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Birth Plan for Stephenie Christine written by her mother   Note: the original document is graphic-intensive, but in the interests of upload time, I have rendered it as text. We ask that our daughter be referred to as Stephenie Christine. We would like a nurse/technician to give updates to family and friends waiting. [Father] would like to cut the cord after it has stopped pulsating. After Stephenie is born, we would like her to be baptized by a Catholic priest, with [grandfather] and [best friend] present. Note: the doctors and nurses will clean [mother] as much as necessary, knowing time is of the essence. After the baptism, the priest, the grandfather, and best friend will leave the room, and the doctor will finish with [mother]. After the baptism and clean-up, we would like [siblings] to meet their new baby sister. If the diagnosis is correct and Stephenie is anencephalic, we desire only comfort measures for her. [Father] and [mother] would like to bathe Stephenie. We would like Stephenie with us at all times. Keepsakes requested: crib card, blood type, blanket, hand prints, foot prints, hats, newborn picture, lock of hair, bracelet; we would also like a plaster mold of both hands, and feet. If necessary, [father] would like to spend the night in [mother's] room. First stage of labor: Would prefer not to have students, residents, etc. Maintain mobility (walking, rocking, up to the bathroom, etc.) Eat and drink to comfort. Clear fluids and ice chips available at all times. Heparin lock instead of an IV. Intermittent Monitoring (ACOG Standards) with an external monitor. Only offer me pain medications if I appear not to be coping with other measures, relaxation techniques (breathing, focusing, etc.), water (shower or tub), heat or cold packs. Ultra low dose epidural (walking epidural). I wish to be able to change my position at will throughout labor. I would like to be able to take pictures and/or video tape during my labor and birth. I would like to be able to use my own pillows as well as my own clothes during labor. Once I cannot be mobile, I will use a hospital gown. Induction: I would prefer to use gels or suppositories to ripen my cervix. If labor is not progressing, I would like to have the amniotic membrane ruptured before other methods are used to augment labor. If this is not working, Pitocin may be used. Anesthesia/Pain medications: I would like to have a walking epidural. I would like to keep any kind of medications to a minimum so that I won't be "groggy" when Stephenie arrives. Normal Childbirth: Tears are welcome from friends, family and all staff present. We would like you to join in our joy and sorrow at Stephenie's time of birth. Please do not hesitate to share your prayers and or feelings with us. I would like a mirror available so I can see Stephenie's head when it crowns. I would like to have Stephenie placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery. I would like [father] to cut the cord after it has stopped pulsating. [Father] and I would like to hold Stephenie while I deliver the placenta and any tissue repairs are made. I plan to keep Stephenie near me following the birth and would appreciate if the evaluation can be done with Stephenie on my abdomen with both of us covered by a warm blanket. I would prefer to hold Stephenie rather than having her placed under a heat lamp. I would prefer to be given a few moments of privacy to urinate on my own before being catheterized. I would like eye medications for Stephenie to be delayed. I am planning to breastfeed only if it is at all possible. I do not wish for Stephenie to receive a pacifier or any type of bottle. I DO NOT want to be separated from Stephenie at any time if possible. Cesarean Birth: I would like [father] to be present at all times if Stephenie requires a cesarean delivery. I wish to have an epidural for anesthesia. So I can view the birth, I would like the screen lowered just before the delivery of Stephenie. Again, the cord is to be cut by [father.] I would like to video/take pictures at this time. Episiotomy: I would prefer an episiotomy rather than a tear. I would like a local anesthetic to repair a tear or an episiotomy. Again, all tears, prayers, and words of comfort are welcome to us. You are all sharing a most important part of our lives. Please help us to find peace, and may God bless each and every one of you. Sincerely, [mother] and family   Return to the birth tips page