Howdy,

I hope this is helpful for your own planning. I don't mention enemas, shaving, and other stuff because a lot of that is not done anywhere at all any more, and mentioning it in the birth plan kinda makes the couple look ignorant. Besides, if they do spring something on you, you can refuse consent anyway.

We didn't mention antibiotic eyedrops nor the Vitamin K shot for the newborn. Those procedures are often required by the state. You may get a choice between silver nitrate and (I think) erythromicin eyedrops; we'll go with erythromicin if we have a choice in Washington State, because the silver nitrate is supposedly much more irritating to baby's eyes.

We also didn't include a disclaimer that says, "If there are serious complications and we need a C-section, that's OK," because, well, if there are serious complications and I need a C-section, it'll happen, and it doesn't need to be stated. YMMV.

I'm sure we've left other stuff out. Definitely read yer books and base your own birth plan on something besides the "What to Feel Guilty About" book.

-Michele

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21 March 1999
1) People attending: Tom, Heather [my sister], doc, nurses. No other family or acquaintances until after baby's arrival.

2) No I.V.'s. I have a phobia. I will take all nourishment, liquids, & electrolytes by mouth.

3) Any blood drawn must be taken by an R.N., not general phlebotomist, and will be given when I feel calm enough to give it.

4) I wish to avoid as many interventions as possible, so I want the labor to be allowed to progress naturally, taking unexpected delays in stride. The baby may take its time in coming, and that is OK.

5) In the interest of keeping other interventions to a minimum, I do not want an epidural or other spinal block.

6) Because routine episiotomies often lead to more serious tears than a birth without episiotomy at all, and because without an episiotomy I have about a 50% chance of any tear, I do not want any episiotomy.

7) Tom would like to cut the cord and assist in suction. We will wait until the cord stops pulsing.

8) I want the freedom to move around, assume positions that are comfortable for me and the fetus, perform relaxation techniques I find useful, and ultimately deliver the baby from a position healthful for me and the baby. If the baby presents in an inconvenient or difficult position, I want to use my body position and the attendants' skill to move the baby before we resort to instruments and surgery.

9) I would like the baby placed on my belly right away, not rubbed down too vigorously (to leave the vernix on). The baby is never to leave my sight or the room.

10) If the baby is a boy, he will not be circumcised.

11) Names

12) Because I will want to move around, I am reluctant to consent to fetal monitors that require me to stay still. However, I will consent to short-term monitoring with non-invasive instruments.

13) I would like to be able to keep the lights dim.

14) Once the baby has arrived and Tom and I and the baby are having a quiet time together, I would like a gin and tonic.