Here's a cool site to help create a birth plan.

http://www.amazingpregnancy.com/birthplan/enter_birthplan.php?post_type=new&PHPSESSID=4173519aafd93c000534ecec9cb42a7e

You can revise as many times as you wish, esp as you research labor & delivery. There were some things on there I wasn't aware of and had to research them. One I'm still not sure about, the Vit K shot. But I'll do more research and decide later about that.

Anyway, here is my birth plan so far (subject to change )

** Location Of Birth **
Hospital


** General Comments **
I would like all staff to discuss all procedures with my partner/coach and myself before they are performed.
I would like to be able to vocalize during labor and birth without criticism or comment.
I would like permission to see my chart and the baby's chart.


** Environment **
I would like the room to be quiet during labor.
I would like it if non-essential personnel, including interns and students were not present.
I would like a private birthing room.
I would like my partner to be present at all times.
I would like to wear my own choice of clothes.
I would like a private phone to be available.
I would like to listen to my choice of music during the labor.
I would like the lights to be dimmed during the labor.
I would like to have massages during labor.
I would like people to respect my privacy by knocking before entering the room.


** During The Labor **
I would like vaginal examinations to be kept to a minimum.
I would prefer to avoid an IV unless it is necessary.
I would like to deliver in whatever position is comfortable for me.
I would like to be able to walk around during the labor.
I would like to be able to drink fluids during the labor.
I would like to be able to eat light foods during labor.


** Monitoring **
I prefer external monitoring to internal monitoring.
I would prefer to be monitored using Doppler.
I would prefer to be monitored using an external electronic monitor.


** Pain Relief **
I would like to give birth naturally without medication and use the following methods.
     I would like to use a shower for pain relief.
I would like to give birth naturally but would like the following medication to be available should I require it.
     Epidural Block
I would like the following pain relief to be administered as soon as possible.
     Epidural Block


** Induction **
I would like to avoid induction unless there are signs of fetal distress.
Before induction, I would like to try the following natural methods to progress labor.
     Relaxation
     Herbs
     Nipple stimulation


** Episiotomy **
I would prefer to avoid an episiotomy, even if tearing is possible.


** Delivery Of The Placenta **
I would like to deliver the placenta naturally.


** Caesareans **
I would like to avoid a caesarean unless it is absolutely necessary.
I would like the following anesthesia for a caesarean.
     Epidural
I would like my partner/coach to be present during the caesarean.
I would like to touch the baby as soon as possible.


** After The Birth **
I would like the baby handed to me immediately it is born, unless there are signs of fetal distress.
I would like to have the baby evaluated in my presence.
I do not wish to cut the cord.
I would like my baby to be kept with me at all times.


** Feeding **
I would like to breast feed my baby.
Please do not give the baby supplements, pacifiers or glucose solution without consulting me.


** In The Event The Baby Is Sick **
I would like to breastfeed where possible.
I would like unlimited visits for the parents.
I would like to hold the baby where possible.
If it is necessary to transfer the baby to another facility, I would like to follow as soon as possible.


** Circumcision ** (if we're having a boy)
No circumcision is to be performed.


** Eye Care **
I would like to delay eye care until after I have bonded with the baby.

TTFN!

Well, there is still couple days till summer starts officially, but it's here in full force. It actually got into triple digits last week. It was hot but not humid, this week the temps are lower but it's humid which makes it feel like it's in the triple digits.

Even worse it being pregnant in the summer. I'll be spending the rest of the pregnancy in the heat. It'll just be starting to cool down here when the baby is due in october. My feet swell like balloons in the heat, and it hurts to walk on them. But I'm making sure to drink lot's of water and elevate my feet when I'm at home. I'm also trying to make sure I gt some walking in every week even it's just browsing and daydreaming on the baby aisle in one of the local stores. Walking and trying to stay more active has really helped alot and I've noticed that my feet don't swell as bad when I do. I hope to be able to use the pool at the mobile park here my parents live to help with circulation and keep the selling down. Hopefully.

