**Any tips or suggestions are greatly appreciated! Remember, we’re first-timers! 
**
This is for best case scenario… I’m completely open to changes and realize that what NEEDS to happen takes priority over what I WANT to happen. I know my opinions may differ from yours, but please respect our wishes (especially regarding pain options, breastfeeding and circumcision).
GENERAL:
*We ask that the doctor discuss with us any procedures/medications PRIOR to administration and that we’re allowed the chance to ask questions before giving consent (UNLESS it’s an emergency and there’s no time or we cannot be asked)
LABOR:
*I’d like to be free to walk around and change position during labor
*I’d like to spend the first stage of labor at home: walking, in a shower, etc
*I would like to be able to have fluids by mouth throughout the first stage of labor
*I will be bringing my own music to play during labor
*I would like the lights in the room to be kept low during my labor
*I do NOT want an IV unless I am dehydrated
*I prefer not to be interrupted during contractions and to have talking kept to a minimum (thanks to @GR8MIDWIFE for reminding me of this one!)
MONITORING:
*I do not want an internal monitor (unless lil boy is in danger)
LABOR AUGMENTATION/INDUCTION:
*UPDATED: If labor is not progressing, I’d like the amniotic membrane ruptured before any other method is tried I’d like to try natural methods first (see the next point)
*I would prefer to be allowed to change positions and use other natural methods (walking, stimulation, etc) to induce or augment labor
*I prefer not to receive Pitocin
PAIN MEDS:
*I’m aware of my options and will ASK for them if I want them
*I want to try this without any meds (no epidural) and would prefer breathing techniques, distraction, massage and meditation
*IF I end up requesting an epidural, I’d like it to wear off before pushing
CESAREAN:
*I would like to avoid a c-section unless absolutely necessary
*If a c-section is required, I’d like to be fully informed and to participate in the decision making process
*I would like hubby present at all times
*I’d like the surgery explained to me as it’s happening
*So I can view the birth, I would like the screen lowered just before delivery of the lil boy
EPISIOTOMY:
*I would prefer not to have an episiotomy unless absolutely required
*I am hoping to protect the perineum. I am practicing ahead of time by squatting, doing Kegel exercises and perineal massage
*I would appreciate guidance in when to push and when to stop pushing so the perineum can stretch
*I would like a local anesthetic to repair a tear or an episiotomy
DELIVERY:
*I am hoping for a vaginal delivery
*Hubby should be in the room with me at all times
*I would like a mirror available to see the baby crowning
*I would like the room lights turned low during delivery
AFTER DELIVERY:
*Hubby will cut the cord
*I’d like the baby placed on me immediately following delivery
*I would like the baby evaluated in my presence
*UPDATED: It’s okay for baby to receive the eye drops
*UPDATED: *I need to research the vit K shot/vaccines*
*If the baby must be taken for medical treatment, hubby should be with him at all times
*I do not want Pitocin after delivery
*I would prefer to try to urinate on my own before being catheterized
*I want to donate cord blood if possible
*I would like to see the placenta after it is delivered
POSTPARTUM:
*I’d like a private room, with hubby able to sleep in my room
*Family should be allowed unlimited visitation
*UPDATED: I would prefer the lil boy be kept in the nursery and brought to me upon request and for breastfeeding. in my room, with DH and me, to allow for proper breastfeeding and bonding.
BREASTFEEDING:
*I plan to exclusively breastfeed the lil boy and would like to begin nursing very shortly after birth
*I prefer no bottles are given to him
*I would like to meet with a lactation consultant
CIRCUMCISION:
*UPDATED: I’m continuing research on this issue, thanks to concerned readers. Please don’t attack us for our decision.
*I would like the lil boy to be circumcised before we check out of the hospital
*I’d like a local anesthetic to be used and hubby to be present
PHOTOS/VIDEO:
*I’d like photos taken during labor/after delivery (no video)
*I want the hospital photographer to take pictures of the lil boy when he’s ready
.….……ok, I’d like some advice on the Pitocin. As you can see, I don’t want it. But I’m open to hearing why I SHOULD have it (or if you want to reinforce my decision not to have it, let’s hear that too)!!
Anything I’m missing? I feel so relieved to have this done, now I just need to print it! Who do I give it to? The hospital when we arrive? The doctor ahead of time? Multiple copies?
This was made with help from birthplan.com and my “What to Expect” pregnancy journal/organizer.
