Birth Plan

My name: Marina Vilkoff

My husband's name: Boris Vilkoff

Due date: 7 October 2003

Doctor: R. Feigel

Personal Statement:
We understand that birth can be unpredictable. We are presenting this birth plan to encourage dialogue and to help us achieve a safe and satisfying birth. We are preparing for VBAC and we wish for as natural a birth as possible, avoiding unnecessary procedures and medications. Thank you for taking the time to read this and helping us realize our birth plan.

My Personal Preferences (for VBAC)

I would like to be informed about all the procedures, its benefits and risks, and the alternatives (including not doing it) and their benefits and risks.

Please, please, NO STUDENTS.

Procedures and Labor:

Maintain mobility (walking, changing positions).

I do not want an IV unless I become dehydrated.

I would like to choose my positions for pushing and giving birth.

Monitoring:

I do not wish to have continuous fetal monitoring unless it is required by the condition of the baby, to maintain my mobility during the labor.

Pain Relief:

I plan to give birth naturally without medication and will be coping with pain using relaxation, breathing techniques, shower or tub, massage.

Induction/Augmentation:

I would like to avoid induction unless it is medically necessary.

I do not wish to have the amniotic membrane ruptured artificially unless their are signs of fetal distress.

If labor is not progressing, I would like to have the amniotic membrane ruptured before other methods are used to augment labor.

If my water breaks at the onset of labour, I would prefer to wait at least 24 hours before inducing, if my and my baby's condition permits.

Complications & Cesareans:

Unless absolutely necessary, I would like to avoid using of forceps & vacuum extraction.

Unless absolutely necessary, I would like to avoid a Cesarean.

Episiotomy:

Prefer No Episiotomy (use hot compresses, controlled pushing, positioning to promote perineal stretching.)

Local Anesthesia (for repair).

After (vaginal) delivery:

I would appreciate having the room as quiet as possible when the baby is born.

I would like to have the baby placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery, in particular to encourage the expelling of the placenta with breast stimulation, baby suckling.

Placenta:

I would like to deliver the placenta unassisted -- without Pitocin, uterine massage or cord traction.

In case of Cesarean Delivery:

My husband present.

The baby held by my husband soon after birth.

Breastfeeding as soon as possible.

Baby Care:

I would like my baby to be placed on my stomach/chest immediately following the birth.

I would like to breastfeed my baby immediately following the birth. I would like all new-born procedures to take place in my/my husband's presence.

No washing off remaining vernix caseosa after birth.

Umbilical Cord:

Clamp and cut after it stops pulsating.

Eye Care:

Delayed for bonding time.

Feeding Baby:

Breast feeding only.

No pacifiers or glucose water.

In Case of Sick Infant:

Breast feeding as possible.

Handling the baby as much as possible.