So, let’s discuss, shall we.
The Birth Plan
During Labor, I’m not planning anything special. Per usual, I prefer to labor in dim rooms with minimum noise. It’s the most comfortable for me that way. I read somewhere this is because humans are mammals and most mammalians deliver in the same method, dim areas away from prying eyes. I don’t know if that is the case or not for men, but I definitely prefer quiet when I’m going through contractions.
Medication? So, I’m not decided yet. I delivered J. with no drugs and he came amazingly quick. All of my pregnancies have delivered in less than 12 hours, but J was less than 2. I wasn’t mentally prepared for the pain at all. This time, I have been researching and following the guidance of Hypnobirthing and Calm Birth. The breathing techniques have helped with the contractions I’ve experienced recently. I’m just not sure of what is going to happen when those contractions become intense. Past experiences have taught me that Pitocin is a game changer and should that be introduced, I know that I will go for the meds, only because synthetic hormones speed everything up one hundred fold.
Birthing. Traditionally, I do skin to skin after baby has been weighed and cleaned. This time I will be asking for immediate skin-to-skin and a delay of medical procedures for an hour. This is called the Golden Hour. It will allow baby and I time to bond, baby to latch on without incorrect instruction, and an opportunity to latch without pain. This is in accordance with The Thompson Method and I am very hopeful that it works.
Post-Labor. Honestly, after skin to skin and then weighing and rest, I’m good. I hope to get a bit of rest before the hospital discharges, but I do know they are discharging earlier than usual. So, we’ll see what happens. Again, this is just an abbreviated version of birth preferences. Hopefully, all will go well.
So, that’s the plan. Anyone have any additional information or guidance for me?
-K
