This question is directed towards natural/holistic women ONLY please, as I know this can cause controversy...?

Question

and though there are many well-meaning people, I am not concerned with other opinions. I would like to receive suggestions for my birth plan. Once I receive suggestions, I will pursue the topics and do my own research. What I would like is to give my doctor a list of things that I do not want done at my babies birth, that are routine, but not necessary... such as bathing the baby in a soap or solution, vitamin K injections, Oxytocin for me (I will breastfeed right away to cause my uterus to contract), etc. This is my first child and because I'm not aware of everything that goes on, suggestions would be really valued. I want my baby to be healthy and safe, but I would also like to avoid as much of the hassle and injections, routines, etc. as possible. thanks~

Answer 1

ok im not some nature loving holistic broad but i do know women have been giving birth for quite a while and some of them do it on a regular basis, quit taking your self so serious and let it happen

Answer 2

It seems like everyone is telling you to get a midwife and do a homebirth. While I agree and use a midwife and homebirth, I realize that it is not for everyone. I do suggest that you at least look into one. My first two children were born in the hospital by c-section. My husband and I wrote up a detailed birth plan and presented it to our doctor to review and sign. When we arrived at the hospital, we gave the signed birth plan to our nurses and asked for copies to be put in my and the baby's files. Make sure you cover everything in the birth plan. Some of the things we put in our birth plan are no shots of any kind. And we specified vitamin k, hep b. They are NOT mandatory. We also did not permit the salve for the eyes. I can't remember what it is called. We said that at least one parent must be with the child at all times, no matter what. No supplemental bottles as we planned to nurse. The nurses will be tricky about this as I discovered when my son was fussing all night. My milk hadn't come in and the colostrum just wasn't enough for him. The nurses offered to take him for a couple of hours so I could sleep. I declined knowing that as soon as I was away from him they would give him a bottle. We also said that if we had a boy ( we didn't know the sex) we were not going to circumcise and that at no time was anyone allowed to retract the foreskin, which can cause painful tearing and scarring of the glans. You can sign waivers that the hospital provides just be careful to read the form in its entirety before signing. Another thing to be careful of is the nurses or staff threatening to call Child Protective Services on you if you refuse the shots. That is illegal. They tried to say it to me and I called them on it. They immediately backed down. Just know that you are in for a fight when you go into a hospital. You must follow their rules and regulations for the most part. Really consider a birthing center or homebirth as a great alternative. I know it seems kind of scary but it is a lot better than at a hospital. I had my third child at home with no drugs. I never thought I could do that but I did. Drugs are not all they are hyped up to be. They hinder the laboring process and can actually stall labor. Please do your research on these different topics so you can choose a birth plan that is right for your family. Good luck to you and feel free to e-mail me. Btw, I am 13 weeks pregnant and planning another homebirth.
One more thing, vaccinations are not mandatory. There are waivers you can sign on the back of the immunization form in schools and daycares. You do not have to vaccinate.

Answer 3

Having a doula or midwife whether you have a home birth or hospital birth is a good idea. I would make sure you do have everything written down. Now don't get too upset if things don't go your way. Sometimes you think you will have a natural easy birth and then something will go wrong and you may need a csection. I had to have an emergency csection and I was upset at first, but remember the baby and your health is important here.

Answer 4

Seriously consider having a midwife attend your birth. Doctors are illness oriented. Midwives are wellness oriented. Birth is a normal, natural event, not a sickness that a woman needs to be cured of.
Below is a website that has good ideas for Birth Plans. Be sure whom ever your care provider is that they have a copy of your birth plan. Make 3 copies. 1 for your doctor. 1 for the nursing staff on the Labour floor and keep at least 1 for yourself.
Please also consider learning Hypnosis for Childbirth (see links below). You will be relaxed, more comfortable and feel more in control of your birth. Some women even have pain free births with hypnosis. The HypnoBirthing birth plan is very comprehensive.
Wishing you all the best for your birth.

Answer 5

The best laid plans.....etc...but, choose a midwife, discuss a birthplan and have it on file with the birthing facility and a copy WITH you at all times. Read read read and be informed.

Don't spend time worrying, just be educated about choices and firm about what you want, bearing in mind that things can change and interventions may be needed. Tour the birthing place and ask questions. Practice some kind of relaxation breathing for your labor and delivery, and peace of mind.

You might also ask that delivery room be darkened and only indirect light be used, a family member to cut the cord AFTER it stops pulsating, and quiet alone time for parents and baby.

Answer 6

I suggest you get a midwife and have a home birth because alot of those things are routine and they are mandatory as far as what they are paid to do. The hospital will probably not want to exclude anything because they might be afraid of being sued..etc..

Answer 7

My doctor gave my fourth son an internal fetal monitor. Shoved his hand in there and stuck what I thought was an electrode on top of my baby's head. There were no complications it was just his preference. When my son was born and they handed him to me, there was blood and three little holes on the top of his head on his soft spot. I demanded to see the electrode and it had three metal prongs like thumbtacks on it!!!! If your child will be entering the daycare scene or public schools, the shots are a must as they cannot gain entrance without the shots. Congratulations on your baby.

Answer 8

Have your baby delivered by a midwife. They will actually listen to you, unlike hospitals. When my friend had her baby, she told everyone that she didn't want the baby to be given a bottle under any circumstances. That was her ONE THING she didn't want them to do. Yeah, the idiots did it anyways and her daughter wouldn't take the nipple.

Midwives are medically trained. If there is a problem, obviously, they will do what they have to. If there is a serioous problem, you will not give a crap WHAT they have to do as long as both you and baby survive.

Anyway, tell them that it is against your religion. They can give you a list of things they do to baby. If they do anything else, you can sue. Oh, and tell them you do NOT want baby circumcised.

Answer 9

I had a midwife and gave birth at a birthing center. I agree with you on most of your requests....and my midwife felt the same way. Had a wonderful experience. (And I am a healthcare provider myself.....I wouldn't have had anything but a midwife)

Answer 10

Although my realm is prenatal and perinatal psychology and infant development and mental health, I am no expert on the actual birth part! However, I absolutely support natural childbirth! You have my personal best wishes for a happy & healthy child!

Here are a few links to get you started:

http://birthpsychology.com/index.html

http://www.birthingthefuture.com/

http://www.naturalchild.org/guest/amy_scott.html

http://www.motherfriendly.org/MFCI/

http://www.naturalchild.org/guest/lakshmi_bertram.html

http://www.attachmentparenting.org/artchemistry.shtml

http://www.naturalchild.org/guest/michel_odent.html

Answer 11

If you feel strongly about those "routine, but unnecessary" things...suggest you might do better to have a midwife and give birth at home. My sister did, she has never regretted it.