I'm trying my best not to get overly excited about this whole NUCB goal, constantly reminding myself in the back of my mind that at any point this plan can change. I always want to give myself that dose of reality so my hopes aren't crushed should interventions become necessary during childbirth. However, it's virtually impossible for me not to get excited at the prospect of giving our baby a natural entry in this world. The more I read and learn, the more confident I've become that this is the best route for us. And of course, I'm meditating more on the fact that it WILL turn out the way we want it to and am praying about it daily.
Our doula gave us a few helpful resources to aid in our creation of a birth plan. First she provided us with her own recommendations...
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There is also a
FREE tool from Earth Mama Angel Baby that guides you through various categories and then allows you to download a pdf of the birth plan generated.
The
Birthing Naturally website gives EXAMPLES of various types of plans as well. We chose to use a "bullet point" type of format.
Ultimately, we used all of these resources, the info. we've learned reading on our own, and the discussions we've had with our doula to create a birth plan that we feel covers the whole kit and kaboodle. We may not be able to guarantee that 100% of these wishes are realized, but If there's one thing I know for sure, it's that failing to plan is planning to fail. Well, we now have a plan. Here it is!...
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It looks amazing! I have mine all written up and ready too! But it's looking like we probably won't get to use it. Doctor wants to induce. Sweet Raegan isn't making a move :( And I just don't know if I can do a natural, unmediated pitocin induced birth.
ReplyDeleteSorry if I'm overstepping, I just saw your comment and wanted to respond. My daughter was born this past December and even though my water broke and I was 4 cm dilated, completely thinned out, I never progressed and had to be induced. I went for a long time without meds, but unfortunately as the pitocin was increased I did end up getting the epi two hours before she was born. The contractions go from manageable to really strong quickly and I wasn't able to do it natural. I just wanted to give you some comfort in case the same thing happens with you. One step at a time and you'll be okay. *hugs* and good luck!
DeleteNot overstepping at all Amber! I'm sorry you didn't progress and they needed to augment with Pitocin. There is just no predicting sometimes! Once pitocin is added, it definitely becomes a different ballgame from what I hear.
DeleteAshley- I know it's much more daunting if you need to be induced, but there is no shortage of stories from women who've done the same and have still delivered with no pain meds. It can be done! I believe you can do it if you set your mind to it!
Just wanted to chime in on the Pitocin! I had to be induced with both of my sons. With Mason, they went in guns blazing. Wish I had known to ask how high of a dose they were starting me at, but it was fast and hard. Thank goodness for that epi! Immediate relief. My body completely relaxed and I immediately finished dilating to 10 -- prior to that I had been hanging out at 6 for what seemed like hours. Half an hour later Mason arrived. With Reid, they started out gradually. Pretty sure it was at level one. (I can't remember if the Pitocin goes up to 20 or 40.) As time went on they only increased it by one unit, so it was *very* manageable and I was able to labor for a few hours without any meds. Watched a movie and everything! I did end up electing to have an epi once I realized the contractions were getting pretty intense. And again, my body was able to relax and dilate all the way to 10 quickly, and Reid came out in just two pushes.
DeleteI share my experience because so many people told me an epi would impede the progress of my delivery, and it did the exact opposite. I also want Ashley to rest assured that one can labor comfortably with Pitocin. It all depends on the circumstances, of course, and how fast they need to get baby out. I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV. LOL!
Best of luck to both of you! Wishing you speedy and comfy deliveries!
To clarify, they increased one unit at a time. I don't think I got past 10. I can't imagine what a 20 (or 40... whatever the highest level is) feels like!
DeleteSo glad you have a plan and everything ready to go. I'm really hoping everything goes absolutely perfect the way you want it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Amber! Only time will tell, but gotta have a plan as a starting point.
DeleteI really hope everything goes according to your plan. It sounds like you are in the right mindframe. Although we often hear stories ofbirths /labours that don't go as planned, lots do! (Like mine) I think if you follow your instincts you will do great. I can't wait to read the birth story!
ReplyDeleteI'm totally using you as my inspiration. I don't think my L & D room will be quite as natural birthing friendly as yours in Canada (no whirlpool here unfortunately) but I'm not letting that stop me from using everything else at my disposal to make it happen.
