Birth Plans worth it?

photojunky050209 · July 2010

In a pregnancy journal I bought it had a birth plan in the back. It says to fill it out and give a copy to your doc. I filled it out but I'm wondering if it is a waste of time to hand it to my doc. I have a feeling they are like oh great thanks and then toss it in the garbage when you leave. WDYT?

woollypetals · July 2010

I am not sure if it's a waste of time because this is my first, but it couldn't hurt right?

Also check with your hospital, mine has a kind of check list that you go through and give to both the hospital and my doctor. It covers things like to you want an epidural, if so when and how often do you want to be asked to get one. etc...

CelticWife · July 2010

I made one and never gave it to the hospital. (Does a doc even read one? I think they just discuss it with you during your appointments.)

Everything I asked for on the birth plan I made, the nurses already had covered. They showed DH how to dim the lights and transform the bed into various positions. They always asked before they did anything during my labor or with DS afterwards. (DH was listed as the father during my pre registration appointment and we also appointed him as the go to person for anything DS related; so anything they wanted to do like eye ointment, pacifiers, etc they asked his permission for. They were great.)

Toreshi_Tobin · July 2010

I think most hospitals have the check list thing, mostly so that they're not barraging you with questions while you're in labor, and to avoid suing and what-not. For instance if you said you absolutely DID NOT want an epidural, and they have it in writing, then you tried to sue them afterward saying that they didn't offer you one, they'd have the proof.

It's also probably nice though just to have those decisions out of the way so that you don't have to worry about making them while you're worrying about pushing.

BabyS2008 · July 2010

I think they're a waste of time. I didn't do one when I was pregnant with DS and don't plan on doing one this time either. You should be conscious enough to tell the doctor's if you want or don't want something done...or that's what your DH is for.

In my situation, I had an epidural, was dilated, was pushing. Last minute we had to do an emergency c/s because DS' heart rate kept dropping with every contraction. So...any birth plan I had would've gone out the window at that point anyway.

It's really a personal choice. For me, it would've been a waste of time and energy. Some people really want to do them and that's fine too. Just understand it may not be followed if certain things happen.

BrideBritt88 · July 2010

I am doing one, what could it hurt.

LILBIT1221 · July 2010

as long as you dont mind when nothing goes the way you "planned"

it should be more like...birth preferences.

Ivana_Stolichnaya · July 2010

Waste of time. I think as long as you discuss things with your partner in advance then it should be fine. But handing over a list is silly IMO. Births don't always go as planned. If you make a list you need to be prepared to bend some of the rules if the baby is under any sort of stress.

I had a very healthy pregnancy but when I was in labor my daughter's heart rate dropped to 60bpm...twice. I almost went in for an emergency c/s. Things like that may arise so be prepared for any sudden twists.

larrysdarling · July 2010

BabyS2008:

I think they're a waste of time. I didn't do one when I was pregnant with DS and don't plan on doing one this time either. You should be conscious enough to tell the doctor's if you want or don't want something done...or that's what your DH is for.

In my situation, I had an epidural, was dilated, was pushing. Last minute we had to do an emergency c/s because DS' heart rate kept dropping with every contraction. So...any birth plan I had would've gone out the window at that point anyway.

It's really a personal choice. For me, it would've been a waste of time and energy. Some people really want to do them and that's fine too. Just understand it may not be followed if certain things happen.

IMO, it's never a waste of time to be educated and thoughtful BEFORE you're in labor about the things you want for yourself.

At the minimum it can teach people about the different birthing options and what's available to them while they're in labor.

I think as long as people are flexible enough to know that things don't always go according to plan, then there's nothing wrong with having a birthing plan.

I think it's also good to let your partner know ahead of time what you want so that he/she can advocate for you.

I think it's ridiculous when people say, "My only plan is to come out of it alive with an alive baby" , as if someone who makes a birth plan doesn't want the same thing or would risk their lives or their baby's life just so they can bounce around on a big ball during labor.

pepomntpat · July 2010

I think it is important to make sure you and your health care team are on the same page about the type of birth you want.

