If you're using a birth plan template, which one?

AwwJung2009 · September 2012

Just wondering if any of you are using a specific birth plan template. I've been looking around for one, but can't decide which one would be best to use. So any suggestions would be helpful. :0)

Thanks! :0)

RissKay · September 2012

I looked around and read a lot of different ones, and incorporated the different things I liked about each one into the one I've got. :

AwwJung2009 · September 2012

RissKay:
I looked around and read a lot of different ones, and incorporated the different things I liked about each one into the one I've got. :

I've been thinking I may have to do the same thing. :P

bdbelladonna · September 2012

I'm not using one this time. after writing one for two and ending up not using it either time lol. I just went with what felt right at the time.

mrs+harlow · September 2012

I found it good to have one while laboring at home. It helped my DH and mom keep me on track. Once at the hospital, the triage nurse and my delivery nurse went over all of the points that were important to me regarding my birth process and the experience after the birth, without me whipping it out of my bag. If you are typing one for the nurses and doctor , keep it short and sweet. If you want a long, detailed one that's better left for you and your family.

AwwJung2009 · September 2012

Thanks ladies for the advice. This is our first, I've heard about birth plans usually being a waste of time. Just thought I'd ask anyways though. :0)

tortuga47 · September 2012

tab&bob2008:
I got one from my hospital.

Me too. I figured they'd be more open to looking over a birth plan if it was formatted by them in their own language.

melissascarfone · September 2012

Simple, short, sweet is ideal...plus, add some open mindedness as you need to see what u want moment to moment anyways. Im a total type a control freak and came to this realization today...hope it helps u

mandaamaee · September 2012

In my opinion, the best template is from this website, https://www.pcnguide.com/pregnancy/e-planning-for-birth-and-post-partum it has so many options, I just went through and picked out what was important to me and rewrote it. Hope this helps

ChristyML · September 2012

I got one from my doctor's office, thus from the hospital where I'll be delivering. I will be using that one because I think the nurses and doctor will pay more attention to it since it's "theirs" kwim?

Some tips for you too:

Make it a one page birth plan. It takes less time to read it, thus the nurses are more likely to read it.

Try making the biggest points bulleted so that it is, once again, easier to read.

Know that a birth plan is not necessarily what will happen (example: you may want to go natural, but you may end up needing a c-section for whatever reason).

Hope this helps! Good luck!

Liz5663 · September 2012

I also combined what mattered to me on my own typed up version. Here is what I included:

BIRTH PLAN

Mother?s Name:

Father?s Name:

Baby?s Name:

Due Date:

OBGYN:

Hospital Name:

Pediatrician:

My delivery is planned as: (Vaginal/C-Section/etc)

I would like the following present during delivery: (Husband/Mother/Doula/etc)

During labor I would like: (Remain mobile as long as possible/Calming music/Dimmed lights/Birth ball/etc)

For pain relief I am open to: (Natural methods/Analgesics/Narcotics/Epidural/etc)

I would like an episiotomy: (Last resort/As deemed necessary/With local anesthesia/etc)

If C-section is necessary, I would like: (My partner/Mother/Doula to remain with me)

I would like to hold baby: (As soon as possible/After suctioning, weighing, and wiping clean/etc)

I would like to feed: (Breastmilk/Formula/Both)

Cord blood: (Keep/Donate/Dispose)

Baby Circumcision: (Yes/No)

SraSanchez · September 2012

I asked about a birth plan the last time I was at my OB and she pretty much said they're nice to have but not necessary. I should trust that she is doing what is necessary and safe and in the best interest of myself and the baby, and I can always bring up any doubts or concerns in the moment. At first I was a little off-put by her "just trust me" attitude, but honestly, it's true. If I disagree with something I can always ask, what are my other options?

Liz5663 · September 2012

My mid-wife also said they are doing everything in the best interest of myself and my baby, however they appreciate the birth plan in case anything happens that is unexpected and I can not relay my wishes.

christyhal · September 2012

My OB and childbirth class instructor (we took our hospital's class) recommended using the hospital's template, which I liked. It basically gave us options to check off for our preferences for the L & D room (light level, am I planning to bring movies, etc.), what my preferences are for pain meds or lack thereof, what 'extras' I wanted to use so they could have them available and set up for me (birth ball, tub, squat bar, etc.). I could also indicate my postpartum care preferences (I want to be visited by a LC, etc.) and my preferences for visitors.

I basically filled in their template with a 'hey, these are my preferences, but I'm open to things changing as needed.' So they'll know I'm planning to use the tub and birth ball and will be ready to have that set up, and they know that I am planning to try med-free first but will decide when the time comes if I want an epidural. They also know that it will be just DH and me there, and if anyone else shows up to check with us before letting them in. (We have no local family to have there, and we don't think any of our local friends are likely to gate-crash our delivery...)

AwwJung2009 · September 2012

I never thought about the hospital having a birth plan template of their own. I will certainly have to ask about that! :0)

Yeah I'm aware that birth plans are more of a what you'd like to happen, opposed to what actually might happen type thing. Just thought it'd be nice for myself to have to get me to start thinking about what I'd "like" to happen.

Thanks for all the awesome suggestions.

msalari13 · September 2012

The woman who teaches my birthing class (whom is also a doula) recommended to create your own and be very personable and NOT demanding. To talk about preferences as opposed to I WANT THIS/WE DO NOT WANT THIS.

Want a personalized experience?

If you're using a birth plan template, which one?

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