Hospital birth plan... too long?

Sherbet Lemon · March 2012

I started with a spreadsheet from babycenter and then cut it down to the things that are important to me as far as the birthing experience goes. I'm worried that it's too long (1 page, typed) and that the most important parts might get lost or that the nurses just won't read it all. I've included my preferences for during labor, after delivery and in case of a c-section.

Those of you who have already gone through attempting a natural birth at a hospital with a birthing plan - how long was it? How well did the staff follow your requests? Is there anything you wish you'd included or that you included but realized later was unnecessary? I'll be bringing the plan to my ob for my next appointment to get feedback, but thought here was a good place to start.

TIA

nd01 · March 2012

My doula and midwife both commented on the fact that they liked my length (it was only 9 -10 bullet points maybe). I figured that they'd focus on fewer ones more and I skipped ones that I felt I could easily communicate if need be (I'd like to walk around during labor, I want the lights dimmed) or fix if it weren't right. I tried to highlight ones that were unfixable if they didn't know (please don't cut cord right away) or ones I wanted to sign off on beforehand (intermittent fetal monitoring).

That being said, I think that if yours is one page, you're probably in a good spot!

katcarls · March 2012

I think one page is fine, but you could put the c/s preferences on a separate page to shorten it up. You might not need it at all so you don't really need to give it right away. Then you just pull that page out later if it's actually necessary.

I'm not sure what format you used, but bullet points and short phrases are better than paragraphs. That should make it more likely to be read and things will be tougher for them to miss.

A-Team 9/29 · March 2012

My birth plan was one page, typed. It had sections for labor, delivery, and after delivery; each section had 3-4 bullet points. When I first got admitted into the hospital, the dr sat with me and went over it with me (although quickly). The nurses followed most of the requests, although some ended up being unavoidable. As another PP said, leave things off that can be communicated (dimmed lights, music playing, etc...).

Sherbet Lemon · March 2012

katcarls:

I think one page is fine, but you could put the c/s preferences on a separate page to shorten it up. You might not need it at all so you don't really need to give it right away. Then you just pull that page out later if it's actually necessary.

I'm not sure what format you used, but bullet points and short phrases are better than paragraphs. That should make it more likely to be read and things will be tougher for them to miss.

Thanks for the suggestion about omitting the c/s part for a separate page.

I did lots of headings and bullets. Started it with the overall guideline that I want as med-free and intervention-free a birth experience as I can have, so long as it doesn't compromise baby's safety. Then broke down into sections for during l/d and after, each with about 6 bullets.

I appreciate everyone's feedback so far.

theladyjess · March 2012

Mine was one page, typed with bullet points. Each point was short-only one or two sentences. I left out things that I knew were already either hosptial policy or things that my dr does automatically.

The staff followed my requests so strictly that while K was in the NICU they had me doing cup feedings because I had put in the plan that I didn't want her to have any artifical nipples. We ended up OKing bottles because it was still going to be a few days before she could be out from under the bili lights and I had already OKed the use of a paci for comfort since she couldn't be held.

ETA:

I had a seperate sheet listing my prefrences in case I needed a c/s. If you'd like to see my plan let me know and I'll PM it to you.

eclipselova4eva · March 2012

And to feed off of that, does a doula help to communicate your desires in case you don't get to the hospital until later in the labor process? I just can't picture myself getting there and wanting to go over my birth plan...let me get in the tub and let me get in my zone!!

NewzieMom · March 2012

Mine is short and sweet. I only mentioned things I didn't want to argue about or would be unable to argue while in labor.

Labor

? Please do not offer me pain medication or ask me to rate my pain

? I prefer to have minimal monitoring and vaginal exams

? I prefer not to have any unnecessary medications or interventions

? Please ask me before attempting any kind of intervention (necessary or unnecessary. This includes breaking my water, episiotomy, etc.)

? I would like to avoid an IV or hep-lock

? I prefer to be free of blood pressure cuff between readings

Delivery

? I would like the baby immediately placed on my chest

? I prefer to wait until after the cord has stopped pulsating before it is cut

? I prefer my time with the baby not to be interrupted until after the first feeding

NewzieMom · March 2012

eclipselova4eva:
And to feed off of that, does a doula help to communicate your desires in case you don't get to the hospital until later in the labor process? I just can't picture myself getting there and wanting to go over my birth plan...let me get in the tub and let me get in my zone!!

That is what they are there for. I have never used a doula. DH and my dr have always just known my preferences before hand and I am just taking a plan with so the nurses can look over once themselves.

nosoup4u · March 2012

I had about 5-6 bullet points for each of my births. The first time, I was admitted early enough in labor that I was able to go through my preferences with the nurse, who put it in the computer. The second time, I showed up pushing, so my DH or I answered any relevant questions. Make it short enough that you can remember what you want!

We also had another list of things we did/didn't want for after the baby was born.

sschwege · March 2012

Mine was 8 brief bullet points. There is one bullet point I could have left off because it wasn't hospital policy anyway. I think next time I want to add a brief section in case of a c-section, although thankfully that wasn't needed last time.

As far as how well it was followed, the staff was very respectful and we had no problems. The only thing I would recommend is if it's something kind of unusual tell the staff verbally as well. I asked not to be told how dilated I was which is uncommon, so I made sure I let them know.

kristin7701 · March 2012

People have already given you good advice. When you go over it with your doctor, see if anything you have in your plan can be eliminated so there is nothing superfluous. I didn't even have to have a plan with my second because everything I wanted was standard at the hospital where I delivered. It was a phenomenal midwife group!

dmhrn13 · April 2012

From a nurse midwife- keep it to one page. We have a joke on L&D "the longer the birth plan- the quicker to the operating room". The biggest thing is to be confident & relaxed- just put the things in your birth plan that you absolutely can not live without.

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