My Labor, Birth & Postpartum Preferences
While coming up with my own birth plan (or preferences) I found it helpful to read what other parents wanted for their ideal birth situation. It’s important to just take inspiration from others, and not copy their plan exactly. Chat with your care providers and partner to determine what is best for you and your birth. It’s also important to know that sometimes babies have a mind of their own, or our bodies don’t progress the way we wish they would and our ‘plan/preferences’ have to be adjusted or altered. That’s okay.
With that in mind, here are my birth preferences:
People Preferences
My husband Matthew Gregory and my doula Erin O’Reilly will be attending the birth and assisting me with natural pain management
I ask our room number not be shared with anyone who may contact the hospital
Room Preferences
I prefer calm energy and dim lighting, please keep the door closed, the room quiet with minimal interruptions and I’d like to use essential oils if possible (will not be using a diffuser)
I would like to limit the amount of staff in the room at any given time (please no students as I want to focus my energy on my natural birth)
We would like to have the option to play our own music
Pain Relief Preferences
My preference is for birth without an epidural. We will be using an assortment of pain management techniques including breathing, massage, shower/bath and nitrous oxide
Please only offer other pain medications if I ask for them
Labor & Birth Preferences
I would like minimal vaginal exams
I’d like to push and deliver in whatever position(s) feel natural to me and start pushing when I naturally feel the urge. I am aware that directed pushing can be helpful when progress is not being made and also during crowning etc. I am open to coaching and encouragement to help me as needed
If labour is not progressing, I would like to be encouraged to move and try a squatting bar or different positions to help the baby along.
I would like a warm compress on my perineum to reduce the amount of tearing and to be told when to slow/stop pushing during the birth of the baby's head
I would like the option to view the birth using a mirror and to touch my baby's head as it crowns
Please use local anesthesia for repairs if necessary
If possible I would like my partner and/or doula to take pictures/film
I would prefer the placenta to deliver as naturally as possible
Delayed cord clamping, please wait until the cord has stopped pulsating completely
Postpartum Preferences
I would like skin-to-skin contact to start immediately after birth and I want to breastfeed as soon as possible. If I am unable to have skin-to-skin contact with my baby, then my husband should do it
I would like the option to see my placenta
My goal is to breastfeed exclusively, if I am having difficulty I would like to see a lactation consultant. I have pumped colostrum for my baby in case I am unable to breastfeed
All procedures on the baby should be completed in the room with both parents present whenever possible, if the baby must leave the room my partner Matthew must also be present
*If a C-Section is necessary I would like to stay conscious and for my partner Matthew Gregory to remain with me. I would still like skin-to-skin contact and the opportunity to breastfeed as soon as medically possible after delivery*
Thank you again for being a part of this life-altering experience! We appreciate all that you do!
