I'm so very excited for the Birth of Emmett Lane Reeder. I've done a lot more research this time around to help prepare myself for labor. In just about a month I'll start taking Evening Primrose Oil to help aid in the thinning of my cervix since my body stinks at it. I've started packing Emmett's hospital bag & I've started his nursery! I've also finished writing our birth plan with the help of my amazing husband!




How we would like to welcome baby Emmett into the world…

Overall Philosophy
Labor and birth are natural processes that the female body was designed to accomplish. The end goal is a healthy mom and baby. We would like to reach that goal in the most natural way possible.

Visitors
Friends and family are welcome to visit After the delivery of Emmett. We ask that only mother, father, and medical staff be present for the delivery itself, any checks or interventions, any procedures done on the baby, and any nursing sessions. Visitors may be asked to leave the room at mother or father’s request.

Labor
I would like to have freedom of movement and position for as long as possible during the laboring process.

Pain Management
Labor is an uncomfortable and painful process, however, please do not offer me pain medication of any sort. I do not want any drugs for pain unless surgical intervention is required. I have discussed this issue with my doctor and have made an informed decision on this matter.

Interventions
Please only offer interventions when needed for the safety of mother and baby, not for comfort. The most natural and least invasive interventions and methods should be exhausted before proceeding to more extensive, risky, or invasive options whenever possible.

C-Section: This should be reserved for emergencies, or when all other interventions have failed and there is risk to myself or Emmett to continue to attempt a vaginal delivery only.

Birth
I would like the option of birthing in the most comfortable position for me at the time.. An episiotomy should be done only if needed; to be decided at the doctor’s discretion.

Immediately After Birth
We would like skin-to-skin contact immediately after the birth. We would prefer to delay cutting the cord for 2+ minutes to allow the blood from the placenta to get to the baby. My husband would like to cut the umbilical cord. I would like to attempt to nurse as soon as possible after the birth.

We also prefer for Emmett not to be taken for a bath until late that evening, I would like to be with him as much as possible in his first hours of life.



Infant Care
Vaccinations/Medications: We would like to delay the hep B vaccination.
Feeding: I plan to exclusively breastfeed. Please do not offer Emmett any bottles or pacifiers.
Rooming: We prefer for Emmett to stay with us at all times.

Myself or my husband would like to be present for all infant exams or procedures as permitted, aside from his circumcision.




Fingers crossed things go as planned.