Birth Plan: Take 2

While preparing for Carina's birth, Mike and I crafted a list of preferences that I referred to as our birth wish list. I didn't call it our birth plan because I am one of those people who freaks out a lot just a bit when things don't go according to plan. Wish list sounded a little less set-in-stone. I know it's just semantics, but hey, that MATTERS to crazies like me.

Our Birth "Wish List" for Carina

• I will be using Hypnobirthing relaxation techniques. If I am unresponsive, do not worry; please direct questions to Dad.

• I prefer not to have my membranes stripped or water broken. Please obtain my permission before doing either.

• I would prefer intermittent (as opposed to continuous) fetal monitoring.

• I would prefer a heparin or saline lock as opposed to a Continuous IV (if necessary).

• Please do not offer me any pain medication. I know it is available to me, and will ask if I want it.

• As long as the baby and I are healthy, I prefer to have no time limits on pushing.

• I would like to try to push instinctively rather than on command, and in various positions.

• I would like to avoid an episiotomy unless absolutely medically necessary; perineal massage and warm compresses would be preferable.

• We would like to delay cord clamping until the cord stops pulsing. Dad would like to cut the cord when the time comes.

• I appreciate your patience in allowing my placenta to detach naturally.

• Dad would like to be present for any and all procedures performed on baby, and we would like to delay all non-urgent procedures until both of us have had time to bond with baby.

Our 1st family photo (yes I know I have no shirt on, but you can't see anything) ;)

A few months after Carina was born I reflected on our birth plan and wrote about how, for the most part, I felt like a complete failure due to the fact that most of my preferences went down the tubes. I knew it shouldn't matter, but somehow I still found myself feeling like I could have {and should have} done things differently.

Now that I'm older and wiser (ha!) I realize how much {unnecessary} pressure I was putting on myself. I think I felt like I had something to prove...but to whom? Myself? Everyone around me? Looking back, I don't even know. So...this time around?

Our Birth "Wish List" for Aurelia

• Get this baby out safely

Everything else? We'll just take it as it comes. I meant to listen to the Hypnobabies tracks again, because they really did help me to approach labor without fear and relax me, but I've just been too lazy busy.

This almost makes me feel a little irresponsible. I put so much time and effort into preparing {mentally and physically} for Carina's arrival. Are we doing Aurelia a disservice by completely going with the flow this time around? Or - am I just protecting myself from the feelings of failure that plagued me last time?


Did/do you have a birth plan? What are your thoughts on them?