What is a birth plan?

A birth plan is a way of communicating with the nurses, nurse midwives and doctors who care for you in labour.

It tells them about the kind of labour you would like to have, what you want to happen and what you definitely want to avoid.

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I didn’t know that there were such a thing called Birth Plan before I was pregnant. After I did, I wondered and waited when it would be the right time to make one.

Now that I am already 31 weeks & 4 days down the road, I think it is time to draft my very 1st Birth Plan. So here goes!

What’s in My Birth Plan?

#1 — Birth Companion/Husband
Definitely the husband! He has already expressed his excitement to stand beside Dr Tan to see his firstborn emerges.

Luckily I am on the opposite side, else I might just faint before the pushing begins. And the nurses can supply a mirror if I want to see!

Thank God, no video cameras are allowed! *LOL*

#2 — Positions for Labour & Birth
I hope I can remain mobile during the 1st Stage of Labour. Moving around between contractions is an ideal natural pain relief.

The Delivery Suites in Gleneagles are single rooms and generously spacious. I might just do some stretching exercises on the floor to divert the pain.

#3 — Pain Relief
Definitely no Epidural! I would rather grit my teeth for that “few” hours of pain than suffers myself and LBJ with the list of longterm side effects. For centuries women have endured it, why can’t I? *pray for strength*

Besides Epidural, there are also Entonox and Pethidine pain relief options. I’m going to go for Entonox because it is the safest and without side effects!

#4 — Monitoring your Baby’s Heart Rate
Electronic monitoring would limit my mobility. So I think I would preferred not to be strapped onto the device unless it is absolutely necessary.

#5 — Delivery Position
I wonder if I would have the strength to give birth on the floor on all fours. This is an excellent position because gravity is not so great and can reduce the risk of tearing.

Else, I would prefer to stay upright on the bed rather than lying down. As gravity can help push the baby’s head down onto the cervix and assist him emerging through the pelvis.

#6 — Episiotomy
I would prefer to tear naturally than to be cut! Hopefully I can avoid it completely *ouch*

#7 — Feeding the Baby
No formula or bottle feeding! I will want to start breastfeeding immediately and begin the beautiful bonding between Mother & Son ♥

#8 — Cutting the Cord
The husband would definitely want in on this! I wouldn’t mind for it myself if possible.

Don’t you agree that it symbolises an Opening Ceremony to Parenthood? *winks*

#9 — What Happens Next
Hold LBJ in my arms! No one is taking him away from me after all the hardwork of bringing him into this world ♥

#10 — Vaccinations
Yes please! Everything to keep LBJ safe and healthy!

#11 — Unexpected situations
Whatever happens — touch wood — I want the husband to be with me like a Siamese Twin!

Phew! That’s a lot of Exclamation Marks there. But I bet, on the big day itself, there will be more than just exclamation marks — all sorts of symbols available on the keyboard will be making their debut

Now that I am done, all we need to do is get the green light from Dr Tan and we’re all set to go.

Possibly Related Post:
My Birth Plan, pt 2 – Approved!
Giving Birth On All Fours, pt 1 – The Research.
Pregnancy Updates 33: Little Benjac is 2.1kg!
Pregnancy Updates 37: Little Benjac is 2.4kg!
Pregnancy Updates 06: Shopping for a new ObGyn, pt 1.