Birth Plan?

Sockgnome78

I am thinking of not going in with a birth plan. Whatever happens is what happens. I know I do want pain management. But other then that I am good with whatever. Is there anyone going in the same way? Or am I needing to do research and decide on a solid plan?

LightBright515

My plan is to go in and leave with a baby. I'm pretty easy going.

futuremrsnjoroge

Even if it's just for you, I suggest writing one. You might be surprised at things that you have a strong opinion on AND have complete control over (i.e. visitors, interns in room, etc).

Also, keep in mind that 1) you may not be familiar with the OB who ultimately delivers your baby and 2) you likely won't be familiar with the nurses at all. Even with a complication-free pregnancy, they'll go with what they deem best/most convenient for them. Make sure that standard practices at that hospital are okay with you.

I think women sometimes avoid doing a birth plan because "stuff happens" beyond our control in labor and delivery. However, in most cases your birth plan will still play a role (in whole or part) in your L&D. 

cetrump1123

I have the same idea as you! I know I want pain mess but that's about it. My plan is to wing it, that way I don't need to worry about stressing that things aren't "going according to plan"

yella726

futuremrsnjoroge said:

Even if it's just for you, I suggest writing one. You might be surprised at things that you have a strong opinion on AND have complete control over (i.e. visitors, interns in room, etc).

Also, keep in mind that 1) you may not be familiar with the OB who ultimately delivers your baby and 2) you likely won't be familiar with the nurses at all. Even with a complication-free pregnancy, they'll go with what they deem best/most convenient for them. Make sure that standard practices at that hospital are okay with you.

I think women sometimes avoid doing a birth plan because "stuff happens" beyond our control in labor and delivery. However, in most cases your birth plan will still play a role (in whole or part) in your L&D. 

This. Even if most things fly right out the window, there still may be a couple bullet points on your plan that may come in incredibly handy.

Leysin97

I haven't started yet or really know what I want except there are a few things that are important to me and I would want the hospital staff to know. For example I want to breastfeeding within the first 30 minutes of birth, which means it's important that they don't whisk baby off to the nursery for a bath first.

ariel06

I don't think you need to have a full written plan, but I found it helpful to look at some examples so DH and I had a chance to discuss our options.  

DaniGrace89

I've decided on a few things so far.
1. Id want pain management.
2. During labor, I want to have as low key of a time as possible. Keep it relaxed and calm.
3. After the birth, I don't want my daughter being taken from me for quite a while. My husband can hold her of course, but I don't want the nurses whisking her away too early. I want to initiate breast feeding in that time.
4. I want to significantly limit the visitors at the hospital. It is crucial that I have time to rest, bond with my child, and breastfeed...without interruption from guests. I sound like a hardass with this.
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NavyFlyer

I wrote out a list of a few "birth goals" because I hate the word plan. It starts like this:

"Goal #1: Healthy mom and baby.

On a not to interfere basis with Goal #1, I would like to accomplish as many of the following goals as possible..."

Jbunny100

As with PPs, I would write a loose one and be prepared to have it changed if needed.  I had one going into delivering DS which included things like no Pitocin which flew out the window.  I honestly wasn't quite sure why I had it on there to begin with.
Do include things like who can be in the delivery room and even leading up to the whole giving birth process.  For instance, as my pain worsened I really didn't want my step daughter in the room anymore.  The nurses were very good at helping me out with getting people out of the room when needed.  In fact the nurse had me come up with a phrase to use when I wanted people to leave the room.  It was nice. 
Other things to include would be the skin to skin as mentioned above.  Another big one, if you are planning to breastfeed, make sure you ask for a lactation consultant to help you with it.  Mine was a HUGE help.  I honestly don't think I would have been able to do it without her help.  They even give you some freebies to help you with the whole latching process and even pumping.  
Bring multiple copies with you of the plan.  We ended up having to give it to several different nurses and doctors.

