Kevin and I have not made any official birth plan. We have had discussions about it and I know most of my options so I feel somewhat prepared - just not on paper. I am fairly flexible about most things and since this is my first time I am not real sure what to expect and figure I'll let my body and gut lead the way. I feel like I know enough to make smart decisions and not get suckered into anything I don't really want. Granted I'm sure there will be a few things that arise that will catch me by surprise, but this is where I hope Kevin is paying extra attention to help me make rational decisions. I might have to treat some of these decisions like the game show 'Cash Cab' where I might need a few lifelines so I can call and get outside help ;)
All this being said - there are a few items on these birth plan templates that I'm sure I won't be choosing. Of course I say everything with a grain of salt and I'm sure some people love these labor and delivery options, just not me... remember I'm a little skiddish of the whole process so keep this in the back of your mind so you can see where I'm coming from as I reviewed these templates. Here are a couple of items that I won't be checking as must have's on my birth plan.
1) Castor oil - Would I like to try castor oil as a natural induction technique. I have read tons of people do this, but not for me!
2) I would like no one to speak during the actual delivery. Ohhhh I'd freak out if no one was talking and filling me in, this is not for me!
3) I would like to have my delivery videotaped. Lots and lots of people do this and I bet it is super special to watch (really I mean that sincerely). I get why you would want this taped because you are so exhausted that you don't necessarily remember much so this would be a nice account of the event. I don't think I'm very photogenic in general let alone from that angle.... this is definitely not for me!
4) Handle my pain using color therapy. I'm not sure what this even means, but I think I'll stick to massages, deep breathing, distractions and drugs, this is not for me!
5) Using tranquilizers as my pain medication of choice... this one made me laugh. I honestly have not heard of this as an option. It makes me think of that scene in the movie 'Old School' where Will Ferrell accidently shoots the horse tranquilizer in his neck. I can see after I've had 50 crying hysterical episodes Kevin telling the staff to actually use a tranquilizer on me, but unless Kevin orders it this is not for me!
6) Using a mirror to view the birth. I'm sure this helps you feel more in the moment and is great, but it isn't for me!
7) I'd like to touch the babies head as it crowns. Knowing myself I will at this point just be like 'get him out please', this bonding moment is not for me!
8) I'd like my partner to catch the baby... hahaha this one is self explanatory and not for me or Kevin!
9) Allow my partner to cut the umbilical cord. I think Kevin should do this, but he isn't sure, so this may not be for Kevin!
10) I'd like the option of taking home the placenta. I know there are a lot of things people do with those, but it isn't for me!
The one thing that wasn't an option on any template was allowing my dogs to cuddle with me during the pain. It is proven that petting dogs during chaotic situations can lower stress levels... owell wishful thinking ;) Wish Kevin and I luck on creating our somewhat flexible birth plan (and wish me luck that Kevin is paying attention to our discussions at home so that when I'm out of it he is up to speed).
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