Make a Plan...

I know that this is looooooong overdue, but I have a few new, soon-to-be mommies out there and I just wanted to share. A lot of people talk about birth plans, some love 'em, some hate 'em. I knew I would want one. It's the control freak in me. I needed to get some of this off my chest. But, I was a little hesitant and I didn't want to seem like crazy pregnant lady full of demands. But, now that I 've been through it, I am soooooo glad that I did it. I don't care what your doctor or nurse tells you, if you want a birth plan, by god have a birth plan! It was a life saver for me. During labor, I couldn't speak, at all. So, the paper spoke for me. If you are going all natural, make a birth plan. But, even if you aren't, I think it is a vital piece of information. Dr.s and Nurses do so many routine things, without checking with you first, IV's can be hooked up, exams take place, and stuff be given to baby, that you didn't want or expect. For example, a friend of mine went into the hospital in labor and was hooked up to an IV line. They put Stadol in the IV line, without letting her know first. She was ok with it, thankfully. But me, I would have freaked out! So, be aware of what you want/don't want when you are in labor and what you want/don't want for your baby. Who cares if you piss someone off. This is your health and your babies health that matters. We must become advocates of our own healthcare and bodies. I must say, everyone was really supportive of me, especially the nursery staff (we brought our own soap, lotion, diapers and refused any shots/eye drops for her).
So, if you don't know where to start, go to the bump.com or google "birth plan". And just because I love to over share, here's mine....

Birth Plan - Meagan R Jenks
Patient of Dr. Dorn

Labor

• I want my labor and delivery to be MEDICATION FREE.
• I would like to be free to walk around during labor.
• I wish to be able to move around and change position at will throughout labor.
• I would prefer to keep the number of vaginal exams to a minimum.

Monitoring

• I do not want an internal monitor unless Baby Jenks has shown some sign of distress.
• I would prefer intermittent fetal monitoring using a wireless device so I may move around.
  

Labor Augmentation/ Induction

• I would prefer to be allowed to try changing positions and other natural methods before Pitocin is administered.

Anesthesia/Pain Medication

• I realize that many pain medications exist. I'll ask for them if I need them.

Episiotomy

• I would prefer not to have an episiotomy unless absolutely required for Baby Jenks's safety.
• I would like to be allowed to push when my body signals me to do so.
• But, if needed, I would appreciate guidance in when to push and when to stop pushing so the perineum can stretch.
• If possible, I would like to use perineal massage to help avoid the need for an episiotomy.
• I would like a local anesthetic to repair a tear or an episiotomy.

Delivery

• During delivery, I would like to avoid usage of forceps and vacuum extraction.
• I would like to have Baby Jenks placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.

Immediately After Delivery

• Wait to cut the cord after it stops pulsating.
• I would like to hold Baby Jenks while I deliver the placenta and any tissue repairs are made.
• If Baby Jenks must be taken from me to receive medical treatment, Jeremy Jenks- husband will accompany Baby Jenks at all times.
• I do not want Pitocin routinely administered to deliver the placenta unless signs of hemorrhaging are apparent.

Breastfeeding

• I plan to breastfeed Baby Jenks and would like to begin nursing immediately after birth.
• Unless medically necessary, I do not wish to have any bottles given to Baby Jenks (including glucose water or plain water).
• I do not want Baby Jenks to be given a pacifier.

Baby Medications/Nursery

• I do not want Baby Jenks to receive Antibiotic Eye Ointment (I will sign AMA)
• I do not want Baby Jenks to receive a Hep B shot
• Father-Jeremy Jenks would like to give/assist with first bath using our shampoo, soap and lotion (Burt’s Bees).
• I would like Baby Jenks handprints/footprints put in our baby book (provided).