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hospital has a dedicated recovery or post-op room, you may need to arrange ahead of time for your partner and newborn to be brought there, if you wish for a speedy reunion. However, if you are taken back to an LDR room, you partner and newborn will most likely be there waiting for you.

Most birth plans also include requests and requirements for after the baby is born. Back in your room, you may start breastfeeding immediately if desired. If you do plan to breastfeed, it is important to note on your birth plan that you do not with the newborn to receive formula, sugar water, or pacifiers, as these can negatively impact the nursing relationship in the early stages. The medications you receive during a standard cesarean section are all considered safe for nursing mothers.

One other item that you may wish to specify on your birth plan is whether or not you plan to circumcise your child if you have a boy. There is no national or international medical association that currently recommends routine circumcision, but it is still common in some areas of the United States. It does have risks, and does cause the infant pain, so it is important to discuss circumcision with your doctor to make an informed decision and arrange pain medication for the child if you do wish to circumcise.

While there are many choices to be made, a cesarean birth plan does not need to be long or complicated. A few simple bullet points outlining your wishes for yourself and your newborn are all that is required. Discuss your plan with your doctor ahead of time, and have a copy placed in your medical file. Then on the day of delivery, bring several copies with you so that the various nurses and attendants will be on the same page. The following is a sample cesarean birth plan.

Birth Plan for Mother Jones and Baby Jones

C-section:
- Mom's arms must not be tied down
- Drop the drape so Mom and Dad can see the actual birth
- Let Mom see the baby up close for a moment before he/she is taken to the table
- Dad "cuts the cord" at the table
- Mom is to be reunited with the baby as soon as the surgery is complete
- Dad will remain with the baby at all times

Baby Care:
- No vaccines
- No pacifier
- No sugar water
- No formula
- No circumcision
- Baby will room-in with Mom

This plan can be altered or elaborated upon as needed, to fit your own needs and desires. The most important thing to remember is to speak up to your doctor about what you want and need from your birth experience. Getting the optimal birth experience is every woman's right, so you should not hesitate to make a birth plan that works for you.

Learn more about this author, Tamara Kelly.
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