Natural Birth Plan

I've been on bedrest for 2 weeks today.  Technically, I'm allowed to get up as long as I'm not having contractions, but they haven't completely stopped in 2 weeks either.  I'm on medication to keep them at a minimum, and it seems to be mostly working, although we did have to raise the dosage a few days ago.  We would like to keep the baby in until about 37 weeks gestation, at the least, but 36 is the bare minimum.  Luckily, I'll be 36 weeks on Monday, and I'll feel much better over all about him coming after that.

We have planned a midwife assisted home birth all along, just as we had with the Bug.  And we are still planning one if we make it past 36 weeks.  However, it occurred to me this morning that our chances of needing a hospital, at least at this point, are slightly higher than the average homebirther.  I'm still holding on to that we will make it far enough to not have to go to the hospital to birth, and that the baby will be healthy enough to not need to transfer afterwards.  But, it did seem like a good idea to be prepared either way.  So, I've spent the morning writing up a birth plan for my natural birth.  I thought I would share it, since examples of natural birth plans can be somewhat few and far between online.  I will say that at this point, mine is running a little longer than is ideal, but I'm hoping that the items towards the end will not be needed, and if they are, can be pointed out to anyone attending the birth at that time.

Papa and Kellie’s Birth Plan

We would strongly prefer to give birth at home, with our midwife.  We understand that birth does not always go according to plan and are willing to transfer to the hospital before, during or after birth if an emergency situation occurs with either Kellie or the baby.  Should we transfer to the hospital, these are our preferences.

PLEASE NOTE THAT KELLIE IS EXTREMELY ALLERGIC TO DAIRY.  IT IS VITAL THAT ALL FOOD AND MEDICINE BE CHECKED FOR ANY DAIRY DERIVED INGREDIENTS BEFORE THEY ARE GIVEN TO KELLIE.  THIS INCLUDES ALL FORMS OF DAIRY, INCLUDING THOSE THAT ARE NOT ALWAYS CONSIDERED ALLERGENIC.  THIS IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO US AND WE ARE PREPARED TO FILE THE APPROPRIATE COMPLAINTS IF KELLIE IS GIVEN DAIRY IN ANY FORM.

Before Labor

* I trust that our practitioner will seek out our opinion concerning all of the issues directly affecting our birth before deviating from our plan.

* It is completely against our wishes to have Kellie’s membranes stripped.  We do not give our permission to strip Kellie’s membranes during a vaginal exam.

* We prefer minimal internal vaginal exams or at our request only.

* If we go past our due date and the baby and Kellie are fine, we prefer to go into labor naturally rather than be induced.

First Stage Labor

Environment

* We prefer to have our own discretion about who is to be in the room with us during labor and delivery.  It is expected that Papa will be in the room at all times, and we would also like our children to have access to us at all times.  If our children desire to be at the hospital with us, a care provider for them will also be present.  We will also most likely have at least one other birth support person with us.

* We are not opposed to students, residents, etc being in the room with us during labor and delivery.

* If at all possible, we prefer that a birthing tub be available to us for our birth, and we prefer to have the option to give birth in the water.

* We will be using self-hypnosis techniques during labor and delivery.   Because of this, we would prefer to have the lights dimmed, the room to be as quiet as possible, to bring our own music or audio relaxation tracks, and for the room to remain as calm as possible at all times.

* Kellie would like to wear her own clothing during labor and delivery.

* We would like the option to photograph our birth, and we welcome anyone to pick up the camera and take pictures if we have forgotten.

Pain Relief

* We will be using hypnosis for pain relief.

* If we need further assistance with pain relief, we would prefer to utilize massage, water,  deep or guided relaxation.

* Please do not offer other types of pain relief.

* It is important to us that Kellie be able to move around during labor as she feels comfortable.

Other Considerations

* Please keep our door closed during labor.

** We do not consent to continuous monitoring unless the baby is in distress, and then we will only be using external monitoring.

* Please avoid any unnecessary needles, IVs, etc.

Second Stage Labor

* We will push when Kellie feels ready.

* We will push without coaching.

* We will birth in whatever position feels comfortable at the time.

* We do not consent to an episiotomy.

* We do not consent to an enema.

* The baby’s shoulders and body are to be born spontaneously, with no manipulation.  Please feel free to support the baby as he is being born, but do not force him in any direction or squeeze any part of him.

After Birth

* We would like baby to be placed on Kellie immediately after birth, as long as the baby is healthy.

* We would prefer that the baby not be separated from Papa and Kellie unless the baby is having problems.

*Please delay all newborn procedures until after bonding and breastfeeding have taken place.

Third Stage Labor

* Please delay clamping and cutting the cord until after it has stopped pulsing.

* We would prefer to be asked if we would like to cut the cord, and would possibly like for our daughter to be allowed to cut it.

* Kellie’s placenta will be born spontaneously, without the use of traction or Pitocin.

