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My birth plan


Labor and Delivery: Commonly Asked Questions

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Our goal is to assist you throughout your journey. That’s why we’ve pulled together answers to some of the most common questions surrounding pregnancy. So take a look, do your research, and rest assured that you’re doing the right thing by staying informed every step of the way.

It’s an awesome document that spells out exactly what you want (and don’t want) to happen in the delivery room on your big day. It specifies things like the atmosphere of the room, how you want to deal with labor pains (meds or no meds) and who cuts the cord. It also spells out your choices relating to unexpected events, like how you feel about induction, meds to help with cervical ripening, if you want to watch your C-section through a screen, etc. Here’s a great article about the power of a birth plan. Ready to get started? Download your birth plan now.

There are a lot of factors—age, health, etc. —that determine the kinds of tests you’ll take throughout your pregnancy. That being said, all healthcare providers order at least four standard tests: Group B streptococci (GBS), Rh incompatibility, gestational diabetes and genital herpes. Read more about these tests here.

Absolutely. Sexually transmitted diseases like herpes, syphilis and HIV can pose serious health risks to both you and your baby. Most doctors will conduct screenings for diseases like these at some point in the first trimester of your pregnancy.

Well, it depends on what happens first. If you pass your mucus plug, then your cervix has basically lost the cork that keeps your baby sealed up tight. You won’t necessarily feel anything when you lose your plug, but it’s a sign your cervix is starting to soften, thin and open (dilate). Definitely tell your doctor so they can monitor your cervix, an indicator of how soon your baby will be born.

If your “water” breaks, that’s another telltale sign. Heads up: You might not feel a huge gush when your amniotic sac ruptures. Instead, you’ll probably feel like you can’t stop peeing yourself. If there’s a never-ending trickle going on, or if you do feel a gush of fluid, it’s time to get the show on the road.

Finally, you might start having contractions. Like, the real kind of contractions that don’t go away when you take a little walk around your living room. These contractions feel like the kind of cramps you get with your period, but they come in regular waves. They usually start about 20-30 minutes apart, then start to come a little faster. And (sorry) a little stronger. When they’re hitting every 5 minutes and lasting a whole minute, (hang in there), it’s probably time to grab your hospital bag and head on over.

Remember the 3 “P’s”—Progress, Push and Placenta.

The first phase, “progress,” happens when those contractions kick in and your cervix works to soften, thin and open (dilate) big enough for your baby to pass through. This “cervical ripening” can happen quickly or slooooooooowly. If things aren’t moving along, your doctor might use mechanical or medical treatments to help your cervix to get the show on the road. Some meds aren’t approved by the FDA for cervical ripening.

Learn more about cervical ripening agent options below:

Dinoprostone Vaginal Insert
An FDA-approved medicated removable vaginal insert similar to a tampon that is placed by your OB or midwife.
Dinoprostone Cervical Gel
Another form of the FDA-approved medication dinoprostone. It is administered by a doctor, who will release the gel into the cervix using a syringe.
Pill (Cytotec®/misoprostol)
A medication given orally or vaginally. This option is not FDA-approved for use in cervical ripening.

Click HERE to read the misoprostol (marketed as Cytotec®) FDA alert on its Risks of Use in Labor and Delivery

Balloon Catheter
A device with a small inflatable balloon on one end. Some balloon catheters are FDA-approved.
Stripping the Membranes
A procedure performed by your OB or midwife that involves gently separating the membrane connecting the amniotic sac to the wall of the uterus. This triggers the release of prostaglandins and produces contractions.

Note: All drugs must be proven safe and effective to FDA’s regulations before companies can market them. If the FDA grants approval to a drug, it means they have determined that the benefits of the product outweigh the risks for the intended use.

When your cervix has dilated 10 centimeters, it’s time for the “push” phase of labor, when you bear down and deliver your beautiful new baby. Then, after that amazing, life-changing moment, your body goes through the final phase of labor when it delivers the “placenta.”

The process of softening and thinning your cervix to allow it to open (dilate) 10 whopping centimeters for your baby to pass through. When your body doesn’t ripen your cervix on its own, FDA-approved medications can help move things along.