Awesome!! I can’t wait to write one of these!! I have no clue who to give it to either… Doula maybe if you’re having one? Man! How cool is all of that?! So excited for you!! Can’t wait to hear how it all goes!!
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Are you sure about him being in the nursery? i found that i didnt want mine out of sight when she was born. i was in awe and stared a lot! did u see my birth plan? http://omgip.blogspot.com/2009/10/birth-plan.html — if not, read that, and then compare to our birth story: http://omgip.blogspot.com/2009/10/birth-story.html — read the comments too, you and futuremama will find them useful Im sure xx
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Baby Dickey Reply:
November 8th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Yes, I did read them! You have an incredible birth story! I hope mine goes as smoothly
And I agree, I’m going to change that part of my birth plan.. I want him with me, not in the nursery! Thanks 
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ps. give to whomever first inspects you, and keep an extra copy too. make sure mr D knows all about it as you may not be in a fit state on enforce your choices xx
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I created a detailed birth plan for clients if you want me to email it to you, I’d be more than happy. You want to give it to your doctor at one of your visits, the nurse that checks you in, and a copy for your hubby. I would have to agree with the above posting about the nursery. You will probably not want baby in there much. It’s just too much fun snuggling and better for breastfeeding to be established. Mommies have an instinct when baby is getting hungry before they start to cry. This is the perfect time to establish that biochemically. That’s my 2 cents. I’d be happy to answer any questions too.
Shannon
Vogue Mum
Organic Baby Doula Services
Rock Star Maternity
The Domestic Engineer’s Union
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Baby Dickey Reply:
November 8th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
That’d be wonderful, you can email it to : erdickey(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks!
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I am so excited and completely in support of your birthplan!
I agree with not going with Pitocin, it tends to cause contractions to become stronger with longer durations which can cause stress on you and the baby. I agree with the membranes being broken first, however, once my water was broken my birthing process became much more intense so I’d go as long as you could without rupturing them. My last baby was being birthed before my bags were broken and it was much more pleasant.
Remember to drink and I even recommend Emergen-C to be added to your water. It’s got great nutrients and vitamins and such.
Squating can cause you to tear. My midwife suggested I birth in a bed but when the time came I wanted to be up, on my feet, squating, and I did tear and needed sticthes. I also recommend doing the perineum massages now.
I always enjoyed my babies with me after birth, however, if you feel you need time to rest then the nursey is a great place.
Lastly, keep in mind that you deserve a peaceful and enjoyable birth. That your body is capable of birthing this baby without medication or even medical intervention.
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Baby Dickey Reply:
November 8th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Thanks so much for all the tips! Especially about the squatting and tearing.. that’s good to know because I was thinking I’d like the squatting position!
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Not sure if they’d let you have the screen lowered to see the delivery if you had a c section– they keep the screen up for sanitation reasons and also so the mom isn’t traumatized by seeing her insides resting ontop of her belly…yikes! And in the event of a cesarean they move super fast to get the baby out as quickly as possible and usuallt have to work on the babys lungs before letting you have him.
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Baby Dickey Reply:
November 8th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Thanks, Kat, for the info… that makes sense why they wouldn’t lower the screen. I just thought it’d be cool to see, my insides on the outside and all
You’re into that forensics, csi, blood stuff too, aren’t you?! okay, maybe it’s different when it’s your own body, but… I thought it’d be cool, lol. hope all is well.
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It’s great to be prepared, but I’d certainly be curious why you would choose and plan for cosmetic penis-reduction surgery for your baby before he’s even born? Most of the world has intact genitals. Even in the US (the last country still cutting routinely for non-religious reasons) the rate is dropping so fast that about half of babies are now left intact (fewer in the Midwest).
A lot of people get PO’d when this is brought up, but I’m sure you’re parents who love their baby too much to proceed just out of spite. A caring parent would at least look over some of the resources that show complications. Cutting in infancy is the worst time for a good cosmetic and functional result. Lots of ill-effects manifest only after puberty and never appear in the lists of possible side-effects on the consent form. Pleas have a look: http://www.circumstitions.com/Restric/Botched1sb.html
And there’s really no moral way to amputate something before you know a little about its development, structure, and function. Please take a few minutes to watch this 2-part YouTube and you’ll know more about normal male genitals than US doctors are required to learn before graduating med school: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9DoCn3gATE
It’s really the least you can do. The way the internet is archived he will probably be able to know that you were offered this info, and even if you don’t find it compelling, how do you know he wouldn’t?
