I started packing the baby's bag last night which meant that I had to get on the ball to wash all the clothes. It actually took 2 loads in my front loading washer but that included the myriad of blankets and crib linens. I did open the package of newborn size diapers - I can't believe how small they look! It's so easy to forget how small babies are. With G I never used a special detergent - I just washed her stuff separately and did a second rinse on them. Even then, I only did that for maybe 6 weeks and then I just started washing her stuff with ours. Fortunately she didn't inherit my sensitive skin! My front loader washer has a "skin care rinse" that does about 3 separate rinses I think. Hopefully this one won't require anything more special than that.
Tick, tock. Just a few more days till I can start thinking labor thoughts! Actually, right now, I'm thinking 37 weeks would be a perfect time frame. We'll see what happens.
Here's my birth plan if anyone is interested:
I would like the following observed when at all possible:
- no drugs offered or administered unless firmly requested
- freedom to move about
- I would like to have the option of laboring in water
- I am aware of the need for IV penicillin for Group B Strep, but I would like to have a Heplock when the antibiotics are not being administered.
- vaginal exams only when necessary. I would prefer the midwife to do most of the exams, although it is okay for someone else to do an initial one.
- no artificial rupture of membranes unless necessary
- staff in the room should be limited to only those necessary
- eating and drinking allowed
- fetal monitoring via stethoscope or Doppler only except for the initial monitoring upon admission.
- no episiotomy unless absolutely necessary
- no medical interventions without first having discussed the benefits and risks with both of us
- immediate breastfeeding
- cord cutting delayed until pulsing stops if possible (G's cord was very short so it was cut more quickly so we could hold her)
- spontaneous placental delivery if possible
- no separation of mother and baby unless absolutely medically necessary
- in case a separation is necessary, J, M, or J should be allowed to be with the baby at all times
- no bottles or pacifiers
- anticipate 24 hour rooming in with breastfeeding on demand
- eye drops delayed until at least an hour after birth
- If a cesarean becomes absolutely necessary:
o I would prefer an epidural over general anesthesia
o J should hold baby as soon as possible so that K can see and touch
o attempt at breastfeeding as soon as is medically possible.
1 comment:
I like your list.
They let me touch and kiss Rayne, but they took her from me for about three hours before I got to hold her. Her nostrils were flaring, which is a sign of breathing difficulties, and since she was a month early they just wanted to monitor her for a bit. I was devestated.
Then, when she wasn't latching on, they started cup feeding her. I was very upset and talked to her Dr. and he was all over them telling them to let ME cup feed her if it was so neccessary (my milk hadn't come in either and we had been in the hospital several days at that point).
They also took her overnight to put her under the lights for jaundice. They brought her to me every three hours. I was miserable without her. So, the next night I convinced them to bring the lights to my room and I laid her on a pillow next to me and slept with her under the lights. I didn't care, I just wanter her near me.
Since she was my first and I was so over-whelmed at the sudden delivery, I didn't even know how to make my voice heard. I'm so glad you are making your wishes known. If I had it to do all over again, I would have demanded some things be done much differently.
I am so excited for you and I can't wait for the big announcement! :)
Post a Comment