Birth plan

Being a first time mummy, I am totally clueless what a birth plan should be as I have completely no idea how the birth process would be. How would I know which birth positions I like, which type of pain relief measures I would prefer, whether I can do without episiotomy, etc. etc. when I've not experienced any of these and totally have no idea about my tolerance levels.

Those pregnancy books and websites have been widely encouraging mums-to-be to create their own birth plans. I should seriously create one myself but eventually I'll just leave it to my gynae to make decisions in events that any unplanned incidents occur.

What are the considerations for drafting a birth plan then? Following list extracted from a website:

• How would you like to manage your labor?
• How do you feel about monitoring devices?
• Will you need to be induced?
• How do you feel about pain medication?
• What if a Cesarean becomes necessary?
• Would you like to avoid an episiotomy?
• Do you want cameras/video cameras? Music?
• How should Baby be handled immediately after birth?

Following is my 1st draft of the birth plan using a template from iVillage:
The 'New' Plan

Name:

Midwife or OB: Dr Douglas Ong

Pediatrician: Dr Simon Ng

Professional Labor Assistant:

Birth Center or Hospital: Mount Alvernia

Approximate Due Date: 04/11/2009

Personal Statement:

BEFORE LABOR BEGINS:
I expect, and trust, that my practitioner will seek my opinion, and that of my partner, on all issues that may affect my birth experience or that deviate from this plan.
If the baby and I are fine, and if I go past my estimated due date, I would like to wait until I go into labor naturally.

FIRST STAGE OF CHILDBIRTH:

LABOR First Stage, Phase I - Latent Labor:
Upon entering my hospital or birth center, it is crucial for me that I will not be separated from my partner(s) at any point during labor or birth.
Ideally, I would like my environment to:
include music I provide
I would like my partner to have the opportunity to film and/or photograph labor and delivery.
I would like the hospital or birthing staff to know that I may have my own personal style to birthing -- from walking, moaning, or grunting. I would be grateful for the personal space to do this comfortably without feeling hushed or rushed.

First Stage, Phase II - Active Labor - Getting to 10 cm:
I would like to keep internal vaginal exams to a minimum.
I understand that I will be working REALLY hard. Therefore:
If an IV prep becomes necessary I would like a heparin/saline lock to be considered. A heparin/saline lock is ....
Since mobility is important to me, I would like Intermittent Monitoring (ACOG Standards), using:
I feel comfortable with continuous fetal monitoring, using:
My birth partner and I would like to take a few moments to privately discuss my pain-relief options before a decision is made.
Ideally, I'd like a drug-free birth. Only offer medications if I ask.
I would like the opportunity to try non-medical, non-invasive pain-relief methods. Some therapies I feel would be useful for me include:
Massage
Guided relaxation
Change in position
Ideally, I would like to be allowed freedom of movement -- to walk, rock, use the bathroom and move as my body dictates.
I am interested in having access to certain birthing equipment. If available, I would like to use:
Birthing bed First Stage, Phase III - Transition:
I understand that transition is unpredictable. I may throw-up, my water may break if has not already, and/or I may expel other bodily fluids. I am appreciative of help that reduces my anxieties and my sense of vulnerability.

SECOND STAGE OF CHILDBIRTH: PUSHING AND DELIVERYPushing:
I have the following coaching preferences:
Other:
If my doctor or midwife feels that pushing may not be progressing efficiently, I would like to be reminded that sometimes changing positions helps. Because I may be very internally-focused, I would like to be encouraged to try one or more of the following delivery positions:
Whatever feels right in the moment Vaginal Delivery:
I would like local anesthesia for repairs (stitches).
If an assisted vaginal birth becomes medically necessary, I prefer:
the use of forceps
the use of vacuum extraction
I would like my baby to be placed on my abdomen immediately following the birth.
If Complications Lead to a Cesarean Delivery:
It is important to me that my partner(s) be present with me at all times during the birth.
Ideally, I would like to remain awake and aware, avoiding general anesthesia if possible.
Assuming the baby is well, I would like to hold my baby on my chest and/or nurse my baby as soon as possible.
Please discuss options for postpartum medication, if needed, with me.
Please provide me with nutritious food and drink as soon as possible.

IMMEDIATE NEWBORN CARE: Eyedrops, Vitamin K and other Procedures:
I would like to have any additional newborn procedures thoroughly explained to us.
I would like for my birth partner(s) or me to be present during all newborn procedures.
I would like to postpone any immunizations until a later time.
Bathing and Circumcision:
It is important to us to have my baby washed and bathed as soon as the hospital or birthing center staff deems appropriate.
Rooming-In and Feeding:
My preference for in-hospital infant care is:
Please do not offer my baby the following:
Formula
Sugar water
Pacifiers
Artificial nipples
My feeding preference is:
I would like the assistance of a lactation consultant to help me with nursing.
Sick Baby and Postpartum Care:
If my baby is not well, I would like to:
accompany my baby, or have my partner accompany the baby if transported to another facility.
breastfeed, or provide my expressed milk for my baby.
have unlimited visitation for my partner and myself.
hold, rock and care for my baby, if possible.
I would like to be considered for a more extended stay following my baby's birth.