Officially two days away from my EDD - woohoo! I have an appointment on that day and want to bring my "birth plan" with to go over with the doctor. Last time I spoke with this doctor (there are like 6 at this practice) he was supportive about my wanting an unmedicated birth, but wasn't much on board with some of the other things I was concerned about (like the constant monitoring - his reply was "it's just velcro - no needles, it doesn't hurt!" lol). I was sort of unprepared then and hesitant to state myself, but now that I'm so close, I've gained some confidence, so I'm going to ask if I can put my pants back on before we discuss these things and try and see if I can't get a better response from him.

But here it is - I tried to keep it short, to the point, and about things I'm most concerned about. I tried to be respectful and to not come across as untrusting. I want to compromise with the nurses (we're totally bringing them Dunkin Donuts when I go in as a peace offering) and have them on my side, but I have my doubts going in. :S

*Disclaimer: I have totally stolen bits and pieces of this plan from the internets, bloggers, and former Bees. I have no shame - they put things better than I can muster at the moment.

Okay, so what do you think? Should I word it differently/change anything up? I'm going to send it to my doula tonight to critique as well.

Birth Preferences

Our names are Mrs. & Mr.
Our doula's name is SupahAwesomeDoula

We are hoping for a natural childbirth without unnecessary interventions or the use of drugs. We have asked a doula to be present during the birth to help us work towards this. We appreciate your support!

This plan represents our preferences; however, I fully understand that labor is unpredictable and, in the event of unforeseen difficulties, it may need to be re-negotiated. I trust my caretakers to make the best decisions for baby's safe delivery. In the exception of an immediate emergency situation, I would request that any procedures, decisions, and risks be discussed with my husband and I so we have full understanding moving forward.

Active birth
- I would like the freedom to choose positions, use the shower or bath and walk around in labor as desired.

- I am happy to have intermittent external fetal monitoring unless continuous monitoring is medically necessary.

- I do not want a routine IV, but am okay with a hep-lock IV as an alternative in case of emergency. I would like to use clear liquids (water, ice, popsicles, etc) for hydration as opposed to intravenous fluids during labor.

- I wish to be free of time limits and not have my labor augmented unless in a medical emergency.

Induction

- If baby and I are well, I would like to go beyond my due date. I am happy to discuss a plan should my pregnancy reach the end of term at 42 weeks.

Birth and Soon After

-Presuming baby and I are well, we'd like:

- To have immediate skin-to skin contact with baby after birth and to begin breastfeeding right away.

- For all newborn procedures (weighing and measuring) to wait until I have had time to bond with and begin breastfeeding our baby.

- For baby to be given only breast milk - strictly no water or formula.

-I would prefer to wait on administering pitocin after delivery unless I need it to control bleeding.

- We will not be circumcising baby.