Birth Plans

dancer7889 · September 2013

I'm not trying to get ahead of myself here, but I live in a semi-rural area and have no idea what is deemed "typical" for labor/birth. I grew up in the suburbs and some things are WAY different here. I'd really like to go with as natural of a birth as possible, but in this fairly medicine happy area, I'm just not sure I'll be looked at like I have eight eyes. Almost all my friends who have given birth here have had c-sections for various reasons- breech, huge babies (like 10+ lbs), etc, so I can't ask them if the hospital is natural birth friendly.

So my real question is, when would you bring up asking questions about natural birth/no interventions unless necessary with your OB? If I knew they were natural birth friendly, I'd be completely comfortable waiting much longer to ask questions. I don't want to be asking questions way too early, but I would like to know what's deemed "normal" here and if I may face some challenges in having the birth I'd like.

Excitedmum35 · September 2013

Ask whenever u like. I hassled my dr about issues I had after my last labour,when I was only 6 weeks pregnant. Better off calming your fears/ anxieties now!

TradeMama · September 2013

I'd go ahead and ask... It can't hurt to know one way or the other.

ETA: we had the conversation at my first appointment... My doc asked if I wanted a VBAC. I said no.

kkranberry · September 2013

I have already had 2 lengthy discussions about my birth plan, both with my OB and the Nurse Practitioner. My OB delivered my son via c-section after a failed induction so he is familiar with me. He told me at the time that I would probably never deliver vaginally with my pelvis. I did not hesitate to tell him that I want a natural birth this time. I did it because he knows my body and could give me a good opinion of my chances of VBAC and because if I have to find another doc I would rather do it sooner than later. At my OB teaching the NP asked me all about my previous delivery and what I would like this time. I told her I didn't think my doc was thrilled with the idea of VBAC. She didn't deny it, but she did say that if I wanted to talk about alternatives to let her know as she used a midwife for an at home birth.

To answer your question I wouldn't hesitate to bring up your desires now. You need to make sure you and your OB and hospital are a good fit. If you start inquiring now you will most likely find resources you didn't know existed. Also try not to worry about what others think. This is a huge event and decision in your life and how you feel about it (and remember it) is what matters. I love my OB, but I know I will regret not trying to have a VBAC so I will change doctors if I have to. But that is a decision only you can make. Good luck.

Missfunball · September 2013

I have already brought it up. I wanted to know how well my hospital could accommodate my plan (mostly, not perfectly but definitely to satisfaction) and its something I will keep touching base with every appointment so my midwife and the staff know what I would like to do.

You don't have to go through the entire step by step but its definitely a good time to start talking about options and preferences and definitely if you're not sure to see what your doctor recommends. Also if you have a specific pre-birth plan (Lamaz, bradley method etc) if your doctor is a aware of those and what s/he can do to support that.

Best of luck!

clo1982 · September 2013

I would ask whenever you want! If it's on your mind, just let them know so you can move forward and plan accordingly. Just please keep in mind, even with the best laid plans, things don't always go the way we want. So be open to change when the time comes because ultimately the end result of getting your little one out in the safest manner for them and you is the most important part of all!

dancer7889 · September 2013

I have my 16 week appt tomorrow so after reading your opinions I'll probably just ask a couple broad questions to see how well we'll fit together. Sadly, I don't really have any other options that aren't more than an hours drive away (and in Ohio in late-Feb/early-March, I don't feel comfortable having to drive that far away for my first birth).

kkranberry · September 2013

I feel your pain. I live in northern Maine and have to drive 1hr 20 mins to my current OB. The idea of March for me will mean leaving at the first hint of a contraction.

KariB509 · September 2013

I say ask when you'd like. I'm sure your OB won't think you're crazy if you ask now--that's what he/she is there for!

roxi9020 · September 2013

Genevieve at mamanatural.com put her natural birth plan on the website so you can download it. It's a word document so you can customize it for yourself, but it's a good starting point on things to consider when you write yours!

bunniekrissy · September 2013

The first time around I asked I think around the third appointment .... this time, I found a new doctor and had a consult with him before I even got pregnant (it was time for my well woman visit anyway).

ellajune2012 · September 2013

In addition to talk to your own doctor and touring the local hospital(s) you're thinking of using, for NJ at least, you can look up c-section rates and other interventions by hospital to get an idea of which places are more "natural" friendly. I did it through the local ICAN chapter, so it's possibly you can also find something similar - here's the national website: https://www.ican-online.org/community/home

aracelyluna · September 2013

I Would bring it up now. If your doctor is not okay with it than still have time to find a doctor that may be. I also reccomend doing a hospital tour and talking to the nurses about how they feel about natural birth so you can be prepared to either know to relax or to have someone ready to advocate for you. In my case I ended switching doctors at 37 weeks because she was being unsupportive. My new dr which is also delivering this baby is awesome. Our hospital is also very supportive. Good luck!

jamieandlori · September 2013

bunnyfungo said:
I'd say ask sooner rather than later. It's really important that you an your doctor are on the same page. If my OB hadn't been so awesome I would have switched in a heartbeat.

You should also be able to find out more when you tour the hospital. You spend almost all of your time with the nurses, not your doctor, so if they are receptive to natural birth it's also a huge help. When I took my Bradley class they said that you can ask at check-in for a nurse who is natural birth friendly but I didn't do that. I also didn't even bring my birth plan because DD was so early we were caught off guard and forgot.

