Juliet Martinez Induced Labor Birth Plan

Overall Philosophy
I realize that no birth can be predicted or fully controlled. Because of the high probability of having my labor induced, this plan deals exclusively with the risks involved with induced labor, and complications that may arise. My priorities are to maintain my engagement in the birth process and bond with and feed my baby immediately after birth.

Top Objectives
1. Set my own pace and progress in my own time, not be rushed or made to feel that my labor is taking too long.
2. Labor and birth in any positions that could help labor progress and reduce pain: sitting, kneeling, birthing ball, tub, hands and knees, etc.
3. Hold the baby right after delivery and wait to cut the umbilical cord until after it has stopped pulsating (especially if there are ANY complications).
4. I want to breast feed the baby before it is bathed or has its hands wiped or toweled off.

Requests
1. Please keep unrelated conversations to a minimum and the atmosphere focused on my labor.
2. I want to labor and birth in any position that will reduce my pain and help labor progress. Please encourage me to use non-medical forms of pain management.
3. I do not wish to be offered pain medication.
4. I do not wish to be rushed or made to feel I am not “performing” well.

Immediately After Birth
1. I prefer minimal separation from the baby.
2. I wish to hold the baby immediately and breast feed it before it is bathed.
3. I prefer to stimulate delivery of the placenta by breastfeeding, without pulling on the umbilical cord.
4. Routine medical procedures should be performed while the baby is in my arms, and shots and the application of medication to its eyes delayed until after the baby has nursed and rested for a while with Joel and me.

Regarding Medical Interventions
INDUCED LABOR
I request to use natural methods of induction to complement medical methods, and a low dose of pitocin, if possible.
I prefer not to have cytotec used to ripen my cervix.
I prefer to maintain the fullest possible mobility while laboring and birthing. I request to use a wireless (telemetry) monitor if available.
I want to eat and drink light nourishment to keep my energy up.

SHOULD I REQUEST PAIN MEDICATION
First use reassurance, changing positions, breathing and other non-medical forms of pain relief.
Should I still insist on pain medication, I request that my team observe a 30 minute delay and a final check with me before ordering it.
If epidural anesthesia is used, I request a light epidural that will enable me some feeling and mobility.

IN CASE OF CESAREAN BIRTH
I request the use of a mirror and/or a low drape so that I may view the surgery and emergence of the baby.
I request that the incision be closed with double stitching to enhance my chances of future successful vaginal deliveries.
I request that pain medication be administered before the epidural anesthesia wears off, and that I be allowed to self-regulate pain medication.
In order to facilitate breast feeding, I prefer that the baby stay with me after birth and all tests and procedures performed while the baby is in my arms.
I request to hold and feed the baby immediately.

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