All drugs must be proven safe and effective to the FDA’s standards before companies can market them. If the FDA grants approval to a drug, it means they have determined that the benefits of the product outweigh the risks for the intended use. Not all drugs used for cervical ripening are approved by the FDA. We encourage you to read the Cytotec® (misoprostol) FDA Alert—Risks of Use in Labor and Delivery.

Learn more about cervical ripening agent options below:

Dinoprostone Vaginal Insert
An FDA-approved medicated removable vaginal insert similar to a tampon that is placed by your OB or midwife.
Dinoprostone Cervical Gel
Another form of the FDA-approved medication dinoprostone. It is administered by a doctor, who will release the gel into the cervix using a syringe.
Pill (Cytotec®/misoprostol)
A medication given orally or vaginally. This option is not FDA-approved for use in cervical ripening.

Click HERE to read the misoprostol (marketed as Cytotec®) FDA alert on its Risks of Use in Labor and Delivery

Balloon Catheter
A device with a small inflatable balloon on one end. Some balloon catheters are FDA-approved.
Stripping the Membranes
A procedure performed by your OB or midwife that involves gently separating the membrane connecting the amniotic sac to the wall of the uterus. This triggers the release of prostaglandins and produces contractions.

Note: All drugs must be proven safe and effective to the FDA’s regulations before companies can market them. If the FDA grants approval to a drug, it means they have determined that the benefits of the product outweigh the risks for the intended use.

The use of medications or other methods to bring on labor. Not all medications or methods are approved by the FDA for cervical ripening, so do your research ahead of time. Click here for a great article about induction.

Not everything goes according to plan. Your OB or midwife typically recommends induction if you’re on or past your due date and your body shows no signs of labor. Although there can be complications at any time in your pregnancy, issues concerning your baby’s health increase past your due date. Simply “waiting for it to happen” becomes too risky at some point. The major area of concern is a decrease in the nutrients from the placenta in the very late weeks of pregnancy.

Looking to jumpstart your labor at home?

There are many suggested methods to start labor. They include:

  • Nipple stimulation
  • Walking
  • Having sex
  • Acupuncture/acupressure
  • Evening primrose oil
  • Red raspberry leaf tea
  • Castor oil
  • Enemas
  • Homeopathics
  • Spicy foods
  • Pineapple
  • Dates
  • Relaxation

Unfortunately, there are no clinical studies that prove any of these methods work. If you want to give it a go, be sure to discuss the risks of these natural methods with your OB and/or midwife before trying them on your own. We also encourage you to learn more by reading our article on induction.

A little preparation ahead of time goes a long way when it’s time to head off to the hospital. You’ll want to make sure you’ve got a few must-have items with you:

  • Picture ID
  • Insurance card
  • Any paperwork from your hospital
  • Charging cables

Those are some of the more important items. But if you’d like a full checklist, sign up at MyBirthPlan and you’ll get a checklist that’ll help you get ready for your big day.

The Bump Birth Plan Tool

While much of what happens during delivery is way beyond your (or anyone’s!) control, creating a birth plan will at least make your wishes clear. Definitely talk the plan over with your doctor—it’s important to make sure you’re both on the same page.

Read on for a checklist of things to consider when creating a birth Plan, and download The Bump Birth Plan form below. Remember that the options included on The Bump plan may not be available with every doctor or birthing center.

Birth Plan:

[ ] Full name: [ ] Partner’s name: [ ] Today’s date: [ ] Due date: OR Induction date: [ ] Doctor’s name: [ ] Hospital name:

Please note that I:
[ ] Have group B strep
[ ] Am Rh incompatibility with baby
[ ] Have gestational diabetes

My delivery is planned as:
[ ] Vaginal
[ ] C-section
[ ] Water birth
[ ] VBAC

I’d like…:
[ ] Partner:
[ ] Parents:
[ ] Other children:
[ ] Doula:
[ ] Other:
…present before AND/OR during labor

