A few weeks (months?) ago, I talked to my doctor about my previous birth experience and she told me to write a birth plan. I was kind of waiting to do it until I figured out what I wanted. I've been doing lots of research and I've been looking for
doula. As I began looking for a
doula, I was also looking for an alternate birthing method. I did not take to Lamaze, I was referred to a
doula who taught Birth from Within (August is her vacation time), my girlfriend did
Hypnobirthing (the nearest "
Hypno" lady is booked til Sept) and so I was still looking.
THEN, I found Orgasmic Birth. Now, please note that the
Orgasmic Birth documentary was already on my
Netflix.com queue but I
hadn't really
gotten to that one yet. I read some stuff on Amazon.com and I was intrigued. After I saw the video, I was sold. I think I've watched it, at least, 4 times and I've now shown everything but the extras to Lewis. He's totally down with this.
So now I'm doing further research and writing my birth plan. It feels so good!!! I'm so happy because I'm researching like crazy and I'm writing down what I want. I have draft that I am taking with me on my next appointment. During this appointment, I will see one of my OB's partners. I think this is great because I can begin to gather what I hope is a sampling of the philosophies of the different OBs in her group.
I am going to be praying. Worst(best?) case scenario is that they tell me the truth, it doesn't work for me and I bid them adieu. Best case scenario, they are totally down for it, I find my doula and we sail into L&D when contractions are 5 minutes apart and they let me do my thing.
Additionally, once I get this doula/midwife thing handled (nope, still don't have one), then I will ask them to assess me and my home for a home birth. That would be my dream!!! Don't even start with me (you know who you are), don't post a comment, don't trip...just be silent and pray if you don't agree or the idea of me doing a home birth scares the crap out of you. Just don't say a word because I need prayer and positive energy to get through this birth and not flash back to the drama of the last one. Okay? Don't post, just pray. Thank you. I love you. I feel better that I've said it somewhere.
Okay, so the birth I have in mind goes like this:
- 2nd babies are usually faster but I am mentally preparing for 36 hours, just in case.
- Bag packed. Laptop loaded with songs.
- Speakers in bags.
- Battery operated fake candles packed.
- Lolo at Grandmommy's house.
- My friends have made food for me and frozen it.
- All early labor up to 5 minute contractions done at home.
- AJ/Dominique/Mendy doing Yoga with me during early labor.
- I eat food and drink beverages.
- I do some labor in the tub/shower.
- Lew and doula give me massages.
- I am free to walk and use exercise ball to get comfortable during contractions.
- I may even dance.
- I get lots hugs and kisses from Lew and my friends.
- Doula monitors my and baby's vitals.
- I head to the hospital at the 5 minutes apart stage.
- I send mom to the hotel to wait for my call.
- I bring all my stuff and we set up shop in an L&D room.
- NO intervention without serious discussion, statistical data, evidence based information about me (not most people) and a 2nd opinion. Yeah, I really want this VBAC.
- I have a few very positive friends stop by.
- Doula meets me at the hospital.
- The docs and nurses basically leave me the heck alone with minimum fetal monitoring and a Hep Lock.
- Labor advances at our pace.
- I am allowed to change positions during labor for comfort, relaxation and pain management.
- No drugs.
- No episiotomy. There are natural ways to protect the perineum.
- Baby is born and I get him right away, skin-to-skin, so I can increase the oxytocin for both of us and get the breast milk flowin'.
- Testing and baby care, in room.
- Private room for our stay.
- Lactation specialist consultation.
- Get out of there as soon as it's healthy and possible.
- Hide out for several weeks.
This is what I have so far. I am aware that things don't always happen like we want. Tis is what I'd like to see happen. I am flexible if I get real evidence and real talk from the doctors. I am not wiling to lose either of us in childbirth for my convictions. We are both going home, God willing, whether this Birth Plan pans out or not. I believe I will feel better, no matter what, knowing that I have spoken up, done the research and had a doula who is on her game advocating with me.
So, that is what I have so far. I am praying for strength, voice, wisdom, guidance and the right doula. I feel really good that I have already begun to prepare. I am so thankful that God has given me another opportunity and I want to do my best to make this start off as well as I possibly can.
That's all for now. I'm going to send a copy of the actual draft, not exactly like the bullet points, to my husband, my Angie (7 births) and a few of my other peeps for suggestions.
I am building my circle to make this birth something beautiful. May God do what I cannot through me, Lew, the doula, the doctors and my friends.
Amen.