Asking for a natural birth friendly nurse is a great idea. With DS I wanted to try and go natural and the nurses were HORRIBLE about it. Basically commenting they didn't know why I was doing this to myself...huffing, puffing...you get the idea.

I ended up having an epidural, which I'm not upset about. I think I should have put a lot more preparation into a natural birth. The classes I took through the hospital just weren't enough.

Good luck with your birth. I hope it ends up everything you're hoping for and more.

erind0213 · September 2013

I guess ask whenever, but probably I would suggest between 25-30 weeks or even after you have had the option to attend a birthing class or breathing class to help you better prepare.

Until I did the class I didn't really know what to expect.

I also put a lot of time into a birth plan, but it all went out the window when I had to be induced.

I would make sure if you are starting one be flexible, expect the unexpected and be open minded. A much as hope and want something to go a certain way, it isn't how it always works.

Missfunball · September 2013

jamieandlori said:

nurses were HORRIBLE about it. Basically commenting they didn't know why I was doing this to myself...huffing, puffing...you get the idea. I ended up having an epidural, which I'm not upset about.

I would have died if my OB and support staff gave me lip about my plan. My DH is on defense duty of anyone that tries to say something during birthing (he is literally told to throw them out if they don't zip it and he is A-ok with that!)

CherryPicked · September 2013

I would feel free to ask about it now. Although it's great to have a team that supports your plan, remember that you have the right to refuse any medical procedure that you are not comfortable with!

Stowne101 · September 2013

This is my second birth. I met with my OB and basically told her they f-ed up last time and I will not and do not want an unmedicated birth. Basically the on call dr. felt I "couldn't be that far along" and she wouldn't come check me so I made it to 10cms with no meds and then it was too late. She was definitely apologetic and swears it will be in my chart this time. I figure I will start running down the hallway naked this time if I am ignored. That will get someone's attention.

And that is my birth plan!!

boardweasel · September 2013

I just want to know where I'll give birth. I am in a small island in ak. They don't like twin births here if they are early. So I won't know if I'm delivering here or will be medivaced to Seattle if they come early or if there is any complications. Makes it hard for family to plan. As long as they are healthy I am happy. But I have been talking plans with the doc since 8 weeks. They brought it up first thing. So much will be out of my control.

BabiesFTW · September 2013

Stowne101 said:
This is my second birth. I met with my OB and basically told her they f-ed up last time and I will not and do not want an unmedicated birth. Basically the on call dr. felt I "couldn't be that far along" and she wouldn't come check me so I made it to 10cms with no meds and then it was too late. She was definitely apologetic and swears it will be in my chart this time. I figure I will start running down the hallway naked this time if I am ignored. That will get someone's attention.
And that is my birth plan!!

@Stowne101 This sounds similar to my experience. I'm really hoping for drugs this time.

SassyFlats · September 2013

I brought up my interest in a natural birth before I was pregnant. My OB has actually been my GYN for a few years and I love her bedside manner and peppy outlook... I wanted to make sure waaaay ahead of time that she was open to a natural birth if that's what I decide/feel able to do.

I brought it up again at my first OB visit at 7 weeks pregnant and she gave me a brochure about classes offered through the hospital, talked to me about the ball and tub options for labor, and assured me that whatever birth plan I come up with she will be game for as long as baby and I are healthy and doing well.

You should certainly bring it up now so you can discuss options and ask questions along the way!

Hrose7091 · September 2013

https://www.theunnecesarean.com/#sthash.3ro9QTCe.dpbs

I'm pretty sure you can look up your hospitals stats on this site but I'm not sure... May only be larger hospitals. Regardless, you can ask a doctor or hospital what their c section rate is. Not sure if you have any midwives in your area but they're way more natural birth friendly. Obs are trained surgeons.. They like surgery and get paid more for it, as does the hospital. Make a birth plan and research everything you can. Being induced will greatly raise your risk of a c section. I moved to Missouri from Illinois and I'm also worried about a c section because at my first appt they asked how long my labor was with dd, when I told her 26 hours her response was, "wow. I'm surprised they let you go that long". Unfortunately I'm in a smaller town as well and don't have a lot of options. I chose the best doctor I thought possible to avoid a c section so we will see. Good luck to you

dancer7889 · September 2013

I have an appt today and plan on asking a few broad questions. Luckily ive gotten DH on board with as natural of a delivery as possible too.

But I really wish we had midwives or a birth center around here! Closest birth center 1 1/2 hrs away in zero traffic with good weather (and that's unlikely in Ohio in march). There are two midwives about an hour away, but they're in the middle of no where so any bad weather and that's not gonna happen

Just crossing my fingers my OB is open to natural birth.

jwls84 · September 2013

I would ask right away. If you find they do not follow a med free philosophy or whatever you want, this gives you time to find a practice that will work with you.

coreyeliz · September 2013

I fully support you asking the questions today. I'm 13 weeks and had my second appointment with my OB today. When she asked me if I had any questions I asked her for her perspective on episiotomies and c-sections. I don't want either unless necessary for the well being of my child. It might not be a bad idea to ask your doctor how/when they usually handle birth plans. It wouldn't have occurred to me, being a first-timer, but my doctor actually brought it up. It gave me some good perspective on how to move forward. Good luck!!

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