No national medical association of doctors on earth (not even Israel’s) endorses routine circumcision. The foreskin includes over half his sensual pleasure-receptive nerve endings. It feels REALLY good. It’s HIS body, and morally it’s HIS decision.
Good Luck,
–Ron
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Baby Dickey Reply:
November 8th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
You’re right, it is the least I can do. Thanks for sharing the links – I’ll definitely check them out. Yes we do love our baby and if we proceed, it has nothing to do with spite – not even sure where that came from, it’s a bit ridiculous. Stick to being informative and you’ll be more effective.
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I think your birth plan is awesome, and there are a lot of similarities in the things that I want. After delivery, do you want the baby to get drops in it’s eyes? And the Hepatitis vaccine? Those may be things you want to consider noting, and they’re sometimes given routinely.
As for the circumcision — I go back and forth on it. I think it’s very similar to them getting shots, or a mother piercing her little girls ears — they aren’t ever going to remember even a shred of what happened, and some babies in Jewish ceremonies sleep through the circumcision. Quite honestly, I think it’s a parental choice (no matter how cruel some may feel it is) the same way it’s a choice whether or not you let them “cry it out”, whether or not you decide to spank, etc.
Also for the record — my cousin was circumsized when he was older, because guys were always making fun of him at school & in sports, and it was extremely painful for him, and he always said he wishes his mom would have taken care of it at birth.
So, just an opposing opinion worth considering, I suppose.
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Baby Dickey Reply:
November 8th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Yes, thanks for reminding me of those things! I think the drops are just fine… vaccines are something I still need to research! Any suggestions?
I had a cousin go through the same thing… and I just strongly feel that’s what my son would want too and at this point in his life, it has to be a parental decision, I agree! – thanks for sharing! (now let’s hope I don’t get attacked for that comment, lol)
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Joel Reply:
November 9th, 2009 at 5:08 am
Hey BD,
Just wanted to make a comment and then share some links on this topic. First, I definitely in the minority growing up still having my foreskin, and though I respect the testimony of your cousin, I think ultimately it is pretty extreme to go have surgery to remove a sensitive part of your genitals to avoid being ‘different’ in any possible way. I mean, if we think about the message we are teaching children by cutting off such a sensitive part of them because we want them to fit in, what happens when they don’t fit in because of a big nose, or freckles. What if your daughter is teased for having ‘too much skin’ between her legs, and wants surgery?
Personally, I never even considered the surgery, and the older I got, the more sure I became about that. It is definitely one of the most sensitive parts of my body. Also worth noting is that the rates have come down a LOT in the last few years, so even if the mythical locker-room situation occurs (which generally doesn’t happen these days) your son would not be the only one.
Just wanted to also give you some links i think will be helpful:
Here are some links that I think are worth looking through:
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
“Existing scientific evidence demonstrates potential medical benefits of newborn male circumcision; however, these data are not sufficient to recommend routine neonatal circumcision.“
http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;103/3/686
Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS):
“Recommendation: Circumcision of newborns should not be routinely performed.“
http://www.cps.ca/english/statements/FN/fn96-01.htm
British Medical Association (BMA)
“The BMA does not believe that parental preference alone constitutes sufficient grounds for performing a surgical procedure on a child unable to express his own view.… Parental preference must be weighed in terms of the child’s interests.… The BMA considers that the evidence concerning health benefit from non-therapeutic circumcision is insufficient for this alone to be a justification for doing it.… Some doctors may wish to not perform circumcisions for reasons of conscience. Doctors are under no obligation to comply with a request to circumcise a child.(2003).“
http://www.canadiancrc.com/circumcision/circumcision_medical_opinions.aspx
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP)
“After extensive review of the literature the RACP does not recommend that routine circumcision in infancy be performed…” “…One reasonable option is for routine circumcision to be delayed until males are old enough to make an informed choice.“
http://www.racp.edu.au/download.cfm?DownloadFile=59AE2C7C-9F08-B344-21061157DF3636B9
(this statement was just released August 27, 2009.)
