Birth Plan

  Locations of visitors to this page
be notified of website changes? subscribe
New Year's Day 2001

 

Rose, my wife

Our Wedding Day

Hale-Bopp

Birth Plan

Weaning Isaac

Toilet-Training Isaac

Bunk Bed

Omi Marga

Dziadziu, my Dad

Felicia, my sister

Our Cottage

Waller Street

18th Street

pets

more pets

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Birth Plan

[Note for the web version: After reading and hearing about birth plans during the classes I took during Rose's pregnancy with Isaac, I thought it made sense to write ours down and hand them out to the staff as they came on shift. After all, I thought, we'd be busy with birthing a baby, and wouldn't want to be repeating our wishes, or even forgetting some vital point. This worked well, especially as our hospital seemed to have staggered shifts, and new people came on duty every three hours. But what worked best, according to the staff, was having one of these taped to the door of our delivery room. That way everyone saw it on the way in. And most of them read it, and commented to us about it. I hope this helps. And remember, these are just plans. The unexpected happens, and one must be flexible in jettisoning any plans made beforehand for the requirements of the moment.]

Michael and I have been together for three years. He knows me very well and I trust his judgement. Please be confident that he knows what I want and need during my labor. In addition to Michael, my labor support team includes doula Medea Aranda and some family members. They're here to help me through the stages of labor and delivery. I'd appreciate the support of the hospital staff with birthing positions - and anything else - to minimize labor discomfort without the use of drugs.

I've kept active (whenever possible) throughout my pregnancy. Until the end of my sixth month we hiked extensively throughout the city.

Preferred Labor Options

  • I have a very strong desire for natural childbirth, both for our baby and for my sense of personal gratification.
  • It's very important to me that I be able to move around while in labor. I want to be able to change positions, walk around, take baths or showers, or try other things to decrease discomfort.
  • I want intermittent fetal monitoring after the initial 20 minute strip, and the wireless remote version if constant monitoring is requested by the medical staff.
  • I want to eat and drink at will, and to avoid an IV.

Preferred Birth Options

  • I would like to be free to use a variety of birthing positions during the second stage of labor.
  • I want no episiotomy unless it becomes absolutely necessary.

Preferred Post-Partum Options

  • I'd like to have the room as quiet as possible during the birth; the lights as low as possible; for Michael to cut the umbilicus; to delay cutting the umbilicus until the blood has finished flowing through; for our baby to be on me immediately after birth to bond and to breastfeed.
  • Please delay all staff interactions with us and our baby for the first sixty minutes after birth. This is a very important time for us. I feel very strongly about having this quiet time with Michael and our baby.
  • Please inform me in advance of all procedures involving our baby after delivery.
  • I'd prefer that Michael and I do most of our baby care after birth.
  • I'd prefer that our baby stay in the room with us.
  • I'd like to have Michael with our baby during all post-partum procedures.
  • I want to breastfeed our baby.
  • I don't want our baby to receive water, suger water, or formula.
  • I'd appreciate help and support with learning how to breastfeed, including seeing a lactation counsellor.

The Unexpected

  • If difficulties arise during labor, I want both of us to be consulted before procedures are performed.
  • If a cesarean becomes necessary, I want Michael to be present and for me to be awake. After the cesarean I would like to avoid medication for nausea and trembling so that I don't miss the first few hours with our baby.

We are thrilled to be here with you. Thank you all very much for all of your help and support!

Have you found errors nontrivial or marginal, factual, analytical and illogical, arithmetical, temporal, or even typographical? Please let me know; drop me email. Thanks!
 

What's New?  •  Search this Site  •  Website Map
Travel  •  Burning Man  •  San Francisco
Kilts! Kilts! Kilts!  •  Macintosh  •  Technology  •  CU-SeeMe
This page is copyrighted 1993-2008 by Lila, Isaac, Rose, and Mickey Sattler. All rights reserved.