This Birth Plan for twins was done by choice. Everybody can have different ideas and different wishes. Please this is our Birth Plan for our twins. Everybody should think of doing their own. This birth plan can help you and gives you an idea of how to write a birth plan for twins but please don’t copy it.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Family Birth Plan for our Twins
Mother: Valerie Partner/ Support: Andrew
Due Date: November 21, 2013
Practitioner: Dr. Henry L. Woo and Commercial Midwives
Place of Birth: Women Hospital, Vancouver
I have given careful thought to my preferences during and after labor and have outlined them below. I understand that these are guidelines only and that under certain circumstances, they may not be followed.
No matter what situation arises during labour, birth or postpartum, Andrew and I expect to be an important part of the decision-making team. We expect to take part in any discussion of, and to give permission for, any type of medical intervention being considered.
If any of our birth plan preferences are not possible, or become impossible later, we expect to be provided with a research-based rationale, including the benefits, risks, possible consequences or other options for any recommended intervention.
I hope that you will honor these wishes and allow me to experience the birth I hope for.
For issues of personal privacy, we request that the minimum number of staff necessary for an optimal outcome be included on the birth team.
I would like Dr Hadad as the pediatrician.
We know that a healthy outcome for the babies and me is the main goal.
Thank you for reading it until the end.
Labor and Delivery
- We prefer as little intervention as possible if labor is progressing normally
- I want my Andrew and my midwife to stay with me at all times, including during admission, examinations or any medical procedures.
- I would like to be able to drink during labor, I would like to sip water or other clear liquids during labor.
- I prefer that vaginal exams be kept to a minimum.
- I prefer that labor progress without augmentation. No Oxytocin. If it becomes necessary, I prefer time to adjust to changes in contractions with any increase in dose.
- I would prefer that the baby’s membranes be allowed to rupture spontaneously.
- I prefer that the healthcare providers are willing to insert epidural tubing, but use it for analgesia/anesthesia only if a complication arises. No testing at the beginning.
- I would like to hold Baby A skin-to-skin until labor begins for Baby B.
- When labor begins for Baby B, Andrew would like to hold Baby A skin-to skin.
- During second stage labor with Baby B, Andrew would like to hold Baby A skin-to-skin.
- If an emergency vaginal or surgical birth is necessary and I have had no anesthetic, I would prefer a regional anesthetic if there is time.
- If general anesthesia is necessary for the birth, I would prefer the type and dosage be given in a way that allows me to regain consciousness as quickly as possible.
- If I am unconscious because of a general anesthetic, my partner would like to hold both babies skin-to-skin until I regain consciousness.
- I would like to be free to walk around during labor and be able to move around and change position throughout the labor.
- I would like to be allowed to choose the position in in whatever position feels best at the time for baby A and baby B (including squatting).
- I will like to listen my own music during labor.
- I would like the environment to be kept as peace and quiet as possible.
- I would like a dim light in the room during my labor.
- I know I can’t get birth in the water but I would like to be in the water for the first part of the labor.
- I do not want an IV unless I become dehydrated. I prefer a heparin (hep lock) or saline lock insertion to a standard intravenous line.
- I would like use some relaxation techniques (breathing, focusing, etc.), Heat or Cold packs and Massage (back, foot, counter pressure, etc.).
- Please do not offer me pain medications, I will ask for them if I want them.
Monitoring
- I do not wish to have continuous fetal monitoring unless it is required by the condition of my babies. I will prefer to have a wireless and waterproof fetal monitoring
- I do not want an internal monitor unless my babies has shown some sign of distress.
- I would prefer to keep the number of vaginal exams to a minimum.
Labor Augmentation/Induction
- I would prefer to use natural methods to start labor – No Induction
- I do not wish to have the amniotic membrane ruptured artificially unless signs of fetal distress require internal monitoring.
- If labor is not progressing, I would like to have the amniotic membrane ruptured before other methods are used to augment labor.
- I would prefer to be allowed to try changing position and other natural methods (walking, nipple stimulation) before Pitocin is administered.
Cesarean
- NO C-Section, unless absolutely necessary – I would like to avoid completely a Cesarean.
- If I have to have a C-Section, I want to breastfeed my baby while the incision is being stitched up, or in the recovery room right afterwards.
- I would prefer a regional anesthetic (epidural) if there is time or a spinal block before general anesthesia.
- If general anesthesia is necessary, I would prefer the type and dosage be given in a way that allows me to regain consciousness as quickly as possible.
- I would prefer to be catheterized after receiving an anesthetic.
- I would like my husband/partner present at all times for emotional support.
- I would like to see and touch each baby, and have both placed skin-to-skin on my chest.
- If I am unable to have a baby placed skin-to-skin on my chest, we would prefer that both babies be placed skin-to-skin on my partner’s chest.
- I prefer post-operative analgesic (pain) medication that allows me to remain alert and able to interact with my babies,
Episiotomy
- NO episiotomy unless absolutely required for my baby’s safety
- Please use compresses, perinea massage and positioning to help avoid the need for an episiotomy
- NO use of forceps or a vacuum extractor unless it is necessary
Immediately After Delivery
- I would like to keep the placenta for medical purposes
- I would like to have my partner cut the cord.
- I would like No separation with my babies. I prefer that each baby remain with me in the birth and recovery room, unless a particular baby requires special care due to its medical status.
- I plan to breastfeed my babies and would like to begin nursing as soon as possible after birth.
- We prefer that the babies’ eyes are not treated with eye drops or ointment be postponed until an hour or two after birth, so they can see clearly during early interaction.
- Any physical examinations, tests, procedures of both babies must be taken place in my room.
- We want that the baths for the babies are delayed until their temperatures are stabilized. In the meantime, we wish that each baby stabilize physical systems via skin to-skin contact on my chest and/or on my partners.
- I prefer medication options that allow me to remain clear-headed and able to interact with my babies and support persons
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- If any or all babies require NICU care, I would like to initiate breastfeed or pumping my milk within 1 to 2 hours of birth (as soon as possible). I would like the staff help me if needed.
- Co-bedding: If two or more of our babies require NICU care, we would like them to be co-bedded in a single crib as soon as two are medically stable. If it is not possible I would like they are placed side by sided.
- If any medical intervention is needed, we want to be a part of any discussion.
Thank you for all your help.
And with your cooperation, let’s do an awesome delivery of the girls!
Valerie and Andrew
