CPW: Birth Plan

MoreThanSparrows08 · July 2014

Do you have a Birth Plan?

MrsHamon09 · July 2014

No birth plan here I am thinking maybe doing delayed cord clamping and making sure I get my LO right away but not sure if that's something that would go on one or not

2redtulips · July 2014

I don't have a written plan. Mostly, I want to see how things go, but I know I am open to an epidural or emergency c-section as needed.

chicagojackie · July 2014

@MrsHamon09‌ if you're at a baby friendly hospital delayed clamping and skin to skin are standard as long as you and baby are okay.

I work at a hospital...and all I know is that it seems the more long and complex the birth plan....the more likely moms are to have issues. It is ironic but is a running joke at our hospital

Ask nurses and docs if they do a birth plan and wait for the pause, the smirk and the answer.

Healthy mom and healthy baby is the goal. Doesn't matter how it happens just keep everyone safe!

megbmeg · July 2014

mambonumber5 said:
I wrote my birth plan for DH so we had gone over our wishes together and he knew what I wanted if I was out of it. I used it more as a tool to communicate with him than with the hospital.

This. We haven't done it yet, but this is part of why we want to. I also want to do it as a list of topics to discuss with my OB before delivery. I'm not anticipating making any actual plan, more like some things to get on the same page about if possible. For ex, I'd like to delay cord clamping if baby is born earlier (37 wks) but donate if born later (closer to 40 wks) and I want to talk I my OB about that possibility.

[Deleted User] · July 2014

The only thing I don't want is Stadol. I do want an epi ASAP unless labor is going super duper fast or something.

LifeofCat · July 2014

EurydiceNymph said:

I know what I do and do not prefer, but it's just that: a preference. And I know that if something were to happen I will throw all of my preferences out the damn window if it means a healthy baby.

Same. I'd rather not have an epidural, and want baby on my skin asap but am open to whatever will be deemed best for baby. I don't want to put pressure on myself and feel guilty when it doesn't go "as planned".

classicstar28 · July 2014

I don't have one yet. We will make one soon, probably after our birth class on Saturday. I imagine it will be a basic outline of things I do or do not want. Certain things I'll be more adamant about like only having DH and my mom in the room with me when I deliver. Other things I may be more flexible about. We'll see.

chicagojackie · July 2014

A lot of preferences you don't need a birth plan for. Just tell the nurses who you want and don't want in the room. Talk to your ob about cord clamping and skin to skin. People will look at your little folder but what you say to them is more important. Just communicate when you get there.

Another great plan? Hiring a doula who knows your preferences. A doula is like a living "birth plan," and totally flexible and focused on you! The continuous labor support and caring before, during and after childbirth can really help you get what you'd like during the process. And takes pressure off of DH.

If your labor and delivery floor is busy that paper birth plan is getting stuffed in your chart and everyone will do the best they can but if you have a professional with you they don't get stuffed in a chart