Cesarean Delivery

* We prefer to avoid a cesarean delivery if at all possible.  However, should one become necessary, we would like our wishes to be respected in regards to the surgery.

* We would prefer for Papa to be present at all times.

* We need to have a general anesthetic because of Kellie’s intense fear of needles and surgery.  We are aware of the risks and are willing to take them.  We would still prefer that Papa be present if general anesthesia is utilized.

* Kellie would like to see, hold and nurse our baby as soon as possible after delivery.

* We would like for Papa to stay with the baby at all times after birth until Kellie can join him and the baby.

* Please do not administer any medications for surgery or recovery that would not be safe for breastfeeding immediately after surgery/recovery.

Newborn Procedures

* We would prefer that one or both parents be present with the baby at all times.

* We would prefer to avoid vitamin K.  If there is birth trauma, we are open to discussing its use.

* We do not give consent for eye drops/ointment, vaccinations, or circumcision.  We are prepared to sign waivers for these things.
* We do not consent to suctioning.  Please discuss with us if you feel that there is a reason for suctioning.

* We prefer to bathe our baby ourselves, using our own products, when we are ready.  Please do not bathe the baby before we are ready.

* We prefer to use cloth diapers, and we are happy to provide our own and launder them ourselves.

Feeding

* This baby will be breastfed.  Please do not offer the baby pacifiers, sugar water, formula or other artificial nipples. 

* Should it become necessary to intervene in the natural order of breastfeeding, please discuss it with us and get our informed opinions and consent before deviating from this plan.

* Kellie is happy to pump breastmilk for this baby if needed.  Please just let us know in ample time to bring our pump along to the hospital.

NICU

While we are anticipating the arrival of a healthy baby, we understand that complications do occur.  In the event that our baby requires a stay in the NICU, these are our preferences.

* We want to have as much contact as possible with our baby, and be allowed to touch, hold, and nurture him as much as possible.

* We want to be informed about his care BEFORE procedures or medications are administered.

* We want Kellie to room in with the baby at the hospital, if at all possible, and to be present for all baby care.

* We would like our NICU stay to be as short as possible, and are willing to have more out of hospital doctor visits to accommodate this if necessary.

* We would like our baby to be exclusively breastfed, or given pumped breastmilk, during his entire NICU stay.  We do not want to supplement him with formula.

I hope that my birth plan is of use to other families, or that you at least enjoy reading it!  Feel free to use any of it for your personal use.

Food on the Road

Last week, we took a road trip of about 600 miles with the kids.  Road trips are always an adventure, but even more so when you are trying to be conscious of your actions while travelling.  We try to stay environmentally and pocketbook friendly, and also keep it healthy.  This can be very daunting, though, especially on short notice, as this trip was.

One of the ways that we are able to cope with this is by having a supply of items that live in the van for moments like these.  First is the Coleman propane stove.  This makes life much easier when eating away from home!  To go with it, we have a set of pots and pans.  Our set has a coffee pot as well and we have supplemented it with a toaster.  And, last but certainly not least, a picnic basket full of dishes, and silverware.  We also keep a spray bottle with soapy water and a stack of wash rags in the van.  With these supplies already packed, I can grab food at the grocery store and we can have a picnic lunch if we are out on errands, or add a cooler full of food and we are ready for a road trip!

When we stop for a meal, we try to find a nice open space where the kids and the dog can get a good stretch.  We pack a tie out for the dog so that he can stay safe and yet have some room to move.  Our first stop this trip, we pulled off an exit and found a Home Depot with a little used side road that ran along with about 2 acres of grass on the other side of the road.  We parked the van with the door opened towards the grass and told the kids to run.  We utilized the restrooms in the Home Depot, cooked our dinner on the grass, and ate at the table in the van.

Our picnic site and dishes for our four legged friend.

The table in the van in the process of picnicking.

Daddy washing dishes.

All packed back up and ready to go!

I forgot to take pictures of the actual food prep.  I guess we were too hungry for that!  But, you get the general idea.

Our travel food consisted of:
*a lot of dried and fresh fruit
*hot dogs
*lunch meat
*our gluten free bread
*biscuits
*peanut butter
*jelly
*rice milk
*trail mix
*hard boiled eggs
*bagels
*Enjoy Life brand fruit bars
*a bagged salad
*cherry tomatoes

And probably some things I'm forgetting here.  We ate bagels for breakfast, sandwiches or hot dogs for lunch or dinner, along with salad, and lots of fruits and "peely eggs" while we were driving.  Each child got a "snack bag" by their seats and we put in snacks for them (since we can no longer reach them all of the way in the back seat!), and toys.  This way they had access to things even when we couldn't stop for them.

The trip was good, the food was good, we had no fast food and we had no allergen exposures while we were driving!  Plus, we handled the entire trip with little trash from packaging, as we would have had we been buying all of our food along the way.

How do you eat when you are on the road?

