A term I keep seeing popping up in my baby related research binges is "the birth plan" and I think it's worth noting that while some things are in my control, very much is in the hands of the little being who seems to be calling all the shots. So how much planning can one actually do?
My "plan" so far is a simple one:
1) Get baby out safely.
2) Achieve #1 with assistance of pain killers, preferably an epidural (and, while I'm on this topic, I'd like it to be administered around 4-5 centimeters.)
3) Forceps are absolutely forbidden from going anywhere near my downstairs area or my baby's delicate skull.
4) Vacuum is okay, if necessary only.
5) C-section is acceptable if necessary to avoid #3 and potentially #4, which I'm not sure how I feel about just yet.
6) Leave all of baby's first medical needs up to the doctors/nurses unless they hand her to me for feeding/cuddling right away.
7) Trust medical staff to look after baby and mommy (apart from above mentioned forceps usage. No.)
That's pretty much what I have right now. I am contemplating asking for a maternity ward tour (if they allow that kind of thing) because I would like to know a few less important details, such as:
1) Do the lights dim, and if not can I bring a lamp? Bright florescent lights hurt my brain & soul quite deeply. Yuck.
2) Can I have soft music playing?
3) Can I have my cherished heating pad with me?
4) Can hubby and I watch Netflix?? Can we even use the internet?
5) Can I bring my Scentsy? I'm a lover of aromatherapy.
So yea, not very important stuff (except my heating pad!!!) but things I'd like to be aware of ahead of time. When it comes to the important choices I'm mostly happy to do what I'm told. I don't mind being induced or having to use drugs or potentially having a cesarean. If things get complicated I certainly don't want to complicate things further by being a difficult patient.
I know for sure that I don't want to have rigid rules laid out, because 9 times out of 10 (just pulling that number out of the air, don't quote me on that) your carefully laid plans go out the window and you're left feeling helpless and lost. I'd rather not have much disappointment on that day, especially since it's going to be difficult even with drugs. So - an open ended plan is my plan.
A quick note about my decision to have an epidural - yes, I've researched it. So before you go a'ranting, read:
No, it won't hurt the baby or myself.
No, it will not "give" the baby Cerebral Palsy (seriously???)
No, I'm not being selfish by opting for an epidural. Pushing out a baby seems awfully ouchie.
No, epidurals do not slow down labour, nor do they increase my chances of having a cesarean.
No, really they don't.
No, I'd rather not experience everything that birth has to offer.
No, I don't really care that I won't be able to get out of bed, nor do I care that pushing could be harder if I can't feel what I'm doing. Major Chapeaus off to you ladies who do it au naturel. That's not going to be me though, if I can help it.
It's surprising how many women are chastised for going the epi-route. You'd think it would be best to support each other in our decisions and applaud any choice that involves bringing a child into the world. After all, we did have to fight for our right to have a voice - we shouldn't be finding fault with what each other chooses. And child birth is HARD. Let's not be judgey!
Anyway, I'm sure my non-plan will progress as my due date gets nearer. I'll update Peter Lougheed Centre maternity policies when I find out more, in case others are wondering. I've looked and can't find any info!
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