Active Labor
-Intermittently monitored
-Up and moving during contractions (even in the scenario of required continuous monitoring)
-Have a hep-lock instead of being hooked up to continuous IV
-Vaginal exams only when necessary
-I would like to labor from the bath tub/shower if requested
**For pain management** I would like to have an unmedicated labor and birth. Any form of pain medications/epidural will be by request only.
Transition/Pushing
-I would like non-directive, instinctive pushing
-I would like to push in whatever position feels right to me and is safe for my baby
-I want to avoid an episiotomy
-I would like the baby placed on my chest immediately for skin to skin contact
-Please delay cutting the cord until it has stopped pulsating
-Your team may cut the cord unless requested otherwise by father of baby
Immediate Postpartum
-I would like the baby to remain on my chest for as long as possible- please delay any baby care that cannot be completed while baby is with me in first moments together.
-I plan on exclusively breast feeding our son
-Vitamin K, Erythromycin, and Hep B may be given to our baby at proper time
-Nobody is allowed into our room after delivery unless accompanied by my husband
-Baby will be circumcised at hospital
Thank you so much! We are so thankful for all of you, and are certain this will be an amazing experience with your team.
xoxo,
Contact Immediately When I Go Into labor:
***Here you will list out who you want spouse to contact immediately upon going into labor- keep this list short for hubby’s sake
*Be sure to make it clear ahead of time who you are okay with parents/immediate contacts informing of labor (how many people do you REALLY want to know while you are in labor that you are IN LABOR)
Friends to tell early on in labor:
***These can be people your spouse contacts or immediate family (those listed above) can contact for you
People allowed in hospital room day of delivery:
***Think through your personality and who you would REALLY want allowed in your hospital room half naked in your most vulnerable state after laboring and feeling exhausted…
Allowed to our house the first days following:
***This is totally up to you, your personality, etc. BUT think through it beforehand- you will not want to when you’re sleep deprived.
Check–list for Dad on D–Day
- Is the carseat installed?
- Hannah’s luggage in car
- Birthing Ball in car
- Pauls luggage & Dad Bag in car
- Aux cable/iPhone chargers/Laptop charger
- Contact list of immediate family to inform
- Dog pottied/fed/in front office with food, water, and toys
- Spare key for Sanfords to take of Presley
- Snacks and waters packed for P + H in room
- House and dishes tidied
- Doors locked
- Hannah’s diaper bag
- Laptops
- X-box for movies (movies Hannah wants will be in her luggage)
- Playlists ready on Spotify/ Commercial free Spotify purchased
- Pillows and blankets for P+H (regular and pregnancy)
- Boppy Pillow
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