DeleteSounds like a great plan! I know this will be an amazing experience for you and your husband and I cannot wait to hear all about it...and Preston!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks Suzanne. I will tell myself that as I'm squeezing out this watermelon...amazing experience, amazing experience. ;)
DeleteWow this looks great! I'm totally going to save this post so I can formulate a birth plan!
ReplyDeletePlease do Shay!
DeleteGreat job at coming up with this plan!! I pray that everything goes as planned- I can't wait to hear all about it :). XO
ReplyDeleteThanks Aubrey! Hope your boys are doing awesome!
DeleteI think it's SO great you are excited! The Lord created us to have babies naturally!!! He desires us to ask Him for big things - including requests like a good/pain free labor!!! I can't believe how close it is getting. Glad you have a good plan in place!
ReplyDeleteI believe that too Caroline. Up until recently going natural was the only way. I really believe our bodies were made to do this!
DeleteThis is a lovely plan, but a bit confusing to me. Your ideal experience is keeping everything natural yet you plan on exposing your son to cosmetic surgery within days of his birth. "Please, don't cut the umbilical cord until it stops pulsing, but the tip of his penis, well that's funny looking, lop it off, nerves and all."
ReplyDeleteI understand the reasons parents think they need to circumcise their sons, but your plan seems incongruous.
Nice to "meet you" Pam since I don't believe you've ever commented on my blog before. While I can appreciate both sides of the argument on whether or not to circumcise, I assure you our decision is not made in haste or solely for "cosmetic purposes." It's been researched, discussed, and well thought out. We're making the decision that's right for US as a family, and if my plan seems incongruous to you simply do not use it for yourself.
DeleteBy the way, I always welcome an educated discussion of any topic, but I must say I find your approach and tone to be extremely off-putting. To insinuate that a parent who loves their child more than anything in the world (and went to great lengths to bring him into the world to begin with) would make a choice based on the fact that something is "funny looking, so lop it off, nerves and all"...well it's just downright offensive and inconsiderate. You might want to think twice about your comments before admonishing someone else in such a boorish manner.
Good luck with it honey! It's fantastic that you have a detailed plan but also realistic that things can change. Well done! As for the comment above by Pam, I found as soon as I was a mother, other women were either incredibly supportive or incredibly judgemental. You will find this too and it's sad. But the supportive women will outweigh the judgemental ones, so keep that in mind
ReplyDeleteIndeed. It's rare that I see negativity in my blog comments, and most women are respectful of the fact that each family needs to make the decisions best for them. Thanks for being supportive!
DeleteSending a stack of love and positive vibes!!! X
ReplyDeleteThanks sweets!
DeleteYour plan is well thought out and in glad you both comfortable with ur decisions. Hope everything goes as planned. As for circumcising my mother did it with all my brother per my father request. So if a man is requesting it it's for a reason. Do what you feel is best for UR son.
ReplyDeleteI agree! Thanks Jo Jo!
DeleteSo much to think about! I love this, Emily. I might have to steal this template for a roadmap. �� Your ideas/thoughts are great! He will be here soon!!!!
ReplyDeleteFeel free to use whatever you can from this post Allison. So soon indeed! Still in slight disbelief here.
DeleteGreat job, Em. I knew your birth plan would be precise and detailed. Love it.
ReplyDeleteOh lawdy, my reputation for being Type A precedes me. Ha! You will be needing one yourself very soon, I have no doubt Jessah. :)
DeleteSomehow I missed this post! But I love it :) And I totally relate about not trying to get too excited about "the plan." I honestly look forward to the birth of this child and experiencing all of it. I'm trying to envision it the way I want to and think positively about it, all the while understanding that I may have to let go of some hopes I have if need be.
ReplyDeleteI totally believe in you and know that you can have a natural birth. And I greatly look forward to hearing about it!....soon!!
Your story is remarkable. It is not easy to go through that phase but you did with keeping yourself together and got through. People should have practical planning for a baby and wait when it is time for them to have a baby. It is something can only god knows.
ReplyDelete