for those that used a birth plan

natalee215

What exactly did you do with it?  Who did you give it to?  Was it actually read, used, acknowledged? 

I imagine that I give it to the L&D nurses assigned to us, but I'm not sure if I'm supposed to be doing something else with it.

dexspsandqs

I had one written out to discuss with dh with my dd's birth, the rest were scheduled c sections so not necessary.

We went over things from labour stages, to immediate baby care and postpartum.

I told my dr. the basics and dh just referred to it in the hospital bag or asked if need be.  In my experience (though every hospital is different) most view birth plans as a mother being rigid in a way that may interfere with a need to change.Also, with first labours sometimes you get a shift change and will not have same nurse if you are labouring for a long period of time.

If you write one out to give staff keep it super simple in point form and make it known you are flexible if the NEED arises.

Also- if you have a doula or midwife you should def give them a copy.

dani_girl08

We have a birth plan that I have gone over with my OB office.  They have faxed a copy over to L&D so they will have it when we get there (and so that they know that my OB has agreed to everything in it).  I also have 5 copies packed in our hospital bag if needed.

mrsquetee09

this mommy who gave birth on this past saturday presented hers in a basket with homemade treats. she tweeted that it "went over well" ;-)

natalee215

mrsquetee09:

this mommy who gave birth on this past saturday presented hers in a basket with homemade treats. she tweeted that it "went over well" ;-)

I guess I better summon my inner Martha Stewart to woo the L&D nurses so they don't think I'm a complete loon!

mrsquetee09

lol! i can make a mean chocolate chip cookie that will break anyone down so i'm considering this . . .

dani_girl08

I should also add that we called our "birth plan" our "birth preferences", & we indicated our flexibility if the need arises.  We also started our L&D preferences with a line like, "If mother and baby are doing well, and no complications arise, we would prefer...".  Our preferences for after baby is born started with, "If baby is breathing well and thriving, we would prefer...".  I really think it's all about how you present your wishes (& make it clear that you understand that births do not always go perfectly, and changes may need to be made).  A basket of goodies sounds like a good idea!

Butterflie6381

I took mine with me to an appt and discussed it with my Doctor. I learned a few things and we made some changes, it went into my file.  I took seven copies with me to the hospital. It was attached to my chart - and believe me everyone saw it. 

Like the pps said, I think it is important to convey and for you to understand that its not so much a "plan" of this is what is going to happen, but more of "if this happens, then we would like to do this."