Birth plan

Labor
I would prefer to avoid an enema and/or shaving of pubic hair

I wish to be able to move around and change position at will throughout labor.

If required, I would like Pavlo or midwifes to offer physical support to me during the pushing stage.

I would like to wait until I feel the urge to push before beginning the pushing phase of my labour.

I would like the room to be as quiet as possible when the baby is being born.

I want my baby placed on my chest immediately after delivery

I do not want my baby to be cleaned before I hold her.

Checking the baby's heartbeat

· I do not wish to have continuous electronic foetal monitoring.

· Pain relief

I would like to avoid using any pain relief except Entonox 'gas and air' (which I would like if possible)

I do not wish to have an epidural, if at all possible.

Cuts and tears

I would like the midwife to assist me in avoiding a perineal tear by encouraging me to deliver slowly

If at all possible, I wish to avoid an episiotomy

After the Delivery

I would like to have Pavlo cut my baby's umbilical cord.

Please wait until the umbilical cord has stopped pulsating before allowing it to be cut.

Natural delivery of placenta

If possible, I wish to hold my baby whilst I deliver the placenta and whilst any tears are being seen to.

I would like to be given the chance to hold my baby before she is weighed or examined.

If my baby needs to be taken away for medical treatment, Pavlo will accompany her.

I should like the baby to be delivered straight on to me, if at all possible, and a towel placed round both of us to keep her warm

I do not wish my child to be separated from me after birth, and I intend to offer her the breast as soon as possible.

Caesarean sections

I wish to avoid Caesarean section, but if necessary I would probably prefer it to be performed under epidural.

I would like Pavlo present at all times if the baby is delivered by Caesarean.

Ideally, I would like to remain awake and aware, avoiding general anesthesia if possible.

Please leave at least one of my hands free so I may touch my baby when she is born.

I would like the screen lowered just before the birth of my baby so that I have an opportunity to see her immediately.

If my baby is not distressed, please pass her on to my chest immediately after birth

Special care

I wish her to receive only breast milk.

I do not want my child to be given any liquid via a bottle under any circumstances due to the high risk of nipple confusion. If extra fluids must be given I would like them to be given via a spoon or beaker

I do not wish my child to receive any formula milk

I do not wish my child to have her blood glucose tested unless there is a very good reason for suspecting hypoglycaemia.

Breastfeeding

I intend to fully breastfeed my child on demand.

I do not want my child to be given any liquid via a bottle

I do not wish my child to receive any formula milk (VERY IMPORTANT) unless absolutely necessary.

I do not wish my child to receive any liquid other than breast milk (eg. glucose water).