Natural First Aid Kit

On our recent car trip, I pulled out our first aid kit to see what was there and update it.  My, but what a look at our lifestyle change it was!  Inside were adhesive bandages that had melted apart in the heat of the car, antacids and pain relievers which had expired YEARS ago, antibiotic ointment that had expired years ago, soap that was chock full of chemicals, a sewing kit, a few sterile dressings, a roll of adhesive tape, several alcohol wipes, a candle and a single blade disposable razor.  Literally, everything that could expire had expired in 2004 at the latest.

It is funny because none of the things in the kit were things that we ever truly use - which is why most of it had to be thrown out.  For a house with young children, we amazingly rarely use adhesive bandages or tapes.  The Bean and I are both allergic to the adhesive, and when you are just used to not using them, you rarely reach for them.  We rarely used chemical medications to begin with, and the ones that were on the recommended list were simply never reached for because we didn't use them.  And I never cleaned out the first aid kit and restocked it because we pretty much never used it.  I am good about clearing up what we have and use at home - getting rid of outdated items, buying in advance items that we will use if we get sick, looking for natural alternatives, and keeping us well stocked.  So, I decided to update the first aid kit for the van, and began looking for a good list of what products to put in.

So, I've made a list of general items to keep in a natural first aid kit, as well as a list of things to keep in the car.  I thought I'd share as some of you might find it helpful!

Natural First Aid Kit for Home
Small, medium and large sterile gauze dressings.
Scissors for bandages
Tape for bandages
At least two sterile eye dressings.
Ace type bandages.
Safety pins.
Disposable sterile gloves.
Tweezers.
Thermometer, preferably digital.
Distilled water, for cleaning wounds and as an eye bath.  Eye drops are also an option.
Tongue depressors.
Nasal aspirator.
Flashlight and extra batteries.
CPR Mask – optional.
Blanket.
Cleansing wipes – alcohol, peroxide, etc.
Soap and/or hand sanitizer.
Hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol.
Witch Hazel.
Epsom Salt.
Skin rash cream such as Better Baby Bottoms or Lavender Oil.
Cream or spray to relieve insect bites and stings - Florasone.
Antiseptic cream or ointment (can be made with essential oils).
Pain relievers – peppermint or lavender oil ointment for headaches, arnica cream for bumps and bruises, rice bags to warm or freeze for muscle aches, hot water bottle
Cough remedies – Honey to eat, Eucalyptus Oil (to diffuse or rub on chest mixed with oil), vaporizer, Hyland’s Cough ‘N Cold for kids, hot teas (many herbal varieties), and cough lozenges with zinc.
Digestion Aids – Papaya tablets
Nausea remedies – Ginger tea, candies or tablets can be helpful.  We also use St. Claire’s brand Tummy Soothers tablets.
Immune support therapies – Echinacea tincture, elderberry juice/concentrate/tincture, Herbs for Kids brand Temp Assure
Burn ointment to prevent infection – aloe vera gel, Weleda burn gel, lavender oil.
Nasal spray.
Antihistamine tablets or liquid – Benadryl, etc.
Tube of non-petroleum jelly or other lubricant.  Beeswax and oil heated and melted together makes a lovely ointment and the oil can be steeped with herbs or infused with essential oils to provide further protective properties.

Natural First Aid Kit for Car
Small, medium and large sterile gauze dressings.
Scissors for bandages
Tape for bandages
At least two sterile eye dressings.
Ace type bandages.
Safety pins.
Disposable sterile gloves.
Tweezers.
Distilled water, for cleaning wounds and as an eye bath.  Eye drops are also an option.
Flashlight and extra batteries.
CPR Mask – optional.
Blanket.
Cleansing wipes – alcohol, peroxide, etc.
Soap and/or hand sanitizer.
Skin rash cream such as Better Baby Bottoms or Lavender Oil.
Cream or spray to relieve insect bites and stings - Florasone.
Antiseptic cream or ointment (can be made with essential oils).
Pain relievers – peppermint or lavender oil ointment for headaches, arnica cream for bumps and bruises.
Digestion Aids – Papaya tablets
Nausea remedies – Ginger candies or tablets can be helpful.  We also use St. Claire’s brand Tummy Soothers tablets.
Burn ointment to prevent infection – aloe vera gel, Weleda burn gel, lavender oil.
Antihistamine tablets or liquid – Benadryl, etc.

The items for the vehicle should be packed together in a small container that you can easily access in an emergency and will be protected as much as possible from sunlight and heat.  The items in it should be in a form that is easy to use immediately (making ginger tea on the side of the road for a nauseous child is really not as ideal as giving them a ginger tablet or candy), and you may want to consider smaller sized items so that your container doesn't need to be as large.  For example, you may want small or fold-able scissors instead of a large pair.  Many of the vehicle items can easily be made into balms or ointments and stored in small jars or tins to keep them from being messy.  One of my favorites is to make a balm of olive oil and beeswax, then add peppermint oil as it cools and store it in a small tin for headaches when I'm out and about.

What else do you keep in your natural first aid kit?