Birth Plans

cmb2 · February 2014

Ok, I lurk/read the board pretty much daily, and also searched the bump - but I can't recall seeing a recent post where people shared their birth plans - If so, please by all means point me in that direction!

Otherwise - for all you ladies yet to have your babies - do you have a birth plan? care to share? I'm preparing for a med-free hospital birth w/ a midwife, and the MW wants to discuss my birth plan at my appointment tomorrow (nothing like last minute!) It seems like a lot of what I have in mine the hospital offers as mostly standard procedure, I just don't know if I'm missing anything important that I should consider. Here's what I have so far - simple bullet form. I'll add a little header "thanks for your consideration in these matters, I understand in an emergency things can turn out differently" (<- in a nutshell, I'll make it nicer of course!)

Labor Preferences<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

· Heparin Lock

· No pain medication offered

· Move around during labor

· Low lights/noises

· Use labor tub/shower

· Eat as necessary (approved liquids, light snacks if possible)

· Limited cervical checks – all performed by same nurse/midwife/doctor when possible

Delivery Preferences

· Tear naturally, no episiotomy

· No coached pushing

· Let placenta detach on it’s own

Birth Preferences

· Skin to skin/hold baby immediately after birth

· Delayed cord cutting

· Delay eye ointment/weight/measurements until after breastfeeding for the first time and completed while I hold the baby if possible

· No circumcision

· No formula or glucose unless medically necessary. Please no pacifiers, or bottles.

AKPuffin · February 2014

I'm not sure that I'll make a birth plan, but if I do this site looks like it would be really helpful.

https://www.pregnancyandbaby.com/calendars/articles/937331/birth-plan-creator

BrideNamedMeg · February 2014

I'm having a homebirth so no need for a birth plan, but I think your list looks good! Once you go over things with your midwife you can probably take out anything that's standard practice at your hospital.

cmb2 · February 2014

thanks - I've looked at quite a few other sites today, but just thought I'd get some instant feedback.

I was conflicted on making one too, but I figured it couldn't hurt, and trying to keep it as uncomplicated as possible!

[Deleted User] · February 2014

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BabiesFTW · February 2014

LW78 said:
I am totes prepared. My plan is to scream a lot until they epidural me.

Ditto this.

ETA: Although I tried this with #1 and never got that Epi. I must need to scream louder. Maybe add obscenities.

farmrose · February 2014

"We would like for our labor and delivery to happen naturally, with as few interventions as possible. We wish to be informed of all procedures and tests before they are performed. In the event of a life-threatening emergency for mom or baby, we will, of course, yield to any request for life-saving intervention, upon the briefest of consultation.

his is what I have at the top of my birth plan as an intro sort of and then have bullets like you mention if you're looking for wording.

peachy0709 · February 2014

I took a Lamaze birth class and I'm basically going to steal the sample plan they gave us word-for-word because it's almost exactly what I want. I'll try to upload it at some point to share with any ladies who are interested!

BrideNamedMeg · February 2014

torilea said:

I am totes prepared. My plan is to scream a lot until they epidural me.
You totally read my mind. I told my OB to basically just write that in my chart in lieu of a birth plan. Also, the nurse at my OB's office asked if I had taken a birthing class, and I said "no, I plan on just yelling at my husband until I get my epidural, then enjoying the rest of my labor and delivery in peace".

What if the epi doesn't work...or you arrive too late for them to place one? I know an epi failing isn't usual but I know people who have had that happen.

erinsullivan427 · February 2014

Mine looks a lot like yours with bullet points. I kept it pretty simple but I have some things on there like no pacifiers, no bath for at least 24 hours and with no soap, no hep b shot. I don't expect the nurses and doctor to pay much attention to it but I want it there for my husband too in case I'm out of it.

farmrose · February 2014

Someone (maybe on this board) recommended printing out on bright paper so it will stand out. Some nurses will read it some will laugh, unfortunately.

cmb2 · February 2014

@mejack1 thanks! I will probably be stealing your wording.

I didn't want to make it too serious, and will probably just call it my birth "preferences" vs. birth "plan" because I'm fully aware things can change in an instant (ex: my med free birth center birth plan for DD ended up being an emergency c-section at 36w due to severe HELLP).

I'm sure there do end up being plenty of laughable birth plans for nurses and they have many a story to tell!

[Deleted User] · February 2014

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pepperedmoth · February 2014

I don't have much of a written plan as my preferences are pretty much exactly in line with what my midwives and hospital do as a matter of routine! :-)

For instance, they routinely encourage movement in labor, encourage eating and drinking in labor, they do delayed cord clamping, they do immediate skin-to-skin, they never separate mom and babe, no continuous monitoring, no hep/saline lock at all unless I need abx for GBS.... Soooooooo much of what I want comes as part of the package!

