Question about birth plans

I keep reading about birth plans and DH and I have done A LOT of talking about what we're hoping for and how we want the birth and care of our DD in the hospital to go. So I feel like a have a detailed birth plan in my head but should I really write it down? Is it enough to tell the doctor and nurses our wishes? I kind of feel almost like they might take offense if we hand them a typed up birth plan, but then I wonder is it actually common to do that, and does it make things easier for them?

Any BTDT moms who did bring a birth plan to the hospital, how detailed was it? And for any first time moms, do you plan to bring a birth plan to the hospital?

ETA: Its not that I want to bring a birth plan, and I haven't planned on writing one. I just keep reading about them everywhere so I was starting I wonder if it was something I was supposed to have, that the nurses might expect or something. I can see how in some ways it could be helpful, but I know things don't always go according to plan or expectations.

Message edited 9/19/2012 10:10:37 AM.

Question about birth plans

Do you remember when you got married and there were girls on liw who gave the dj's very specific song lists? That's what I feel like a birth plan is.

I think your doctor will discuss your plans for l&d and you just let the nurses know what you want to do with your LO while you are in the hospital.

Its just important for you to know that your "birth plan" and requests for what type of care your LO needs can change very quickly and to be open to the changes.

Re: Question about birth plans

I feel like it is a good idea to discuss with your OB what liked expect throughout your labor and delivery but also realize, the whole experience can be unpredictable and things can change fast. As long as you aren't rigid with your expectations you'll be fine. Talk it over with your OB but at the same time, be flexible. KWIM?

Message edited 9/18/2012 11:55:39 PM.

Question about birth plans

no birth plan here, it just happens... I knew I wanted an epidural, but that I'd hold out a little longer for it, and I knew I'd pump at the hospital...... thats all.

Question about birth plans

Our hospital actually has a form to fill out for a birth plan! I wrote it and filled it in and gave a copy to my midwife and OB and had one with me just in case I wasn't in a position to explain everything once we got to the hospital.

And by "everything" my birth plan really included 3 major "hopes" I wanted to make sure everyone was cool with: (1) I didn't want to be offered pain meds... but don't deny me if I beg and plead; (2) I want to breastfeed so please give me the baby as soon as possible to start trying and don't give her formula; (3) my husband makes all final decisions if I can't during labor as far as an emergency situation.

There were some minor points... try not to cut me and avoid it if you can with massaging and stuff (didn't work -- I still had to be cut). We didn't want DD given a pacifier in the hospital. Things like that. But for the most part, that was it. We were very lucky and so much went smoothly during L&D.

I think this time for #2, I'm not going to write anything out. I'm assuming I'll be in ok condition to let them know when we get there. If I'm not, then it's not going to matter what I write anyway lol.

ETA: That said, I don't think anyone would be upset if you type out your own and give it to them! More information about your wishes that they have to reference is NEVER a bad thing. Just don't be upset if it can't be followed 100%. It's more of a "birth story hopes" than a "plan."

Message edited 9/19/2012 8:09:25 AM.

Question about birth plans

I'm such a planner but even I just winged it and went with the flow. You get to the point where you just want that baby out already and a birth plan will go straight out the window! .

Re: Question about birth plans

I'd write it down, but keep it short... and avoid being married to it. Things can change quickly.

Re: Question about birth plans

I am a super planner, and I did not have a birth plan with my son. Perhaps because I had a scheduled c-section and I knew it was all out of my hands.

There were a few specific things that I wanted done, and I make sure I told the nurses when they checked on me. I also reminded them in recovery (this had to do with visitors).

The nurses check in with you during labor, and are with you through delivery, recovery, etc. They guide you, help you, talk to you... Make you concerns known to them. They are there to help you.

Question about birth plans

I'll be a FTM and I'm bringing a typed up birth plan. I already went over it with with my OB. On delivery day, I will bring a typed up copy, maybe 2. I think it will be easier to explain what I want to the nurses. I don't think anyone will be offended by it. I wasn't going to do a formal one, but a L&D nurse suggested it on a hospital tour.