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — –
10 Reasons NOT to Circumcise Your Baby Boy
http://www.intactamerica.org/node/6
The Facts Behind Circumcision
http://www.intactamerica.org/node/8
FGM — circumcision comparison:
http://www.fgmnetwork.org/intro/mgmfgm.php
Foreskin most sensitive part of the penis in British Journal of Urology:
http://www.nocirc.org/touch-test/bju_6685.pdf
http://www.livescience.com/health/070615_penis_sensitivity.html
To look like dad?
http://www.mothersagainstcirc.org/Like-Son.htm
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What they do with discarded infant foreskins:
“A culture system using human foreskin fibroblasts as feeder cells allows production of human embryonic stem cells “
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/18/7/1404
“tissue explants and fibroblast cultures are established from freshly harvested neonatal foreskin tissue.“
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11858954?dopt=Abstract
“Different beauty products companies have used different ingredients to make their product the best one. Now it is the turn of the human foreskin to join the list of ingredients being used in such products. Suddenly, the foreskin fibroblasts have turned into big business. Foreskin fibroblast has been used earlier for growing skin for burn victims, in eyelid replacement procedures, for growing skin for those with diabetic ulcers and making creams and collagens in the cosmetics industry). It is often seen as a better alternative to testing cosmetic products on animals though it does raise ethical questions about the value of human skin. Foreskin fibroplast is now being used in SkinMedica, a new facial cream promoted by Oprah Winfrey.“
http://www.plasmetic.com/skin/skin-care-cosmetics/foreskin-face-cream-from-skinmedica-promoted-by-oprah-winfrey.html
“bioengineered from infant foreskin tissue, “
http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/omagazine/slideshow1_ss_health_o_200406_wrinkles/7
“Injectable collagen derived from newborn foreskin left over after circumcision.“
http://www.msnbc.com/modules/cosmetic_surgery/injectables/content.asp?p=all
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a cute kind of write up:
http://www.circumstitions.com/Itsaboy.html
the dumb reasons that made circ popular in the first place:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4unKTMpBGA
Penn and Teller Bullshit: Circumcision
pt.1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIZLna_uzLQ
pt.2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzBJoW-iJ6E
pt.3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfkq9EIprYY
Pain:
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/9712/23/circumcision.anesthetic/
Restoration:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3543481/
http://www.norm.org
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Looks like a great birth plan! Remember to discuss it with your OB ASAP — We had a few things we had to change (for example, our hospital insists on an IV in case of emergency, so being able to move around is somewhat limited). Your OB will keep you right and check it over.
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Baby Dickey Reply:
November 8th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
I will bring it to my next appointment! Thank you!!
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Hi,
I found your blog through FutureMama. Congrats! I just had my little one 8 weeks ago. I was all set to go natural and made it drug-free to 9cm. Baby was sunny-side up though and got stuck at –1 station forever so I ended up having a C-Section. Not what I wanted but he’s here now!
I typed out a detailed birth plan and went over it with my doctor. The funny thing is that I didn’t even give it to the nurses at the hospital! I was prepared for a fight to get what I wanted but a lot of the things I stated were done automatically (lights low, knocking before entering, leaving me alone during contractions). I had a great natural birth friendly nurse who was very encouraging. This may have just been luck but it can happen.
On your birth plan, you’re off to a great start. I was always told to keep it short though (1 page). You will get a ton of useful information on a hospital tour that will eliminate the need to state a lot of the minor things (music, photography). Some things will be out of your control (visitation rules are tight now because of H1N1, whether or not you get an IV, private room). I would save your page space for the major things like no bottles, episiotomy etc.
Hope this helps!
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Baby Dickey Reply:
November 12th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
That’s a really good point – I thought mine looked a bit long!! We pre-register at the hospital next week so I’m sure I’ll get some answers on what’s typically done.. and can then shorten my plan! Thanks much! and CONGRATS on your lil one
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What a detailed plan! I never made one of these because my little one decided to stay where he was and not transition. So we were breech and a planned c-sec.
And just a note, that if it is necessary, and you prepare yourself mentally, it is not bad at all. I was nervous, but very calm, and it was great that all my family and DH’s were able to be there even though some live out of town.
Oh and be sure they tell you WHEN they do the procedure, no one had told us until we changed a diaper and found out that they had done the procedure that morning…Ouch!
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I left a comment but it didn’t appear. was it received?
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Not sure how I came across your blog, but it has been fun following along:)
I had to be induced due to low fluid levels and despite the fact that I was in “labor” for 34 hours, it was actually a pretty great experience.
I started with Cervadil, two doses of it, which wasn’t fun at all. Then they started the Pitocen. I had heard lots of horror stories about Pitocen, but I didn’t have a bad experience at all. I ended up getting an epi and pushed for about two hours before meeting my sweet girl:)
Of course I would have loved to have gone into labor naturally, but I didn’t have that choice (which was fine by me as long as my daughter was safe).
Good luck to you!!!!
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Baby Dickey Reply:
November 12th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Thanks Sarah– and congrats to you on your lil girl!!
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