....my doula does have written notes on what I want as far as smaller details, and mine are pretty similar to yours! Dim lights or natural light are a big one for me. My own clothes. Music. Etc. My MW will also have those preferences recorded. But I don't feel as if the nursing staff needs those notes so much.

I think the "please don't offer meds; I'll ask" bit is close to the only thing I'm really going to have written down for the nurses. Because that would reeeeeeaaaallllly start to annoy me!

BoogieMonster629 · February 2014

"Get baby out" too short? lol

amdecker1016 · February 2014

I read book with pain management techniques just in case the epi doesn't work.
I am so paranoid of that happening so i want to be prepared!

ProudMommy030614 · February 2014

My plan is same as the last 2 times. Yell at everyone, Verbally and physically abuse H, and curse like the redneck girl that I am! Natural childbirth at its finest right here ladies

Lollirot · February 2014

My plan isn't very detailed. I just wanna have a vaginal birth and TRY (keyword) to do it natural. I have a feeling I'm going to be begging for an epi, though. I just want to avoid a c-section unless it is absolutely necessary.

SassyFlats · February 2014

I posted mine not long ago, but I'll post it here for you! I just reviewed it with my OB and the natural birth liaison at my hospital, and they both said it was totally reasonable and they liked the tone.

**before anyone gets offended by my use of the term "natural" instead of med-free: that's done purposefully because it's the term my hospital consistently uses to describe med-free labor. I am just using the wording that the people I'm communicating with use, not trying to say anyone else's birth is unnatural or whatnot!**

Dear birth team:

I am planning a natural birth. I’m a first-time mom and although I am a little anxious, I’m also excited, hopeful and determined. I understand that no one can predict everything that may happen over the course of labor, but I sincerely appreciate your help in achieving the most natural birth possible under whatever circumstances arise.

Beginning Labor:

I would like to begin labor naturally. If Pitocin becomes necessary, please consider starting it gradually so I can cope with contractions of increasing intensity.

People in the Room:

My husband, [DH name] is prepared to be my main support person. Any other visitors may be allowed only if I specifically request them.
Please help us maintain a positive and calm environment in my room. I’ll need to focus on my can-do attitude! Encouragement is welcome!

Labor:

I would like a hep lock and wireless monitoring, as approved by my doctor.
I am interested in using the labor tub to help me relax and manage pain.
It’s important to me to have the options to move around and to eat something light (I’m vegetarian) if I feel that it will help.
I have taken a Lamaze class, but I’m open to anything you can suggest to help labor along naturally. I trust your experience!
Please do not offer an epidural or other medical pain relief unless I ask.

Delivery:

Perineal massage and other natural methods for helping baby out are welcome.
Please exhaust natural options to help with delivery before performing episiotomy or using a vacuum extractor (as long as baby and I are not in immediate danger).
If stitches are required, I am not opposed to local anesthetic after baby is born.

Post-Birth:

I would like to hold my baby immediately and attempt to breastfeed as soon as possible.
Please wait until the umbilical cord stops pulsating before clamping it.
I would like to avoid having Pitocin postpartum unless it becomes necessary.
Please perform newborn procedures while I or my husband hold or touch the baby. [DH name] would like to accompany the baby if he or she must be taken out of our room.

Thank you for all your support!

nkrone08 · February 2014

@sassyflats I love how positive yours is without being demanding!

I wasn't sure where to start with mine and my doula recommended filling out the birth plan template that earth mama angel baby has. While I may end up making my own shortened version, it was still incredible helpful to read through all the options and know I'm not missing any important topics that I would want addressed.

https://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/free-birth-plan

BabiesFTW · February 2014

Honest question: does the staff really read these?

aLsMay24 · February 2014

BabiesFTW said:
Honest question: does the staff really read these?

When DS was born I was amazed by how many times they brought up stuff I had included. So in my previous case yes.

Nickiechan · February 2014

BabiesFTW said:
Honest question: does the staff really read these?

My OB office highly recommend writing one up. My midwife/OB goes over with me at each appointment. I did my final draft at this last appointment and they faxed it over to birth place as well as in my file. Last time they where very respectable to my wishes. It is also very beneficial to discuss your wishes with your midwife/OB before going into labor. I have learned a lot about birth and hospital policy because of going over my birth plan... it maybe my center but they are very positive about having one.

SassyFlats · February 2014

BabiesFTW said:
Honest question: does the staff really read these?

@babiesftw when I spoke to a L&D nurse at my hospital about how to write a birth plan that they would read and wouldn't take as bossy or unrealistic, I said something along the lines of "and I'll make sure to keep it under a page since I'm sure you guys don't have time to read a huge long birth plan," she stopped me and very seriously said "if you come in with a birth plan, your nurse will definitely read it. It doesn't matter if it's over a page or whatever, we definitely read it and try to get you the birth you want if possible."

