I decided to write up a birth plan in the event that a c-section becomes necessary. I also have an induction birth plan, a hospital birth plan and a birth center birth plan since I am trying to keep the plans short and relevant. I asked around on the Due in Nov. board for experiences and recommendations, asked on another message board, read and researched in books and websites.
I thought I would post it here in case anyone is looking to write a c-section birth plan. I find it helpful to look at examples.
C-section Birth Plan
As much as possible my husband and I would like to be involved in the birth. I have fears over IVs and surgery so if at all possible I would like someone to stay with me as I am being prepped for surgery (CNM or husband).
We are planning an unmedicated, low intervention birth at the birth center. I have never had surgery before. I would like for the birth to be as close to the birth we envisioned.
I know that different surgeons have certain routine procedures. I am not sure if these requests are normal or not but as much as possible I would like them to be considered.
Please discuss with me ahead of time the post operative pain relief options and their potential side effects. I would like to be involved in choosing the medication that is the best fit for me. If there is no time for this discussion I have listed preferences below.
Ideally I would prefer to have the c-section scheduled after the onset of labor so baby benefits from the contractions. If that is not possible then I would like to schedule as close to my EDD as possible. If it isn’t a true emergency I would like to wait until at least 39 weeks, before that I request an amnio to make sure the baby’s lungs are developed.
*I would like my husband to announce the sex of the baby.*
Prior to Surgery:
-I would like EMLA cream before the IV is inserted. Ideally I would like my IV to be placed in my left forearm. Both are for the sake of convenience and comfort.
-I wish to be able to wear a gown or be covered as much as possible.
-I would prefer an epidural or a spinal, at the discretion of the anesthesiologist and my birth team.
-Please insert the urinary catheter after anesthesia is functioning..
Surgery:
-Since it is possible that I will want more children vaginally I would prefer a low, transverse incision.
-If possible I would like to either see or hear what is going on with the surgery.
-I would prefer to have my arms free (not strapped down).
-I would strongly prefer dissolvable stitches and steri-strips as opposed to staples.
-Please use double stitching to close the uterus.
-Unless deemed appropriate I would prefer not to have a sedative after the baby is born.
-I would like to be able to have pictures taken of the baby and my family after the birth.
After the Surgery:
-If I have an epidural I would like Duramorph added at the end.
-Please do not clean off the baby before letting me see the baby. I would like to bathe the baby with my husband at a later time. I would like every opportunity to hold and touch the baby following the birth if all is well. Non separation is my ideal and routine procedures be delayed. If baby needs extra attention I want my husband to stay with the baby at all times. I would like to begin breastfeeding as soon as possible.
-To aid recovery I hope to be encouraged to walk around as soon as possible as well as resume some form of diet.
-Also for pain relief I would be interested in patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) rather than IV narcotics so I can stay more alert.
If it is an emergency c-section I understand that some of these will not be options. The health and safety of baby and myself are of utmost importance.
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I also have all my newborn care info on another sheet and probably going to add it on here. Basics about breastfeeding, immunizations, routine care... are covered there.
I know I have 2 competing post op pain relief options on there (Duramorph and a PCA system) but I wanted to keep them both on as a reminder for discussion with my care providers. Those were the 2 most recommended things I read about so I figured I should ask about them.
I'll probably weed out some of the initial information as well. I just wanted to have those in there as initial talking points. The timing (before or after 39 weeks) will depend on the situation and by the time I am at the surgery no one will need to know that detail. I will consolidate and edit over time. Just wanted to get a draft down and issues I didn't want to forget.
Beth
Sharing my c-section birth plan
- Clark 12/07
- Jason 4/05
- Zander 6/03
- Abby 9/01
