Baby Willms Birth Plan

It occurred to me that I might like to have a record of my birth plan in this blog. Here it is:


In the absence of medical indications of distress, we believe (based on thorough research) that a physiological “undisturbed” birth will give our baby the best start to life outside the womb. We respectfully request that all medical attendants use an expectant management approach rather than an active management approach throughout our birth experience. We request the opportunity to accept or refuse any procedure except in the case of an extreme emergency.

LABOUR
- freedom of movement, including immersion in water, as desired
- intermittent fetal monitoring
- no internal exams
- food and drink to hunger and thirst
- no IV fluids unless medically indicated

SECOND STAGE
- no internal exams
- birth in water, if desired at the time.
- freedom to assume any position
- Dana and/or Andrew catch the baby assuming he or she immerges trouble-free
- physiological pushing- will push according to the body’s urges

THIRD STAGE
- physiological
- no cord traction unless medically indicated
- leave the cord intact until the placenta is delivered
- no pitocin injection in the absence of excessive blood loss

NEWBORN
- No routine suctioning
- Baby immediately skin-to-skin with Dana, breastfeeding according to baby’s timing. Newborn evaluation while baby is in Dana’s arms.
- No vitamin K
- No eye drops
- No immunizations
- Weighing, measuring, etc after baby has breastfeed

IN THE EVENT OF EMERGENCY/TRANSFER
- Andrew with Dana for support at all times
- Baby has skin-to-skin contact with Dana whenever possible; if impossible, then with Andrew. Baby never separated from at least one of us.
- No supplementation to baby including formula and glucose water. Breast offered as soon as possible following birth