Cesarean Goddess aka OnTheFence Cesarean Section Birth Plan

Not a week goes by that I do not get an email from a woman or a doula asking me about my Cesarean Birth Plan that I made over seven years ago when I went to have my second son, Jack (whose birthday is today!). My cesarean birthplan is found all over the net but its start began on MotheringDotCom where I am now banned from their forums. Thanks to the administration at MDC, they feel that OnTheFence is too vocal in voicing her opinion about surgical birth and supporting a woman's choice in how they give birth because it's uncrunchy. Any questions about the birthplan below feel free to write me at dscvrlife @ bellsouth dot net.

*For the locals. The cesarean birthplan below has been used multiple times at Mobile Infirmary by not only me but by others. I have found that they and USA Children's and Women's Hospital are the friendlier hospitals in our area in working with you on giving you and your baby a good experience.

** I am not a doctor. I do not play one on TV. I am not even a nurse. Do not accept this as medical advice. Do your own research and discuss your birth plans with your doctor or midwife. Don't try this at home either!

My Cesarean Birth Plan (June 2005 version) Feel free to copy.

*I want to note that I don't do anything the traditional way, so if you have any questions about why I chose to do something a certain way feel free to ask or email me.

I am having a planned cesarean section the third week of June. My cesarean is being planned for mid-day. I choose to plan my cesareans because my first was an emergency, my anesthesia failed and I felt out of control. When planning I arrange everything in advance, including who administers anesthesia, my nursing care, and who assists my doctor in performing the surgery. I literally have my hand in every decision that is made, including the type of anesthesia that is performed, what drugs are given to me during the actual surgery, and what happens after the baby is born barring no complications.

As this is a planned Cesarean birth we are looking forward to a positive birth experience. We want to participate in this birth to the fullest. We have listed our preferences below; these decisions have been made after research, consultation, and thought. Therefore your help in attaining these goals is very much appreciated.

We would appreciate preoperative blood work and tests to be done on an out patient basis, and hospital admission on the day of the birth.

My sister, ****** , is to stay with me the entire time, even for procedures and administration of anesthesia. [note to readers, I recommend a friend, relative or doula to be with the mother at all times]

I would like an epidural with continued pain relief with a PCAP. [note to readers, I had a failed spinal with my first csection. I had an epidural with my second with continued pain support for 17 hours after surgery through a PCAP that was hooked into my epidural cathetar. I was able to mover around, but did not have anything impairing my brain function.]

I would like the catheter put in after anesthesia is administered.

I do not wish to have medical students present during our cesarean. [For my last birth in 2007, I did allow students after I met them. I have rule, I have to meet you before you get to see me naked.]

My arms are not to be strapped down unless general anesthesia becomes necessary during an emergency. [ It is customary during surgical births in the USA to strap the arms down, like you are Jesus Christ, to the operating table. Not all doctors or hospitals do this, but it is the "norm".]

I would like the option of viewing the birth either by lowering the screen or positioning a mirror. [ In 2007, I had my head on a pillow and the screen lowered. I didn't like it.]

I welcome conversation during the delivery process. [ Some people request music, dim lights, and no talking at all. It's really up to you. ]

If my baby needs assistance during the delivery process, if possible please use a vacuum verses forceps. [ I've had one baby delivered with use of the vacuum with no visible problems or effects. I know too many babies harmed by forceps, in vaginal and surgical births, this is why I have made this request.]

We would like to take photos of the birth as it occurs. [ This will be up to your doctor or hospital, most doctors can have hospital policy waved. You can also video your birth with permission from the doctor. Don't ask your nurse, she will tell you no.]

I would like to see the baby immediately after birth if at all possible. I would also like to be given the baby or have it held near me in the OR.

No mind-altering drugs are to be administered without Kim’s expressed permission. I am aware that some hospitals routinely sedate the mom for the repair portion of the surgery. It is important to Kim not to feel drugged or be unable to remember the events of the birth. Kim would like to avoid having nausea medications administered unless absolutely necessary, Zofran is preferred if the need arises. [ Phenegran makes most people drowsy and can interfere with nursing after surgery. Also, sedative are often administered in the IV routinely before the surgery to "calm" the patient and during the suturing phase. If you need them, go for it, but if not, you can ask that they not to be given]

If at all possible we would like that the baby’s father, Jeff, be able to cut the cord. [ I am not asking that he trim it at the warming table for baby, but actually enter the sterile field to cut the cord. My OB is going to try and accomadate this request, with respect given to the sterile field. *Jeff was unable to do this but he didn't seem to care.]

Kim prefers that the outside incision be sutured with stitches and not staples. [ There is a small risk of infection from sutures, however I think the benefits outweigh the cons. I have had both, and the stitches left me with a nicer cleaner incision, and I felt as if I was held together better.]

Kim wishes to have the baby with her in recovery so that she can breastfeed immediately. [ readers note that I request to recover in a Labor & Delivery Room so that I can have my baby immediately and have my husband and sister with me (or other guests) Find out your hospitals policies about recovery areas, some will not allow you to have your baby or your partner with you.]

NO EYE OINTMENT is to be administered to our baby at ANY TIME. Kim, the baby’s mother has been tested for all STDs and was negative and since this is a cesarean birth our baby is at no risk of eye infection. This has been discussed prior to the birth with our baby’s pediatrician. [you will have to sign a waiver stating it is for religious reasons at certain hospitals, if you need a church affiliation tell them you belong to the Church of Kim...lol]

We have refused the Hepatitis B vaccine at this time.

We do consent to having the Vitamin K shot administered to our baby. [Some people opt out of this, do your research.]

All tests and procedures are to be done in the presence of one of the baby’s parents, and with our expressed consent, barring no emergency situation. [In 2007, we did have problems at our baby's birth that required immediate medical attention. However they did allow my husband to be there the entire time.]

Please do not bathe our baby. [note to readers, bathing a baby after delivery can often lower their temperature, resulting in having to go and stay in the nursery. Cesarean birthed babies already have a disadvantage to vaginal birthed babies because they tend to have a harder time maintaining their temperature, this is why we forgo the bath, and do one later that I can participate in seeing and/or being involved in.]

If our baby is a boy, do not circumcise. [our boys are intact and we have had no problems]

[ we are expecting a girl, but just in case!]

Our baby will be breastfed. Please do not give our baby pacifiers or bottles.

We would like our baby to room in with us. Kim will have someone with her at all times to assist her with the baby in anyway. [note to readers, most hospitals will not allow rooming in for cesarean birth mommas unless they have help, this is the hospitals policy I am going too]

Do not come and take our baby to the nursery unless we request it. Any procedures or pediatric checks can be done in our room [if they tell you they have to be done in the nursery it's BS, you are paying the doctor $100 a visit, they can visit your room]. This includes ultraviolent light therapy for jaundice. [ note to readers, if they tell you they can't do the therapy in your room, they are bull shitting you. I specifically note this because my babies often get jaundice do to ABO incompatibility.]