Birth Preferences

So you may have figured out by now that I'm a little bit of a hippy. Between the vegetarianism, the natural cleaning products, and the dislike of taking medication, I'm definitely more of a tree-hugger than most people I know. I internally cringe when people use more than one paper towel to clean something up. I would rather they use a rag, but the 12 paper towels for a little spilled water is ridiculous! Most times I just keep my mouth shut because I know not everyone subscribes to my brand of crazy. But the one thing I'm sticking to is my desire to have a medication-free childbirth. I completely understand that I have no idea how labor and delivery will go, but I have to go in with the mindset that I can do this! In preparation, I've been listening to my Calm Birth meditation CDs, practicing my deep-breathing techniques, and reading this book by Ina May Gaskin. This woman makes me look like an NRA-card-carrying, meat-eating, pharmaceutical rep! She is a midwife and author who actually established a community in Tennessee called The Farm. Scared yet? Yeah, she's nutty, but the woman knows her stuff when it comes to natural childbirth. I'm about half way through the book and I'm gaining a lot of confidence and knowledge about the whole L&D process. My plan right now is to stay at home as long as possible while in labor so I can avoid medical interventions I don't want. We only live a few minutes from the hospital, so I feel good about this decision. Again, I'm open to the reality of what may happen, but if all goes well, here's what I'm hoping for. May I present... my birth wish list!

The following represent our preferences for a child birth free from medication. We understand that during labor and delivery certain medical situations can arise that may change these wishes and we trust the medical staff at the hospital to do what is best for us and our son. Thank you!!


Labor

• I have been practicing the relaxation techniques learned in the Calm Birth class offered at MMH. I will be meditating and attempting to breathe through the discomforts of labor and request low lights and quiet voices throughout delivery.

• I would appreciate being assigned a nurse who enjoys natural births.

• Please refrain from any medical interventions not previously agreed upon. I am happy to discuss any measures which may be deemed medically necessary prior to their implementations.

• Please no IV. A Saline-Lock or Hep-Lock is fine. I would also like to be able to drink fluids throughout labor.

• I would prefer intermittent monitoring.

• Please do not offer pain medication or ask me if I am in any pain. I will ask if I need it.

• I would appreciate a minimum of vaginal exams and do not want to be informed of my progress.

Delivery

• I do not want an episiotomy, but am willing to discuss its necessity should the occasion arise.

• Please do not cut the umbilical cord until it has stopped pulsing.

• I would prefer not to receive Pitocin to deliver the placenta.

• Unless our baby is in distress, please allow me to have skin-to-skin contact and nurse immediately after delivery.

Newborn Care

• If our baby must leave the room for evaluation or treatment, my husband or I should accompany him at all times.

• Please do not give our baby a bottle/formula/pacifier unless absolutely necessary, and only if myself or my husband have given explicit permission to do so.

Cesarean

• If it becomes necessary to deliver our baby by C-section, I would like to avoid general anesthesia unless absolutely medically necessary.

• I would like to have my husband present at all times.

• If our baby is not in distress, please allow my husband to hold him immediately.

We have left a basket of treats at the nurses’ station. Please enjoy them, and thank you for your assistance throughout our stay here! We truly appreciate all that you do for your patients!

I'm hoping the basket of treats helps the nurses like me. :)


Breakfast - egg white and cheese on a croissant; OJ
Snack - hot cocoa
Lunch - soy "chicken" patty on whole wheat bread with light spicy mayo; four pieces on cheddar on water crackers; clementine; sliced cucumbers in light honey mustard; two Hershey kisses
Snack - half an organic apple; two pieces of Godiva chocolate (the people that keep leaving chocolate in the teachers' room are killing me!)
Dinner - vegetarian chili with tortilla chips and cheese
Dessert - raisin English muffin with natural peanut butter; glass of organic chocolate soymilk