A Birth Plan for our second Rainbow Baby

Jennie Henley

We would like all staff who may come into contact with us to be aware that in February 2013 we lost our daughter Matilda Mae to SIDS and so we may be even more emotional than you would expect us to be while our new baby arrives. We are happy to talk about Baby Tilda.

We have four beautiful children, 6 year old twins, an almost 3 year old daughter and our baby in the stars.

This is our fifth and final baby. A fourth baby girl.

This plan is a reflection of my wishes and plans for birth but is in no way inflexible. I understand that for many reasons my plans may need to change to suit the needs of myself, and our baby.

My Birth Partner
I would like my husband David to be with me at all times, offering support, encouragement and to keep me focused on what is important. In addition should I not be in a position to make an informed decision myself I will trust David’s judgement to do what he feels is best for myself and our baby.

Monitoring
If possible I would prefer not to be tethered for long term monitoring however if a short, constant monitoring period is required I would prefer to sit upright or stand rather than be lying down.

Mobility
I would like to be as mobile as possible during labour and free to try various positions for both contractions and second stage. Ideally I would like to remain as upright as possible allowing gravity to take it’s course. I would also like to use my birthing ball.

Coaching
I would appreciate being informed of what is happening during my labour and having all processes explained to me before they are undertaken. In addition, should myself and / or David need to make a decision regarding intervention I would appreciate all alternate options and the rationale for hospital choice being explained in advance.

Pain Relief
I would ideally like to manage for as long as possible without pain relief. When the time is right I would like to use the birthing pool and also gas and air. I would appreciate guidance using the Entonox to manage contractions as have not had any antenatal classes with this pregnancy. This will be my fourth birth and I have never yet managed to get my breathing right.

I really do not want to have Pethedine or an epidural if at all possible. Should an epidural be necessary I would prefer one which allows me to remain mobile. If an epidural is required please be aware that this is something I am particularly anxious about especially the administration of the drugs into my spine.

Second Stage
I am flexible about delivering baby on land or in the water and would like to play it by ear. I wish to know when the head is crowning. I will appreciate advice and guidance at this time to hopefully prevent a tear.

Previously the time between my waters breaking and baby being born has been very short and the pain has mounted very quickly. I would like access to gas and air once my waters have broken please especially if I have been induced.

Post Birth
I would like to meet our baby as soon as possible and have skin-to-skin contact before any intervention. If for any reason Baby cannot have skin to skin with me then I would like her to have it with David. I am keen to cuddle Baby lots and allow her to find the breast and start to suckle on her own.

Placenta
I wish to exit the pool to deliver the placenta. I wish the cord to remain attached until it stops pulsating. David will decide on the day whether he wants to cut the cord. I have a cord tie that I would like to use instead of a clamp if this would be okay.

I am happy to have a managed placenta delivery (this is what I have had previously) so I am free to spend time with Baby earlier.

Vitamin K
I am happy for Baby to be given an injection of vitamin K.

Theatre
If I have to undergo a c-section I would like David with me. I would like the catheter to be inserted after anaesthetic. If I need to be separated from our baby in theatre or for stitching after a tear I would like David to stay with our baby.

Feeding
I would like to breastfeed our baby and would appreciate any available encouragement and support.