I also think it is ridiculous for people to say you shouldn't have an idea of the kind of birth you want going in because things change. That's just silly. Of course if something goes wrong with me or the baby parts of the birth plan will change. That doesn't mean I shouldn't have the conversation and the list of preferences in advance.

Melissa Lynn · July 2010

I think it depends on how strongly you feel about various interventions or the things they do after the baby is born. like if you want them to wait until the cord stops pulsing before they cut it, or you prefer a natural tear rather than an episiotomy.

The woman I know who have created a birth plan are women who prefer as little intervention as possible. They felt strongly about having a birth plan because hospitals will offer you interventions and I have some friends who didn't want the option of an epidural or have to make the decision about it when they are in pain- they wanted the hospital staff to work with them on positions and other natural pain coping methods. Or they wanted to note that no one should give them the option of an epidural but if asks for it on her own, then she really wants it.

Others didn't want the baby to have the eyedrop stuff put in when the baby was born. This is a way to have that in writing on your end (as opposed to only having the options the hospital provides on their form)- it's also a way for you to have a record of what you want in case the hospital does something you didn't authorize (like give eye drops when you told them not to). I would also recommend that you don't just give it to your doctor- but that you talk through it with them in an appointment close to the birth. It's also good to have copies on hand for someone to give to the nurses. From the experiences I know about- they do read them (but all my friends have delivered with nurse midwifes at the hostpital).

If you don't have strong feelings about any of the above stuff then maybe a birth plan is less necessary?

GenRN45 · July 2010

pepomntpat:
That doesn't mean I shouldn't have the conversation and the list of preferences in advance.

that's it exactly though.

If you have an open line of communication with your caregivers, a birth plan isn't necessary, because your feelings are already known.

My OB knows exactly what I am hoping for during my labor and delivery, and my doula will be my advocate when my husband is too worried about me to focus on what we've discussed about.

SuperThat1006 · July 2010

I asked my doctor about it and she said she would go over it with me prior to and sign off on it. Then I would give it to the nurses when I go in to deliver.

Essentially, she said it is pointless to write extreme specifics. There are instances though where a birth plan is really helpful for the doctor. She gave examples of a woman who DID NOT want the baby on her chest after delivery and a husband who could pass out at the sight of blood and didn't want to cut the cord, etc.

Mt2G1012 · July 2010

pepomntpat:
I think it is important to make sure you and your health care team are on the same page about the type of birth you want.
I also think it is ridiculous for people to say you shouldn't have an idea of the kind of birth you want going in because things change. That's just silly. Of course if something goes wrong with me or the baby parts of the birth plan will change. That doesn't mean I shouldn't have the conversation and the list of preferences in advance.

This exactly. I have a birth plan, however, I will be discussing it in more detail with my doc. Not just handing a list over. My plan actually has more to do with baby after than me. Besides, Some people like to plan for things in life, what is the BFD? I'm fully aware then entire thing might be thrown out the window. And that is ok, but that doesn't mean I'm going in without a plan. That is how I am in every other aspect of my life, why would birth be any different?

Mt2G1012 · July 2010

GenRN45:
pepomntpat:
That doesn't mean I shouldn't have the conversation and the list of preferences in advance.
that's it exactly though.
If you have an open line of communication with your caregivers, a birth plan isn't necessary, because your feelings are already known.
My OB knows exactly what I am hoping for during my labor and delivery, and my doula will be my advocate when my husband is too worried about me to focus on what we've discussed about.

I like my doc and we communicate. But not everyone has the luxury of selecting whatever doc they want or using a midwife or doula. My insurance dictates who I can use. I am very lucky to like my doc (I've been seeing her since TTC, almost 2 years ago now), but a lot of people do not have a choice.

Mrs. K in TX · July 2010

I talked with my doctor about this today, and he said for me to make my plan and bring it in so we can talk about it. We'll discuss my wants, and if there is something he is concerned about, we might compromise about it. The final copy will go in my file at the office, and the file will be faxed to the hospital. Also, he said to keep a copy on hand, in case the the hospital doesn't have it.

I know that my doctor is on board with what I want, because we've talked about it, but there's a possibility that he won't deliver me. While the other doctors in the practice have similar philosophies, it's best to have it written up in a birth plan to make sure everyone is on the same page.

