The following is simply an example of what can be possible to include in your birth plan when having your baby in a birth centre. You can add, change or delete any aspects, to suit your needs.
Your Name...................................................
What you like to be called (e.g. Deb or Debbie, Louise or Lou)
Your Partner and / or support person's name (possibly including their relationship to you i.e. friend, mother etc).
At this time, there is no reason to anticipate any change of plans. However, in the case of complications, we are happy to transfer to the delivery ward for assistance. The following list is offered as a guide. We may withdraw any of these requests at any time before, or during labour.
Our requests at the birth centre are as follows:
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I wish to go into labour spontaneously. If I go overdue I would like to be at least 14 days after my due date before being induced (unless there are problems). I would prefer Prostin gel for induction and to labour in the birth centre after this. |
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If circumstances for both mother and baby are suitable, our preferred delivery method would be a water birth. |
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If a water birth is not possible due to the unavailability of the bath, or other unforeseen difficulties, we would like to have a Birthing Stool at our disposal. |
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The father and support person to stay throughout the labour and birth. |
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The parents to be the first to touch the baby's head. If the circumstances are appropriate, the father may wish to catch the baby. |
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We do not give permission for students, hospital house staff, or other non-essential personnel to be in the room during the labour and birth. |
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The room will be warm and the lights dimmed. Excessive noise will be avoided, and people present at the moment of birth will speak only very softly so as to avoid startling the baby. |
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The baby will be placed on the mother's abdomen and gently massaged and caressed after being delivered. A blanket will cover the baby. The baby may be nursed within minutes of birth. |
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The cord will not be clamped or cut until it has stopped pulsating, unless it must be cut to complete the birth of the baby. |
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The 3rd stage of labour (delivery of the placenta) is not to be rushed, but is to proceed at its own pace. The use of oxytocic drugs and manual removal of the placenta is to be reserved for true medical emergencies. |
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Our baby is to receive oral Vitamin K. |
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Our first preference for post-natal care after a 12-24 hour stay in the birth centre would be the domiciliary program (early discharge). |
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If I do go to the postnatal ward I would like my partner to room in with me. |