My updated Birth Plan

I've received a few emails asking me to post my updated birth plan.  So here it is:

Our Birth Plan:

We are looking forward to sharing our birth experience with you! We have planned for a natural labor and delivery and prefer to avoid pain medication and medical interventions to the extent that is possible. We want to be informed of any procedures in advance, and request that you discuss any suggested interventions or procedures with us and obtain our verbal consent before initiating any such interventions or procedures. The following preferences are for a normal birth; we understand that should an emergency arise, the plan will change. Please feel free to ask if you have any questions. Thank you!

Labor

• Husband to be present at all times
• I would like a nurse that is supportive of a natural, med-free birth
• FHR monitored intermittently (10 to 15 minutes per every hour, as requested by Dr. Alwan) by Doppler/EFM, no internal monitoring
• Avoid stripping and artificial rupture of membranes
• I do not want an episiotomy.  I understand about tearing and I want massage to be done if necessary.
• I want to keep vaginal exams to a minimum (one at admittance and one when I have urge to push).
• Allowed ability to move around and to labor in whatever position is comfortable
• Please do not offer pain medications. I am aware of my options and will request something should I find it necessary.

Delivery

• Allowed choice of pushing position
• No directed pushing unless requested

After Birth/Newborn Care

• Immediately place baby on my chest once she is born
• Offer husband opportunity to cut cord. Please wait until cord stops pulsating before it is clamped and cut.
• Perform all infant tests and procedures in room with us.
• If stitching of perineum is necessary, please use local anesthetic
• We plan to have the baby room in and should an emergency arise, either my husband or I will accompany the baby at all times.
• I wish to avoid use of Pitocin to deliver placenta and clamp down uterus.  I will only allow Pitocin if I show signs of hemorrhage. My husband and I must be told this is happening.
• I would like to meet with a lactation consultant as soon as one is available

Do Not Give Baby:

• The Hepatitis B vaccine – we are vaccinating on a delayed schedule
• Antibiotic eye treatment – we are going to delay for at least an hour…until we are well past the initial bonding period.
• Please do not give baby the first bath.
• Please do not give our baby supplements (including formula, glucose, or plain water).
• Do not offer bottles, pacifiers, or any artificial nipples. We are exclusively breastfeeding.