Birth Plans

zambi28

Hi! Who all is writing a birth plan? I hear so many people talk about birth plans, but I’m a first time mom and don’t even really know what my birth preferences are. I just want my baby delivered safely.

I would love to hear about your plan if you are creating one! What are your reasons for having one (or not having one)?

raeraekat

First time mom as well! I haven't even started thinking about one yet, lol. But planning on a hospital tour the beginning of October so might have a better idea after I see where I'll be delivering. Not sure if I'll have a super super detailed plan- as I know things can change fast! Maybe just some non- negotiables. 

knottie82maemae6

There is a lot to think about when giving birth and planning out your birth plan. Do a lot of research if this is your first time. Maybe take some classes, but make sure you educate yourself. This is my 3rd, and I plan on doing an all natural drug free birth just like my other two. I have a number of reasons for going this route. One being that I want to be able to walk and move during labor, and also because I don't want drugs in my system that might interfere with my bonding with the baby. One of the big reasons is that I have scoliosis, and there are only two spots in my spine that are safe for an epidural or a spinal block. I also have to be okay with the fact that my birth plan might not go like I want it to, so it is important to have back up plans and to let your birthing partner knows your wishes. 

raeraekat

@knottie92bacd9c2cedd377 I have scoliosis as well (both thoracic and lumbar, but more severe in my lower back) - I'm curious, how did your first two pregnancies go in regards to back pain? I'm terrified that the back pain I currently experience will be out of control the bigger I get! Currently increasing my exercise to help mitigate pain- but just interested in how your experience was. 

teresitamamacita

I'm a first time mom and as of right now I want to deliver without medication if possible. I really don't like taking medication unless required. I haven't even been taking anything for the nausea or headaches and just don't want the medication in my system or to ha e any effects from it. However if I absolutely can't take it, I will do the epidural. The hospital I want to go to has rooms with the birthing pools and other stuff which I found comforting. 

knottie91cc1da3ca8bcab6

I’ve never written out a birth plan but I’ve always been very clear on what I wanted. This will be my third birth.
Do you research, educate yourself on different procedures, practices and options. Know it is possible that things will not go as planned however also be aware of your rights.
With my first I was pressured into many things that I really wasn’t ok with simply because I didn’t know that I could refuse things. I questioned them but I was never given the option to refuse and was too naïve to know that I could.
Hind sight, I could have avoided most of the procedures I had done if I had known my rights and stood up for them.

kiltedrae

I am writing a birth plan because I didn't with my first and have regretted it. Side note, have a baby plan too. I had an emergency come up during my daughter's birth resulting in me not being there for the first 2 hours of her life. In the meantime every other family member at the hospital held her, took pictures with her, cleaned her up, fed her... I of course did not plan on an emergency procedure but this time I will have it explicitly documented that other thanmy husband no one gets her before me.

savredd

My boyfriend and I have talked about writing one out. My doctor said she doesn’t always love them because if something changes on the day of many moms become anxious and feel they have a bad experience because everything didn’t go according to plan. She said the 1 thing she requires for her patients is an IVhookup and that she always does her best to have a vaginal birth. There are certain things I have strong opinions on though!
We will likely write one out and make sure we label things as requirements or preferences. (Requirements being no one in the room other than required personnel and us-no other family or medical students, unless of medical emergency-baby stays with us the whole time, no medication unless emergency and communicate with us about that) etc. also @kiltedrae thank you for the suggestion about a “baby plan” that’s not something I would have considered 

knottie82maemae6

I had back labor with my second, but he was a very big boy (9 lbs 4 oz) and he also had should distorcia. Only good thing is I was only in labor from start to finish with him 16 hours. 

knottie87f39f22c3fa3ef2

Thanks for sharing your experience. First time mom here. Didn’t think of what might happen if I have an emergency. I will definitely add that to my birth plan. We are not gonna let people come to the hospital for the delivery, it is just gonna stress me out 🤣