Well, my birth plan is that I really don’t have one! In our childbirth class, the instructor was always reiterating that the goal of the labor experience was “healthy mom, healthy baby.” I thought, that’s a pretty good birth plan. Do what I must do for a healthy mom and a healthy baby. After all, plans never really work out, especially birth plans! To me, is it even worth it to make a birth plan knowing that it’s likely going to be a lot different than you thought?
The Actual Birth
I would prefer not to be induced. Because I have high blood pressure, the doctor would like to induce at 39 weeks. I trust my doctor and I know she has my best interest at heart, but I would prefer to just keep waiting it out! It’s a decision that she said we will make together, so we’ll see how everything is looking next week!
I also know that I would prefer a vaginal birth with an epidural. However, I also know that those things are totally out of my control. If God has a different path for me and the baby, I am completely open to it. My biggest fear right now is an emergency C-section or getting to the hospital too late for an epidural. But again, if the day ends with a healthy mom and a healthy baby I consider it a win. I’m tough when it comes to needles and pain, so I’m not too worried about the epidural. I’ve been hospitalized and had many surgeries (probably more than the average 29-year-old) so a big needle doesn’t really scare me.
All this being said, if the birth doesn’t happen exactly like this, I am totally cool with it. Healthy mom and healthy baby!
The Delivery Room
I plan on it being just me and Tony in the delivery room. He is good in those scenarios and I’m not worried about him passing out or anything (the only thing he isn’t good with is puke!) He is my greatest supporter and I know he will be a great partner in our labor experience. But I did tell my mom that I want her out in the waiting room “on call” in case I get scared and need her!
We will not have anyone in the delivery room specifically doing photo or video, but Tony will have his phone. Hospitals are totally fine with photo and video which is nice. We have Mackenzie (the same photographer who did our maternity shoot) coming to do a ‘Fresh 48’ later on in the hospital. I will put a little makeup on and hopefully get some sweet photos of the three of us at the hospital.
Our Other Preferences
I am pretty much totally cool with whatever happens during labor (healthy mom and healthy baby!) but once baby is here, let me tell you, I have some thoughts.
These are the things that I absolutely want for me and the baby after the birth:
- “Golden hour” for me and the baby – this is essentially skin-to-skin with the baby immediately following the birth
- Delayed cord clamping – waiting until the cord turns white (just a few minutes) for optimal benefits for the infant
- Keeping the baby in the room with us always (no nursery unless we request it)
- No pacifiers, bottles, or formula unless we request it
I learned in our childbirth class that all these things are best practices in Minnesota hospitals. Unless you specifically don’t want any of these things, you will have them. We still have everything written down to give to them at the hospital (just to be sure!)
I know that these next few days or weeks will absolutely fly by and in no time I will be sharing our baby and the birth story with all of you. Also, if you haven’t checked out what’s in my hospital bag, I linked the post here!
Shop My Outfit
This outfit doesn’t have anything to do with my birth plan but I LOVE IT and wanted to share it while I still have a bump to dress. This maternity dress is from Shop Pink Blush and it’s one of my favorites. It fits true to size. I love the neckline and the fact that it’s ribbed. This bralette is 30% off right now and a go-to for under tops and dresses!
*This post is in collaboration with Shop Pink Blush. They provided me with this maternity dress. Collaborations like this make Wedded Liss possible.