Lastly, just like some PPs have mentioned.  Do you research on pain management.  I wanted the walking epidural (or epidural light).  Although the idea of being able to still move around was great, the drugs knocked me out and made me so freaking tired I could hardly keep my eyes open.  About an hour after getting the drugs, DH and I had to make the decision on an emergency C-section so not only was that emotional for me, but I was so unbelievably tired.

angeltennis3

I think a birth plan, in the perspective it helps you research and decide what is important to you, is a good idea. Sometimes I think birth plans get a bad rap in that you feel committed, unflexible, and tied to that birth plan so if something doesn't go according to the plan you have failed. That isn't the case.

I plan to assemble a birth plan to make sure that I understand what will be happening and my wishes are known. If something goes differently, that's ok, the only thing I care firmly about at the end is to have a healthy baby and be healthy myself. I think I would get really overwhelmed at the hospital if I just went in with no plan whatsoever. Everyone is different though, so what works for me may not work for someone else.

cozybluebear

I had no birth plan with my son. Everything worked out fine. L&D nurses are so sweet and wonderful that they make you as comfortable as possible. I was in labor for 14 hours so my only plan was epidural amd sleep until baby came.

cmcookaln

My OB told me to have a few general things in mind especially about pain relief, but he said that usually the birth plan is more of a guideline anyways.  He told me that for those patients that usually come in with a big thick birth plan, most of the stuff is ignored because no one has time to read and prepare all of that.

aander6

My birth plan is get the baby out and give me the drugs. Pretty much the same it was last time. 

slsl509

starla487 said:

I'm also specifying that I'm wearing my insulin pump and CGM and testing on my own meter during L&D. I want to control that aspect of it as much as I can

Make sure you bring all your supplies including any extra insulin. We don't have supplies for refilling pumps and you'd be surprised at how many people come in almost empty and we have to stop their pump. You'll be far more prepared than the average hospital admission I'm sure.  Our patients have to sign a few consent forms including providing their own supplies as a condition to using their pump.

While I didn't use my birth plan with DD, it did help me realize what things I had strong feelings about and what I didn't. It helped ME prepare mentally for all the steps of labor and delivery.  Turns out I didn't have strong feelings about much beyond get baby out.

 

MrsL2B

Does anyone have a good basic template for a birth plan?

TeamR625

I rarely post, but I thought if jump in here. I spent hours writing a birth plan with DS1 and I didn't use it. At 34w my midwife gave me a template checklist. It outlined the hospital procedures and had spots for me to write in my desires as well. You may want to check with your doctor/midwife first. Half the work may already be done! I turned it back in and they kept it electronically on file. I didn't have to remember it the day I delivered! Phew!

BreandMikewedding

I have never had a "birth plan" and this is my third pregnancy. I personally (this is only my opinion) think they are stupid and people that have them have control issues. Every ob I know also laughs about them. They are constantly making fun of them with the labor and deliver nurses on Facebook. My plan has always been to get baby out safely and make sure I'm ok. To me, my wants are pretty simple and I don't feel like I need to write up a formal document about them. My last pregnancy I didn't want a c-section but when it really came down to it, that was the best option to get him out safely so we did it.

Maggie6424

I concur with most of the comments. I'd have one just outlining basic things. Look at several sample birth plans, and you'll likely be surprised with how much stuff you didn't think about addressing. That's how I was with DS. I'm shooting for a non-medicated birth, but I know that I may not be able to do so. I'm preparing for it both ways.

ADH0906

^What she said.

[Deleted User]

@theresat858‌ Just curious why you specified wanting to drink clear fluids instead of having an IV? It's something I never gave any thought to so just wondering if there's a particular reason for it that I should be considering.

ADH0906

BobKat22 said:

theresat858 said:

deezidee04 said:

@theresat858‌ Just curious why you specified wanting to drink clear fluids instead of having an IV? It's something I never gave any thought to so just wondering if there's a particular reason for it that I should be considering.

