A Gentle Cesarean Birth Plan

To our birth team: We trust in your expertise and in your sensitivity to our individual needs and wishes. We intended to have a natural birth at a birth center, however things took a turn in decision making at 37w pregnant, and it was not taken lightly to come to the this path for a cesarean birth.  Thank you in advance for your support and encouragement during our daughter’s (Clara) birth.  My husband (Jack Allison) and I understand that birth can go differently than planned and that decisions may need to be made during the process.  We intend to work with everyone present to make good decisions if need arises. In case a decision about a medical procedure may be made if I am unconscious, I grant authority for making that decision to my husband. The concept of fully informed consent is important to us. 
 

1. Using a cultured gauze to swab the baby and expose Clara to my beneficial bacteria that she would have received through vaginal canal.
2. Dropping the drape so that I can actually witness the birth of Clara and not feel isolated from her birth.
3. Uterus remains in my body during the repair. Please do not flip my uterus out as I am concerned it will lengthen healing time.
4. Immediate Skin to Skin/Breastfeeding. Having all IVs, straps, ECG leads,etc on the non-dominant arm/back, so that I can touch and hold my baby once she is born, and my chest is  free for skin-to-skin contact even during being repaired. I would prefer it right away, laying Clara on my chest to initiate bonding and breastfeeding, warming her with a blanket on me rather than in a warmer away from me. This is beneficial for her temperature regulation and breathing patterns, and helps my hormone levels. Unless there is an emergency, please, please allow for immediate skin to skin. Performing all newborn tests on my chest if possible.  I may need help to do this.  If I am physically unable to hold my baby with support, I would like my husband to hold Clara. Weight can wait.
5. Please explain the surgery to me as it happens. I would like to know what is happening.
6. Please allow for baby to “Wiggle/Walk” to emerge from womb. This allows her to have a more natural experience, and give time to respond to breathing on her own.
7. Delayed cord clamping. Letting the cord continue pulsing after birth. I am happy to sign any waivers about hospital policies concerning this. I WANT Clara to receive the many benefits of delayed cord clamping.  I would also like to see the placenta and cord.
8. I also am planning to encapsulate the placenta.

9.Please do not give me sedatives after the birth. I want to remember my baby’s first day of life.

1. Ensure that all medications are approved for breastfeeding.
2. Keeping mom, dad, and baby together in the recovery unit to let nursing and bonding happen.
3. I am willing to be up and walking as soon as possible.
4. I would like to eat and have the IV removed as soon as possible after surgery.
5. Use of aromatherapy/music when allowed. As well as opportunities to take photographs in OR.
6. A calm, relaxed, and importantly a positive environment and staff before/during/after birth of Clara.
7. No bathing the baby. We want to keep her vernix on her, and want to give her the first bath at home. Please be gentle in in wiping or drying of baby’s skin.

17.No vaccines! No eye ointment, no vitamin K shots.
 
Thank you and sincerely,
Jessica and Jack Allison

​To read about Clara's birth story: http://www.allisonattitude.com/blog/claras-birth-story