During labor, I’d like:
[ ] Music played (I will provide)
[ ] The lights dimmed
[ ] The room as quiet as possible
[ ] As few interruptions as possible
[ ] As few vaginal exams as possible
[ ] Hospital staff limited to my own doctor and nurses (no students, residents or interns present)
[ ] To wear my own clothes
[ ] To wear my contact lens the entire time
[ ] My partner to film AND/OR take pictures
[ ] My partner to be present the entire time
[ ] To stay hydrated with clear liquids and ice chips
[ ] To eat and drink as approved by my doctor

I’d like to spend the first stage of labor:
[ ] Standing up
[ ] Lying down
[ ] Walking around
[ ] In the shower
[ ] In the bathtub

I’m not interested in:
[ ] An enema
[ ] Shaving of my pubic area
[ ] A urinary catheter
[ ] An IV, unless I’m dehydrated (and a heparin or saline lock IS/IS NOT ok)

I’d like fetal monitoring to be:
[ ] Continuous
[ ] Intermittent
[ ] Internal
[ ] External
[ ] Performed only by Doppler
[ ] Performed only if the baby is in distress

I’d like labor augmentation:
[ ] Performed only if baby is in distress
[ ] First attempted by natural methods such as nipple stimulation
[ ] Performed by membrane stripping
[ ] Performed with prostaglandin gel
[ ] Performed with Pitocin
[ ] Performed by rupture of the membrane
[ ] Performed by stripping of the membrane
[ ] Never to include an artificial rupture of the membrane

For pain relief, I’d like to use:
[ ] Acupressure
[ ] Acupuncture
[ ] Breathing techniques
[ ] Cold therapy
[ ] Demerol
[ ] Distraction
[ ] Hot therapy
[ ] Hypnosis
[ ] Massage
[ ] Meditation
[ ] Reflexology
[ ] Standard epidural
[ ] TENS
[ ] Walking epidural
[ ] Nothing
[ ] Only what I request at the time
[ ] Whatever is suggested at the time

During delivery, I would like to:
[ ] Squat
[ ] Semi-reline
[ ] Lie on my side
[ ] Be on my hands and knees
[ ] Stand
[ ] Lean on my partner
[ ] Use people for leg support
[ ] Use foot pedals for support
[ ] Use a birth bar for support
[ ] Use a birthing stool
[ ] Be in a birthing tub
[ ] Be in the shower

I will bring a:
[ ] Birthing stool
[ ] Birthing chair
[ ] Squatting bar
[ ] Birthing tub

As the baby is delivered, I would like to:
[ ] Push spontaneously
[ ] Push as directed
[ ] Push without time limits, as long as the baby and I are not at risk
[ ] Use a mirror to see the baby crown
[ ] Touch the head as it crowns
[ ] Let the epidural wear off while pushing
[ ] Have a full dose of epidural
[ ] Avoid forceps usage
[ ] Avoid vacuum extraction
[ ] Use whatever methods my doctor deems necessary
[ ] Help catch the baby
[ ] Let my partner catch the baby

I would like an episiotomy:
[ ] Used only after perineal massage, warm compresses and positioning
[ ] Rather than risk a tear
[ ] Not performed, even if it means risking a tear
[ ] Performed only as a last resort
[ ] Performed as my doctor deems necessary
[ ] Performed with local anesthesia
[ ] Performed by pressure, without local anesthesia
[ ] Followed by local anesthesia for the repair

Immediately after delivery, I would like:
[ ] My partner to cut the umbilical cord
[ ] The umbilical cord to be cut only after it stops pulsating
[ ] To bank the cord blood
[ ] To donate the cord blood
[ ] To deliver the placenta spontaneously and without assistance
[ ] To see the placenta before it is discarded
[ ] Not to be given Pitocin/oxytocin

If a C-section is necessary, I would like:
[ ] A second opinion
[ ] To make sure all other options have been exhausted
[ ] To stay conscious
[ ] My partner to remain with me the entire time
[ ] The screen lowered so I can watch baby come out
[ ] My hands left free so I can touch the baby
[ ] The surgery explained as it happens
[ ] An epidural for anesthesia
[ ] My partner to hold the baby as soon as possible
[ ] To breastfeed in the recovery room

I would like to hold baby:
[ ] Immediately after delivery
[ ] After suctioning
[ ] After weighing
[ ] After being wiped clean and swaddled
[ ] Before eye drops/ointment are given

