During this pregnancy, Katherine and I have done everything within our power to help have a healthy, problem-free pregnancy, birth, and, ultimately, child. In this pursuit, we have retained the offices of Dr. Louis Star to guide us and keep us informed of what we need to be doing.

Although we have every confidence in Dr. Star to deliver our baby capably and safely, we do have concerns and wishes regarding our birth that we would like to discuss with our birth team.

During labor, we would prefer to have no I.V. attached to Katherine. This seems to be in accord with the practices of Methodist hospital. If absolutely necessary, we would consent to a saline lock instead of a full I.V. attachment.

We ask that there be limited internal (vaginal) exams during labor. We prefer that, where possible, the position of the baby be determined by external exams.

We strongly prefer to have our baby monitored externally when indicated, as opposed to any type of internal monitoring. Also, we prefer that our baby be monitored only intermittently.

We have chosen a natural method of childbirth, and so ask that no medications be offered at any time during labor and delivery unless an absolute emergency.

We would like Katherine to be able to eat and drink, if she so desires, during labor. To this end, we are willing to sign a waiver at the hospital releasing them from responsibility if harm should occur to Katherine because of this.

Katherine requests the freedom to move and change positions as she feels necessary during labor. These may include squatting, standing, walking, sitting, side-lying, or the classic 'C'. We ask that she not be forced to lie flat on her back.

In keeping with our training and Methodist Hospital's regulations, we plan to have both Katherine and Christopher's mothers present, as well as Christopher, during the entire labor and delivery.

We ask that there be no coaching of Katherine except by Christopher.

Katherine does not wish to have an episiotomy at all. We prefer to pursue perineal massage and prenatal exercise as options.

We ask that no forceps, vaccuum extractors, or the like be used in the delivery except in an emergency.

Christopher would like to catch the baby as it is born, of course under the capable instruction of our physician. He would also like to cut the cord, if possible.

We would like to have time to bond with our new baby for as long as possible before it is taken away for testing. We would like to attempt breastfeeding immediately after birth.

We ask that the baby have no supplemental feedings or pacifiers, as we plan to breastfeed.

If all indications are positive, Katherine would like to be considered for early discharge.

This is by no means a legally binding document, and many things on this list are open to change in an emergency. However, we hope that many of our desires can be met and that we will be able to have the kind of delivery we feel best for Katherine and the baby.