Our new floor is in the living room and hallway, and it looks GOOD! I'm so happy with the way it turned out. Darren did a wonderful job for not having ever laid a floor before. It's by no mean prefessional, but it looks pretty darn good! We just need to finish up with the baseboard and we're done.

We've already started going through things and moving things around and getting rid of stuff we aren't using to make more room for the baby and to try to makes thing more simple to keep up. We are pretty happy with the way things are turning out so far and plan to be able to have things done in a month or two. It'll take us that long because I poop out easily and Darren works night's 5 days a week, so it has to be when he feels energetic enough to do it.

He's been very helpful from the begining, making sure that I don't do anything to harm myself or the baby. Today he caught up on the laundry and cleaned the dishes, plus we started going through our stuff that was piled in the kitchen from the living room. My poor hunny is probably sleeping like a log he was pretty busy today. Oh, and we wen't into Turlock and Modesto on some errands. I'm even pooped, and I slept till 4 pm after I got home from work. Of course, I didn't get a nap before work tonight like I usually try to, we were so busy after I got up, I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep for being to wound up from working.

The baby's kicks are still getting stronger and stronger. I really enjoy feeling the movement. My mom and sister got a bunch of baby things for us today. We got some blankets, bibs, socks, clothes, and a couple of real cute finger puppets to play with the baby. Lot's of nice things for the baby.

We have our crib picked out and plan to get that soon. Here's the link:

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=br_1_10/601-6967706-8936912?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B000JIOYBO

It's a 4 in 1 crib. It's a crib, a toddler bed, a day bed, and the sides can be used as a headboard for a double size bed. The changing table becomes a small side table as baby gets older. I love the idea of only needing to buy matresses as the baby grows.

Well, thats all I can think of now. TTFN

Another one of those funny things that come with pregnancy is the 'belly' . . .

The belly gets in the way of everything. Can't bend over the same, can't take of yourself in the potty room the same. But the one that's the problem for me is can't put my shoes on the same. I am having such a hard time putting my socks and shoes on everyday. Of course, when I'm having the hard time, I don't think it's one bit funny. But in hindsight, I must be hilerious to watch!

I can just picture it....me sitting on the couch or bed struggle to bend down and ending up wrestling with my legs to them up to where I can put them on, holding onto my pants for dear life because if don't my I'll never get my socks and shoes on. Oh and pantyhose, is exactly the same. And they aren't easy to put on even if you aren't pregnant!

We got most of our laminate floor in, we just have the hallway to go. And it looks good. After we get that finished and the new baseboard in, we get to work on sorting the kitchen, then the bedroom. Then everything will get one final good cleaning before the baby comes. Hopefully that will be soon, bcause everything is in a state of mess and it's driving me CRAZY!

Well I've ot a rotten headache and need to do something mindless. TTFN

I'm so happy that I can feel the bay's kicks more and more now. And they are getting stronger everyday. Yesterday morning I woke to feeling the bay moving around. It just puts a big smile on my face and makes me so happy. I can't wait until Darren can feel them. Actually the baby is moving right now!

I'm feeling pretty good most of the time now. I do feel pretty tired most of the time though. I can only do a errands for a couple hours a day, maybe three if I take it slow. It's been hard learning to pace myself. Before I got pregnant, I could go alot longer and didn't tire till almost the end of the day. I could go longer with out eating as well, now it seems like I can't go a couple hours with out eating something.

We're working on getting our laminate floor. Ok Darren is working on it, I can't do anything. I'm excited to see what it'll look like when it's done. Even more exciting, getting my kitchen back so I can walk through it without having a path. (thats where everything from the living room is) Then we can start getting the house ready for baby. I plan to really simplify things. I don't plan to work after the baby is born and what to keep things simple so that I can focus on the baby, and not worrying about everything I have to clean.

My Grandpa and Grandma Williams have been visiting from Iowa and we've really enjoyed spending time with them and the rest of the family. Grandpa and Grandma visit once a year, so we take advantage of the opportunity to visit. Of course, we keep in touch by email, but there isn't anything like a nice big hug from a grandparent.

Well, I'm tired and have another long day tomorrow so I'm off to bed. TTFN