When I sat down to start writing, I pulled a few examples from the internet. I printed out the fill-in birth plan from The Bump and wrote down my thoughts from there. I also took some liberties and added more information, such as our phone numbers, emergency contacts other than Brandon and myself, our pediatrician, and my current medications and allergies.
Some important issues for me to list were: pain medicine, labor augmentation, c-section, and family and friend visitors.
- Unless there is something wrong, I do NOT want to be induced! I do believe that Brandon and I deserve one "normal" thing in this pregnancy. The thrill of my contractions becoming closer together (and worsening) or my water breaking in the middle of the night is something that we want.
- I do NOT want a c-section unless it is absolutely necessary. My pelvic pain had me terrified of a vaginal birth, but I want the experience of delivering Elliana unless the doctors see reason for a c-section.
- There are many different ways to deliver a baby, and some Moms choose to deliver with or without pain medication. I WANT an epidural. Again, with my pelvic pain there is NO way that I can push baby girl out of my hoo-ha without it!
- As far as visitors are concerned, Brandon and I know that we do NOT want any family or friend visitors for the first hour after Elliana is born. The idea of trying to bond with our daughter and me breastfeed with a room full of people staring at me doesn't sound appealing at all. Thankfully, Brookwood does NOT allow family in the room after delivery unless it's cleared with the Mom. Elliana and I will be able to bond over breast feeding, and Brandon wants to engage her in "skin-to-skin" shortly after her birth as well. I don't think we're asking too much, and I hope that our families will understand. We did wait 26 months to be blessed with a healthy pregnancy, and it's been one LONG pregnancy!
At the end of the plan, I wrote a simple note thanking the nurses and doctors for reading our wishes. Brandon and I have dreamed of this day for so long and I will do anything that I can now to plan and prepare myself for delivery day. We both know that plans do change, and I have no idea what Elliana's birth day will hold for us, but sure like feeling prepared! I plan on giving the birth plan to our nurse as soon as we enter the hospital (maybe along with some candy or other goodies!)
Once all of the finishing touches are in place I will post our birth plan here for y'all to take a peek (and see truly how OCD I am)!
Countdown: 9 weeks 4 days
Great list and I especially love your one about having time to bond with your little girl. That is moments you can never get back. Family and friends have plenty of time to welcome Ellie and have her in their lives for a very long time. Take time to yourselves for this incredible moment.
ReplyDeleteIt is always good to plan ahead.
ReplyDeleteSUCH a good idea to write up a birth plan. I can't wait to read your birth story. It won't be long now!!!
ReplyDelete