I would like to breastfeed:
[ ] As soon as possible after delivery
[ ] Before eye drops/ointment are given
[ ] Later
[ ] Never

I’d like my family members (NAMES):
[ ] To join me and baby immediately after delivery
[ ] To join me and baby in the room later
[ ] Only to see baby in the nursery
[ ] To have unlimited visiting after birth

I’d like baby’s medical exam and procedures:
[ ] Given in my presence
[ ] Given only after we’ve bonded
[ ] Given in my partner’s presence
[ ] To include a heel stick for screening tests beyond the PKU
[ ] To include a hearing screening test
[ ] To include a hepatitis B vaccine

Please don’t give baby:
[ ] Vitamin K
[] Antibiotic eye treatment
[ ] Sugar water
[ ] Formula
[ ] A pacifier

I’d like baby’s first bath given:
[ ] In my presence
[ ] In my partner’s presence
[ ] By me
[ ] By my partner

I’d like to feed baby:
[ ] Only with breastmilk
[ ] Only with formula
[ ] On demand
[ ] On schedule
[ ] With the help of a lactation specialist

I’d like baby to stay in my room:
[ ] All the time
[ ] During the day
[ ] Only when I’m awake
[ ] Only for feeding
[ ] Only when I request

I’d like my partner:
[ ] To have unlimited visiting
[ ] To sleep in my room

If we have a boy, circumcision should:
[ ] Be performed
[ ] Not be performed
[ ] Be performed later
[ ] Be performed with anesthesia
[ ] Be performed in the presence of me AND/OR my partner

As needed post-delivery, please give me:
[ ] Extra-strength acetaminophen
[ ] Percoset
[ ] Stool softener
[ ] Laxative

After birth, I’d like to stay in the hospital:
[ ] As long as possible
[ ] As briefly as possible

If baby is not well, I’d like:
[ ] My partner and I to accompany it to the NICU or another facility
[ ] To breastfeed or provide pumped breastmilk
[ ] To hold him or her whenever possible

Click the image below to download the PDF:

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Toasts about the birthday plan

Toasts about the birthday plan read on the Toast.ru website. Every day more than a hundred new toasts for birthdays and more. Only the newest and freshest toasts for all occasions.

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Birthday plan toasts

  • Accept congratulations from your son, Mom dear, happy birthday. I wish you prosperity, so that plans and desires come true. Happiness and good luck to you, mom. Trouble and grief so that you do not know. I wish you a lot of light, Joy, luck and success.

  • Today, without a doubt, I want to wish you: Jokes, joy, luck, So that everything is on the shoulder! So that winter snowstorms And hot summer heat Do not break your plans. My friend! Happiness is to be with you!

  • You are always an example for me in everything, Support, advise, help... I feel now that every day You are closer and dearer to me. I wish you, as always, Easily succeed in any business, Happiness never fails, All plans will certainly come true!

  • I wish my wife happiness on her birthday! Let impressions color your life, Let the new energy bring, Help in life, give you strength! Let plans and dreams come true, The best ideas in life will come true! Love, harmony, prosperity and kindness, And you will always be a Muse for me!

  • Dad's favorite! Good luck and happiness! Let everything in your life be brilliant! All plans and deeds will be successful! Bright victories to you, strength and kindness!

  • Dear sister, today is your day, today we all gathered in your honor, so I want to wish you all the best, so that all your plans and dreams come true, so that you never despair and do not be sad, so that you are always healthy, happy, so that you always surrounded only by devoted and loving people. Happy Birthday Sister!

  • Let your hopes and plans come true as soon as possible And in life there will only be more bright events and friends! And everything that you are dreaming about now, Let it not keep you waiting! We believe in you! You know how much we love you!

  • I wish good luck in everything, So that the soul is pure, So that life does not fly at a gallop, But goes slowly and slowly. And besides, I want to add, So that all your plans come true, So that everything is on your shoulder, And more often you laugh in your life.

  • Dear wife, I congratulate you, Happy Birthday to your bright, joyful. I wish you happiness, light, laughter. And in the soul of great fiery love. Let an angel from heaven help you, All your desires, plans to realize. May sadness not disturb you, dear. We will be with you for a long, long time.