No particular reason except that drinking would let me control the intake.  I ended up having both - tons of water (I'm always thirsty as it is) and an IV, and the nurses were shocked at the output in my catheter bag after I got the epidural.  Sometimes if they give you an IV, they then don't think you need to be drinking water and won't give it to you...I wouldn't have been ok with that.

My BFF is a L&D nurse. I brought this up to her once and asked why I saw that as part of some birth plans. I wasn't given that option, but I'd gladly take it if it's possible. Her response was "you are NPO incase of emergency c section. If you want to drink water and possibly aspirate and be put on a vent then go ahead." So to me the water thing is one of those they know best situations.

I was under the impression that not allowing a laboring woman food or water was a bit of an outdated practice and several studies have shown extremely minimal risk. Any sciencey types have thoughts? I wish I could remember where I read that...

LightBright515

Fluids is one thing...actual food/meals is another. Aspiration is still very real. Who wants aspiration pneumonia? Not I. Articles can say one thing, but when you see it daily........

Emerald27

I have not yet written my birth plan, but I absolutely will have one for this baby! Part of my prenatal appt with my doula includes the discussion of and drafting of a birth plan.

It's a great tool for learning what procedures and practices are common in births and learning about each one, for getting you to think about what you might like and what you don't want. Whether you bring your birth plan to the hospital with you or just use it as a personal tool for research doesn't matter: the point is that making one makes you an advocate for your own healthcare and empowers you by giving you a deeper understanding of whatever you go through during your birth!

Even though I will be giving birth with a midwife and doula and in an environment in which MY wishes are standard procedure, I will still bring along a copy of my birth plan for the birth team and postpartum nurses to use as reference. It's so helpful to be able to show your nursing team that you've done your homework and know what your preferences are, and it eliminates lots of asking in the heat of the moment, when you might not remember or might be inclined due to stress just to say "do whatever YOU (whether that you is a nurse, your doctor, or whoever) think is best."

Emerald27

starla487 said:

I was going to ask for food clarification at my next appointment. E-CS is something I want to avoid, but it could become a real possibility given my circumstance. However, would you not give a diabetic food? My instructions from the hospital also advise you to bring snacks.

That's a really great question! I've been told to eat as much as I want while laboring at home, because once I get to the hospital it's clear liquids only until baby arrives.

Some things are allowed, like popsicles and sour candy (sweet candy makes you thirstier and they do want you to limit your intake somewhat), so I would imagine that the protocol for a diabetic would be clear liquids like popsicles (I know...not ideal) and maybe even broth?

BreandMikewedding

There are medical reasons of why the hospitals typically require certain things or don't allow other things. It isn't because they are too lazy to bring you water or want you to be hungry for hours on end. If you want to write a birth plan, write it. I have always felt like I could express my wants very well while in labor and I don't realistically think the nurses have time to sit down and read my birth plan along with the other 20 patients birth plans that they are taking care of. Having a midwife and doula is a different situation and I can completely see how a birth plan would be beneficial.
My feeling is that the medically trained doctors and nurses at the hospital are there to do a job which is to make sure I stay healthy and they get the baby out healthy. I am informed about different options and will make the best decision according to what is happening with my labor. If the doctors and nurses decide they need to do something to save my life or lo's life, then by all means do it!
Hospital policy is different in different areas. Here an Iv is required. There is no discussion on this and I'm fine with it. They've explained the medical need and I understand the reasons behind it.

MorganWP

I was actually talking about this last night with SO's cousin who is due in August. She has a very detailed birth plan (had one with her DS too) and I dont really have one at all. Last time, I wanted an epidural but I progressed too quickly and couldnt. I also had no say about having an IV or not because I had Group B Strep and the antibiotics they give you are given through IV. So this time Im being very laid back and just taking things as they come. Epidural? Fine. Not enough time for one? Thats okay too. My hospital already has a limit on how many support people and they do skin-to-skin right away so Im not too worried about those. The only thing that I am requesting is, in the case of me having to have a csection, Id like to get my tubes tied at the same time.