So apparently yes. They do read them. And I just can't believe that L&D nurses would laugh at a reasonable plan. I'm sure they see some crazy requests, but most of the time I just can't imagine they wouldn't try to be helpful. Maybe I'm spoiled by a lot of positive experiences. But then again, I almost always approach people with a positive attitude so I tend to get positive back more often than not.

pattipants · February 2014

Sorry if this is long, but here's mine. My midwives wanted it all written out and given to them at my 36-week appt.

Pattipants' Birth Preferences
Our baby: Elias
My birthing team: (DH) and (doula)

Thank you for helping us with our birth experience and for taking the time to read our birthing preferences. I have studied Hypnobabies techniques to help me achieve a natural and unmedicated birth. However, we are aware that unforeseen situations may arise that could require changes to our preferences. Please help me achieve as natural a birth possible under whatever circumstances arise, and please allow us time to discuss and question any medically necessary interventions.

During birthing time:
• I request low lights and quiet voices. I will be listening to Hypnobirthing and other self-hypnosis tracks.
• I would appreciate being assigned a nurse who enjoys natural births.
• Students/residents are allowed in the room, but only to observe.
• Please gain consent or consult with us prior to any medical interventions.
• Please keep my membranes and waters intact unless I have given consent.
• Please refrain from offering me pain medication or asking me what my level of pain is.
• I prefer a saline or hep-lock instead of an IV.
• Intermittent monitoring is preferred.
• I prefer minimal vaginal exams and wish not to know my progress dilation unless I am complete. I will alert the nurse when I begin to feel the urge to push.
• During birthing time, please direct all questions to DH.

During pushing:
• I would like to push in whatever position feels right at the time (ex: side lying, supported squatting, supported standing, kneeling).
• I prefer my pushing to be intuitive, rather than directed with counting or yelling.
• Perineal massage is appreciated during crowning.
• I prefer to tear naturally rather than receiving an episiotomy.
• I appreciate your patience for spontaneous detachment and birth of the placenta.

After birth:
• Immediate skin-to-skin contact with Elias after birth.
• Postpone all healthy newborn procedures (measurements, vaccinations, etc.) until bonding/breastfeeding are established, a minimum of 1 hour after birth.
• We will use our towels and blankets to dry Elias.
• We would like clamping/cutting of the umbilical cord to be delayed until it has stopped pulsing. DH would like to cut the cord.
• We decline the use of eye ointment; we will be postponing Hep B vaccine until later date.
• We would like to perform all of Elias’ bathing.
• We will be keeping Elias’ foreskin intact.
• As we establish breastfeeding, I wish to avoid any outside barriers to progress (such as formula, pacifiers, water, sugar water).
• Elias is to stay in my room at all times.

If a cesarean birth is medically necessary:
• I would like to avoid general anesthesia. Ensure all medications are suitable for breastfeeding.
• I would like DH present at all times.
• I would like my doula and midwife present with me as much as possible.
• Please allow Pattipants to hold Elias immediately after birth.
• I want to remember Elias’ first day of life and prefer no sedatives after birth.
• If Elias must leave the room for evaluation or treatment, DH should accompany the baby at all times.

Thank you in advance for being a part of our son’s birth and making our dreams come true!

pattipants · February 2014

Edit: updated with formatting.

jennybean80 · February 2014

BabiesFTW said:
Honest question: does the staff really read these?

I always read birth plans if given one. The other nurses I work with do the same since most of us chose to work in L&D because we want to support labouring women! As long as your requests aren't ridiculous (like 'I want everyone in my room to dance naked and sing kumbaya while I'm pushing') we don't laugh at them either :-)

SassyFlats · February 2014

Jenstwins said:
As long as your requests aren't ridiculous (like 'I want everyone in my room to dance naked and sing kumbaya while I'm pushing') we don't laugh at them either :-)

Shit, I knew my birth plan was missing something! 8-}

kaking78 · February 2014

We have a draft of one that looks a lot like pepperedmoth's. The only difference I can see is that I requested that they don't separate me from my husband at any time (apparently this is standard at my hospital in triage) and that they let him decide how involved he wants to be and not demand that he watch the baby crown, hold a leg, cut the cord, etc.

maganonymous · February 2014

BabiesFTW said:

Honest question: does the staff really read these?

They must. My hospital actually has a sample form on their website. I just plan to use that.

aracelyluna · February 2014

I need to pull up mine from last time. I asked my doctor about it and she said I should bring it in next appointment. She said they read them.

SomersIsles · February 2014

I haven't made one and I'm not sure if I will. I know I will definitely make sure DH is completely aware of my needs so he can speak up incase I'm unable to.

Apparently at my next appointment they will send me home with a packet of things I should familiarize myself with so I know what I want to consent to or not. When I get that packet I'll see if there's any protocols that may be worth sharing.

All in all I want the baby out of my body in the safest way possible.

sopranoali · February 2014

One thing I'm adding is to have all cervical checks done by my midwife. This is for germ control but also so that I have a consistent gauge telling me about my dilation.

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