C-Section Birth PlanThings to consider for your c-section birth plan. Creating a birth plan is not just for those having a natural birth, it's just as important to create a birth plan when having a c-section. You'll soon find out there are several options at your disposal when having a c-section and you want to know what they are beforehand so you can make personal choices about your delivery and care. Hospitals are very routine oriented so if you have special requests it's important to make a plan and present it to your caretakers. Creating a birth plan is perfect for this. Most hospitals really do want to know your wishes and are more than happy to follow them. One thing to remember is to keep your birth plan as simple and as uncomplicated as possible. In fact, a nursing friend of mine hesitated to say this, but when her staff encounters long, elaborate birth plans that go on for pages, sadly the birth plan can get ignored. Hospital staff are often too busy to go over every detail of a lengthy birth plan, but they are more likely to follow your wishes if your birth plan is direct, easy to read and understand, That means stating your wishes in plain and simple language and should be no longer than 1-2 pages at the very most. So keeping that in mind, let's look at the things to consider for your c-section birth plan: - Epidural or Spinal? I recommend opting for an epidural, however whatever your choice, be sure to state it on your birth plan. - Catheter Insertion - Be sure to request that your urine catheter be inserted after you have your epidural or spinal, not before. - Do you want sutures or staples? I recommend absorbing or dissolving sutures, this way you don't have to have them removed later on. However, discuss this with your doctor beforehand and be sure to put your request in your birth plan. - Follow-up medications. Discuss pain meds with your doctor and decide whether you will stay on IV meds and for how long and what oral meds can you have. - Rooming in - If you would like baby to room with you and it's ok with the hospital and your doctor be sure to include it in your birth plan. - Choice of hospital gown or your own gown - Many hospitals allow you to wear personal gowns so find out beforehand what is allowed. - Who you want to have present at the birth. You will need to find out beforehand what hospital and doctor policies are, however what you decide should go into your birth plan. - Do you want one of your hands to be free/unrestrained during the procedure? - Do you want to view the birth? If so request that the screen be dropped or they use a mirror. - Do you want music played/your own choice of music? Again you may need to find this out before hand so if you want your own music played you can bring it with you. - Do you want the staff to be quiet, or is normal chatter okay. - Do you want to touch/hold the baby immediately afterwards? For example, put her on your chest before getting cleaned. - Who will stay with the baby during your post-op procedures (partner, doula, others) - Do you plan to breastfeed immediately? If you plan to breastfeed, let them know as soon as possible so the nurses can help you get started - Should the hospital use bottles, pacifiers, or formula? If you don't want these things used be sure to specify that. - Is baby to be
circumcised? Yes or No. - Do you want to keep the placenta? Yes, this is an option. The hospital doesn't normally ask this, so if you would like to keep it be sure to note that. Get a Free C-Section Birth Plan with your copy of the 'Worry Free C-Section Guide'.
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