LaraFL

I wrote a birth plan with my first birth, had my doctors review it and had a copy put into my file. In the end, my on call doctor didn't answer her phone and my baby was delivered by a stranger. The hospital couldn't locate a copy of my birth plan and I hadn't thought to bring an extra. I tried to tell them what I wanted but no one listened to me at all. Even things they supposedly advocate like kangaroo care were ignored and it was a total nightmare. 

I have a birth plan written up this time, it's very simple, short sentences, list style. I use a lot of "I'd prefer" and "I would like" so it doesn't sound super controlling or inflexible. I understand more about what could go wrong and what is reasonable to request. But when it comes down to it, I'm not a cookie cutter laboring mom, I DO have specific wants and the only way to make them known is to tell someone. I understand I won't get my way, and I wrote up disclaimers like "if this can't happen then I would like this to happen" etc. 

I plan on sharing this paper with my doctors as we get closer to delivery and also making sure my husband and I each have a copy and that there are no questions. Being a VBAC patient, I am especially aware of everything that could go wrong. 

bennikki

I didn't have a birth plan with DS, but that's just my style.  From what you wrote, I think we kind of went in with the same attitude.  

My original plan was to try to do it pain-med free, but I only went from 1 cm to 2 cm dilated 12 hours after my water broke, and I was having regular contractions less than 5 minutes apart.  They started pitocin, and that made my decision to start an epi as soon as I was progressed enough (which still took a few more hours).  The contractions on pitocin were piggy backing, and I was having trouble staying relaxed.  The nurses kept commenting on how calm I was, and my Dr. (who's been my Dr. since I was 13) was just like, "this is how she is all the time."  

It was 24 hours after my water broke before I was ready to push, but my Dr. doesn't have hard and fast rules about when you have to do a c-section, and like I said he's known me since I was a teenager, so he knew I still had a lot in my to get that baby out.  We ended up pushing for four and a half hours, and at one point he did tell me our chances of having the baby vaginally go down after pushing for over 2 hours, but he was going to keep letting me push as long as I still had the strength.  DS was turned sideways, but I was still able to have him vaginally nearly 30 hours after my water broke.

I think you need to take survey of how you handle intense situations.  If you're a person who stays calm and seeks logic rather than emotion, then I think you'll be okay without a birth plan.  If you are quick to anxiety and panic, than a birth plan is probably best.  

Also, check on your Dr.'s and hospital's policies for birth and post-birth.  My hospital isn't necessarily a mother/child friendly hospital by definition, but they encourage immediate skin to skin and breastfeeding, delayed cord cutting, they have a "golden hour" where no one is admitted (including dr's and nurses if there aren't any complications) for the first hour, so the parents and child can bond, and they have a lactation consultant meet with you before you're discharged if you plan to breastfeed.  Other hospitals and dr's are different, so do your research.  I've read the horror stories about people being "forced" into an unwanted c-section because the Dr. or nurses used scare tactics, but from my experience and the experience of literally all of my IRL friends who have had children these are more like urban legends.

Emerald27

@BreandMikewedding‌ I delivered DS with an OB and no doula, but my nurses were pleased when I handed them my easy to read, one page, bulleted birth plan. Nurse checked over it bedside with me to make sure she knew what my preferences were and could discuss any of note, and then she placed it on the table next to the bed for reference throughout my labor. My postpartum team was glad to have it too, since what I wanted AFTER DS' birth was even more important to me.

hippohat

I had gone through the L&D parts of my pregnancy books with DH, I made him read them with me since we didn't do a birth class. From there we listed points of discussion to chat with my OB about. There wasn't anything major that we weren't flexible on - we went into it knowing it's not a controlled situation, we'd do whatever needed for a safe, healthy birth. This time around I'd love to have a doula and aim for a med-free birth, but so far it's simply not in the budget, nor am I able to switch hospitals b/c of insurance.