Birthing plan!!!

marg12 · March 2015

Im a first time mommy! We start our birthing class in 2 weeks, which I'm nervous about. But I know it will help. The more I read the more I get scared of labor. So I will have a Doula there in the delivering room. But she sent me some papers for our birthing plan. My husband and I have talk a little about what we want but I'm feeling super overwhelmed now!!!! Some of the things on there I haven't even thought about. What are some things in yalls birthing plan that are super important to you?

fivesgirl · March 2015

I didn't have a plan last time and I'm not having one this time. I ended up with a c-section last time after 4 hours of pushing, I'm trying for a vbac this time. They only thing I'm asking for is no epidural and the ability to push in multiple positions. Also, no hep b vaccine, we get that later on. Other than that, I'm just going to go with the flow.

karaelaine1991 · March 2015

Honestly, I downloaded the generic birthing plan that's offered here on the bump, and it just made me feel more overwhelmed. I think I'm just going to be open in communicating to my husband and doctors about what I feel comfortable with prior to L&D and keep an open mind - because, even if you do write out a birthing plan, there's no guarantee that things are going to go according to plan. I'm going to ask for an epidural only if (when) I feel like I need one and I'm going to ask that c-section, forceps, vacuum, etc. only be used as a last resort. Other than that, I'm leaving it in the hands of my doctors. They know a heck of a lot more than I do!

taboullio84 · March 2015

My plan is to get the baby out safely. ( this will be #5)

KaLikeAWind · March 2015

My rough plan is to allow them to place an IV cath in the event I need fluids or a drip medication, be open to pain control including an epidural but see how far I can make it without, and do skin to skin / attempt breastfeeding / suckling for an hour or two immediately after birth unless circumstances require baby and I to be separated, try to feed exclusively breast milk but be aware it may not be something that happens right away. Other than that I'm going with the flow.

What questions is it asking you to consider that you are hung up on? That may help us consider with you. My sample birth plan was fairly short on questions that I considered to be really important (I addressed what I felt were the important ones above). The rest were like - who do you want in the room with you while laboring, while pushing, do you want a mirror, do you want a birthing ball or chair, do you want your baby offered formula or breastmilk or a combination when they are in the nursery.

Serenamarr · March 2015

I think it's important to look at the birth plan NOT as what's going to happen, but as a tool of communicating with your doula and partner so that you all understand the possible choices that may need to be faced. Half the things in your birth plan might not ever even happen! But by discussing every possibility with your partner and knowing what you want just incase, he and your doula can advocate on your behalf to make sure you are comfortable with whatever may come up. It's good especially for first time moms to get familiar with everything. The last thing you want is to be in labor and hear the doctor say "if this happens, I recommend a (thing you've never heard of before)" And have to make a decision on no information!

mamahawk12 · March 2015

My birth plan is to NOT have a plan. The sole end goal is to have a baby, any way that comes, ideally resulting in both of us leaving with our health intact. It is wonderful to be aware of your options through the labor process, but I *hate* the term "birth plan". In reality, there is very little you can actually plan when it comes to how your birth experience is going to pan out. It will happen how it's going to happen.

Serenamarr - that is an awesome way to put it. I'm all about education and advocating for yourself. I just really think a lot of women set themselves up for disappointment when they create these elaborate birth plans and assume that's how things will play out.

seesea · March 2015

With my first I forgot my birth plan at home. Luckily my doula and DH knew what I wanted. Things didn't go as planned anyway so I learned to just go with the flow.

This time I around I didn't care to have a plan but my MFM wants to go over a birth plan at my next appt. The booklet I was given had an example and a form with a checklist and short answer questions. This is a much simpler approach than what I attempted last time.

laurendutch · March 2015

I didn't have one the first time and I'm not going to have one this time. My main goal was to get the babies here as safely as possible.

NotISaidtheCat · March 2015

My plan is basically no meds, intervention as a last resort, and freedom of mobility. Gonna try to make it naturally but in a hospital just in case

sschwege · March 2015

Here's where I think birth plans are helpful, as a tool to get your thoughts organized and as a way of approaching your provider before you are in labor. Take your birth plan into one of your prenatal visits and have them read it. Find out what is standard, what is a reasonable request and what may not be possible or their reason for doing X. Keep your birth plan short, less than a page with brief bullet points, eliminate anything unnecessary, for example if you want to listen to music do so, if you want to wear your own clothes then do it, no need to include that. Also if something is already standard you don't have to repeat the request, so if your hospital values immediate skin-to-skin then no need to write it in your birth plan.

My birth plan was worded more pleasantly than this but to give you an idea of my requests:

No IV
No offer of pain meds or questions about pain scales
Limited cervical checks and NOT to be told how dilated I am
Free of blood pressure cuff between readings
Intermittent Monitoring
Husband will announce the sex of the baby
Delay all unnecessary newborn procedures for at least one hour to allow bonding and BFing

No first bath, Hep B shot, paci or formula

ksimo6 · March 2015

So my birth plan was always to get me and my kid out healthy. I have a scheduled csection for this baby so my birth plan is the same.

My SIL is an l&d nurse... And says that the women who come in with super long and unrealistic birth plans, always leave disappointed and sad about their experience. Don't set yourself up for failure.

sharice111 · March 2015

For all those who don't want an IV I just have to say maybe ask for a lock IV with no dripping fluids... In the event you decide you want an epidural they have to give you a whole bag of fluid before the epidural for blood pressure reasons. The last thing you want in an emergency situation is a nurse trying to start an IV while you are dying in pain or your life is in the line. You can always refuse drugs but in case you need a csection quickly or any emergency care id prefer to have the IV already there just with no fluids attached. Isn't that the point of being in a hospital anyway? Just thoughts you don't have to agree. Just saying that's what I'd do... Also, say after delivery you get super nauseous at any point many women do during childbirth or after you can get antinausea medicine I'm your IV really quick.

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