The following is a birth plan developed at our October 2009 meeting. This plan is designed for our fictitious couple, Mandy & Doug. Mandy has a medical condition that indicates a c-section and after doing all of their research on the benefits and risks of vaginal births and cesarean section, they have decided that in Mandy’s case, a cesarean section is the best option for them. Below is their birth plan. Although Mandy & Doug do have additional preferences regarding the newborn care of their baby, only information relative to their cesarean section is included in this example.

Thank you for being a part of the birth of our baby. We know we have chosen the best possible birth team, and appreciate your expertise and experience during this incredibly important day - the day we meet our baby. Today, Mandy will be transformed into a mother and Doug will be transformed into a father. This is a day that we will remember for the rest of our lives. With that in mind, we have a list of preferences that we would like respected whenever safely possible. Thank you so much for taking part in this momentous occasion!

Environment

  • Please refer to us by our first names, Mandy & Doug.
  • Please refrain from having side conversations in the OR during the surgery.
  • We would like to play our choice of music during the surgery.
  • We would like Doug and our doula to be with Mandy during the surgery.
  • We would like either Doug or our doula to be with Mandy at all times before and after the surgery.
  • Mandy has a picture she’s like to look at as a focal point during the surgery.

 

Surgery

  • We prefer not to schedule our cesarean but rather wait until Mandy goes into labor naturally.
  • Mandy would like to have a hand free to touch the baby.
  • Please narrate the surgery.
  • Please lower the drape so we can see the baby as soon as possible.
  • Please do not announce the sex of the baby.
  • We would like the cord to remain unclamped and for the placenta to be removed and kept with the baby. Please put the baby skin to skin on Mandy’s chest with the wrapped placenta. We would like the cord to be clamped and cut after it has stopped pulsating.
  • Doug would like to cut the umbilical cord.
  • We’d like to delay newborn exam until after Mandy and the baby have some skin-to-skin contact and time to bond.
  • We’d like to try to initiate breastfeeding while in the OR.
  • Please use a double-layer suture to repair the uterus.

 

Recovery

  • We’d like to avoid any separation of mother and baby and for the baby to be with Mandy in the recovery room.
  • We’d like a private recovery room.
  • We’d like to be fully informed of the risks and benefits of pain management drugs.

Again, thanks for being part of our special day. –Mandy & Doug