GenRN45 · July 2010

heatherm818:
GenRN45:
pepomntpat:
That doesn't mean I shouldn't have the conversation and the list of preferences in advance.
that's it exactly though.
If you have an open line of communication with your caregivers, a birth plan isn't necessary, because your feelings are already known.
My OB knows exactly what I am hoping for during my labor and delivery, and my doula will be my advocate when my husband is too worried about me to focus on what we've discussed about.

I like my doc and we communicate. But not everyone has the luxury of selecting whatever doc they want or using a midwife or doula. My insurance dictates who I can use. I am very lucky to like my doc (I've been seeing her since TTC, almost 2 years ago now), but a lot of people do not have a choice.

As far as a doula, for us it's a necessary expense for the childbirth that we have budgeted for. You figure out what's important for you and make it happen. that's all.

I certainly don't have the "luxury" of randomly picking a doctor either. Everyone has to pick someone from their insurance company. That doesn't mean you don't communicate with them. One thing has nothing to do with the other.

AgrippaRidesAgain · July 2010

I didn't bother with one. I looked a few over and got a general idea of what I wanted to do, but to actually sit down and type something up? No. I knew that flexibility was key, so I kept an open mind going into the whole process.

bmqcmg · July 2010

I just had an appointment with my doctor the other day and we discussed birth plans. Basically I asked him if he recommend me filling out one and what I got from his answer was that they are basically a waste of time. Even though you put something down in your birth plan doesn't mean it's actually going to happen that way when you go into labor. You might change your mind, forget, or something unexpected could happen completely changing everything where you don't really get a say in what happens next. Plus he said that some of the things it covers like what you don't want done, the hospital doesn't allow anyways.

I don't think I'm going to fill one out due to our discussion. I will just talk to him about what/how I would like things to go and then when it happens I can make my mind up then.

*kendrick* · July 2010

I suppose it depends on how strongly you feel about different things and if your preferences are less than mainstream. DH and I plan to write down our list of preferences as a springboard for us to have discussions. Plus, with my insurance, there is *very* little chance of a doctor we've ever met doing the delivery, so something to hand over that comes from discussions with DH would be great.

Will I hand over a detailed manifesto of things I insist on and my accompanying philosophical beliefs? No. Do I hope to have a list of clear, concise preferences that I can share with a medical team that I've never met so they can accommodate my wishes, wishes fall into a minority of the care they give, if health permits? Absolutely. That may be on a hospital form, it may be something we make up.

BabyS2008 · July 2010

larrysdarling:
BabyS2008:

I think they're a waste of time. I didn't do one when I was pregnant with DS and don't plan on doing one this time either. You should be conscious enough to tell the doctor's if you want or don't want something done...or that's what your DH is for.

In my situation, I had an epidural, was dilated, was pushing. Last minute we had to do an emergency c/s because DS' heart rate kept dropping with every contraction. So...any birth plan I had would've gone out the window at that point anyway.

It's really a personal choice. For me, it would've been a waste of time and energy. Some people really want to do them and that's fine too. Just understand it may not be followed if certain things happen.

IMO, it's never a waste of time to be educated and thoughtful BEFORE you're in labor about the things you want for yourself.

At the minimum it can teach people about the different birthing options and what's available to them while they're in labor.

I think as long as people are flexible enough to know that things don't always go according to plan, then there's nothing wrong with having a birthing plan.

I think it's also good to let your partner know ahead of time what you want so that he/she can advocate for you.

I think it's ridiculous when people say, "My only plan is to come out of it alive with an alive baby" , as if someone who makes a birth plan doesn't want the same thing or would risk their lives or their baby's life just so they can bounce around on a big ball during labor.

I was most definitely 'educated' on what I wanted my birth plan to be regardless if I had it formally written down or not. DH and I discussed it and we also discussed it with our OB. Before the baby was born, our hospital and OBs office made us fill out a ton of paperwork saying what we wanted or did not want.

I've never even heard about writing a 'birth plan' before coming on the bump. IMO it's not necessary for ME.

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