Cesarean Birth Plan

Since Noah's entrance into the world was due to an emergency c-section, I wanted a little more control over my RCS (repeat c-section) than last time. We are scheduled to deliver in 8 weeks and we are so EXCITED!! I was so happy to see other women on many pregnancy forums talking about their RCS birth plans! So here is mine:

Cesarean Birth Plan

This birth plan is intended to express the preferences and desires we have for the birth of our baby during our planned cesarean. It is not intended to be a script. We fully realize that situations may arise such that our plan cannot and should not be followed. However, we hope that barring any extenuating circumstances, you will be able to keep us informed and aware of our options. Thank you.

Support
I would like my husband William “Bo” Wolf to be with me throughout the entire procedure.


Anesthesia
· I would like to remain awake during the procedure.


Surgery
· I would prefer for my arms not to be strapped down/restrained so I can touch my baby.
· We would appreciate being kept informed during the surgery.
· I would like to have the curtain lowered and the baby held for us to see at the moment of birth
· If possible, please show us our baby briefly before taking him to be cleaned.
· My husband William “Bo” Wolf would like to cut the cord.
· I would like to have skin to skin contact as soon as the possible and for my husband William “Bo” Wolf to hold our baby as soon as possible.
· My husband William “Bo” Wolf would like to take photographs and film when possible.
· If our baby is healthy, please allow My husband William “Bo” Wolf and our baby to stay with me while the operation is finished.
· Any pain medications should be compatible with breastfeeding please.
· I would like to be able to return to my room as quickly as possible after the operation.
· I would like to be able to breastfeed as soon as possible.
· My partner present at all times during the operation

Post Partum and Baby Care
· I would like for my husband William “Bo” Wolf to stay with the baby at all times if I can’t be there.
· Footprint- If possible I would appreciate a footprint of my baby be placed in my baby book
· I would like Duramorph for postpartum pain
· Breast feeding only – I would like to start as soon as I am able to and would appreciate any assistance/advice.
· Please do not feed our baby by other means without discussing this with either William “Bo” Wolf or myself.
· We would like 24-hour rooming-in with our baby
· We would like for sibling, Noah, to be able to visit with adult supervision as much as we would like within proper visiting hours
· Please do not offer a pacifier.
· Non-urgent procedures (such as first bath) – I request these to be delayed until after my return to the room.
· I would like to eat after the surgery if I am hungry – I have spoken to Dr. Bruce Cross about this.
· No visitors to be allowed to visit before my return from recovery.
· My husband William “Bo” Wolf and I would want son circumcised at the hospital
· I would like it if oral medication is used, I prefer orders to be written for me to be woken up for timely doses (not waiting for my request)