Cesarean Birth Plan

Below is a great cesarean birth plan written by Barbara Stratton.  Barbara Stratton started the Baltimore chapter of the International Caesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) and had a successful VBAC at home.  Even if you think you will never have a cesarean, please read the below plan and think about what you would like to see happen if you needed a cesarean.  It isn't fun to be in the operating room thinking, wait a minute, this wasn't supposed to happen.  I know, I've been there.... 

Cesarean Birth Informed Consent /Refusal for Barbara Stratton And Her Newborn

      We realize that cesareans and other surgeries are a common event at hospitals.   However, we ask that the staff respect that this individual surgery is a unique and never to be repeated event in the life of our family. For us, it is neither common nor routine, but rather is an event that will have effects lasting a lifetime. It is my goal that should a cesarean become necessary for this birth, that the entire process be treated as the joyful, celebratory, respectful event that birth was meant to be. 

*I strongly wish to be the person to announce the baby’s gender after birth

*I strongly wish to see the baby being born either by lowering of the drape or providing a mirror.

*I do not consent to tranquilizers, sedatives or amnesiac drugs being administered. 

*I do not consent to a single layer suture to close my uterus.  A double layer closer must be used.

*I do not consent to staples to close my skin layer and instead want sutures.

*I do not consent to my partner and sister or doula being separated from me at any time.

*I do not consent to my partner or doula being separated from me even in the case of general anesthesia. It is important that the birth of our child be witnessed by a family member even if I am not in need of support at that time.

*I do not consent to weighing, foot printing, eye ointment or other routine tasks except suctioning for the first two hours after birth.  Blood glucose testing is expected.

*Instead, baby to be placed STILL WET immediately on my bare chest and covered with blankets for warmth.

*Bulb suctioning only unless baby shows signs of problems.  Any deep suctioning to be performed with a mobile unit while I hold baby or at my immediate side.

*I do not consent to bathing the baby at all.

*I do not consent to any students, interns, etc. watching or participating.

*I do not consent to the administration of vitamin K or any vaccinations.

*I do not consent to tying my arms down unless I am unable to control them.

*Modestly draped at all times.

*Everyone in the OR introduced to my partner and I and that we are explained what their role is.

*Conversation between staff kept to a minimum (no casual chatter unrelated to the surgery) with focus being on making my partner and I feel as at ease as possible and kept informed as to what is taking place.

*I do not consent to a catheter being inserted until after anesthesia is administered.

*I prefer epidural anesthesia

*I do not consent to the use of any artificial nipples for the baby

*If the baby has hypoglycemia, I wish to use breastfeeding to treat it.  My second choice is pumped breastmilk administered using a non-nipple feeding method.  My last choice is formula (not sugar water).

*Baby to remain on my chest or in my arms throughout suturing, recovery, etc.

*We intend to keep my placenta.  Please keep it clean and refrigerated.

*My preference post-op is to utilize a PCA system for pain management.  If oral medication is used, orders to be written for me to be woken up for timely doses (not waiting for my request).

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