  • In the family you are the permanent commander, Protection and support for all, Good luck, dad, unchanged, May the plans come true soon!

  • I want to wish you a happy birthday, you are my best friend. Let on your life path, you will not meet any obstacles. I wish you true friends, a strong and loving family, and that there is prosperity in the family. May all your life plans come true.

  • In my life you are my beautiful wife. Once, having met you for a long time, I set the task of getting to know you all, but, alas, this did not howl to me. Every day of our lives, you surprise me again and again. This is great, because the monotony quickly gets bored. With you, my world sparkled with new colors. Habits have changed, and friends have faded into the background. Much has become clearer in a different light. You made my life completely different, you managed to turn it in the right direction. And now together we're floating down the river called life. On your solemn holiday, your birthday, I wish you to be so affectionate and kind, sweet and unique, and for many years to please me and those around you with your beauty.

  • Let the birthday drown, In floral aromas. Joy shines in the eyes, From a nice date! Let happiness splash with laughter, And joy beats with a fountain! We wish your dreams and new plans come true soon!

  • In life you choose goals boldly And you know how to solve any issue Ideas, plans, started business Used to bring to perfection! You will help in everything, give useful advice, You know how to support with a kind word! Good luck dad, have a wonderful day! Always go ahead and win!

  • Happy birthday dear Sister! I wish you great luck and happiness. So that fortune will always be your inseparable companion. And any life difficulties instantly evaporated. And so that all your plans, ideas and undertakings are embodied and adequately financed! May any day of your life be filled with cheerfulness and optimism, worthy ideas and new meetings! Health to you and great love!

STAGE 1: Making a birthday plan "Don't forget anything!" | ABC Mind

In any business, a well-defined plan is essential. Celebrating a child's birthday is no exception. Having a written plan will help to take everything into account, not to forget anything at the most crucial moment, not to panic the day before the designated date.

Main points of the plan:

1. List of guests.

After reviewing the compiled list of friends and relatives, it may turn out that there are two or even three completely different companies that are planned to be invited to the child's birthday. Gathering all the guests together is sometimes absolutely unreasonable in terms of limited living space and differences in interests. In my opinion, it is better to stretch the holiday for 3 days and make each of these days different in its content, emotional coloring and perception of the child’s birthday itself, than to bring together 5 peers of the birthday boy, their parents, grandparents, godfathers and other family friends not having their own children.

2. Date.

You can celebrate the holiday exactly on the day when the child was born, you can move it to the next day off or adjust the date based on the request of an important guest who you really want to see at the birthday party. In this aspect, I will slightly touch on the topic of traditions ... I like this topic very nicely, and soon I will write a hotel article about traditions. And now I will only point out the moment that, in my opinion, it is very important from childhood to show the child that there is his DAY, HIS birthday, and on this day there are gifts, guests, a cake and candles. And that it is a tradition to celebrate his holiday every year on the same day, without transferring it to a weekend.

3. Venue.

It is ideal to spend a summer birthday outside the city. It can be a rented gazebo in one of the suburban entertainment complexes, a forest glade, a dacha, a lake shore. In the cold season, a children's entertainment center can be a great place to celebrate. However, here again you need to return to the first point and evaluate how much grandparents will be interested in such an institution, how much attention they will receive from the birthday man and from you, as the organizer of the celebration. In this case, it would be wise to invite the next of kin home on a separate day.

4. Festive decoration

A pre-thought-out theme of the birthday should form the basis of the holiday decoration of the apartment. However, the fact that there is no single theme should not be a reason to refuse design. In this case, balloons, “Happy Birthday” streamers, hanging photographs of the birthday boy taken over the past year will come to the rescue.

5. Menu

When planning the menu, it is necessary to take into account the taste preferences of the guests, think over children's dishes and drinks. And the most important thing is, of course, the cake! It simply cannot be forgotten. After all, the cake is the culmination of the holiday.

6. Holiday scenario

This item is very important if the birthday is at home. In the children's center, kids will always find entertainment for themselves. But at home, it is desirable for them to think over some kind of competitions (always with prizes), designate a play area with balls, dolls, cars, and a designer.

Learn more