Do you have a written out birth plan?

When I was pregnant with the girls-before knowing I was having twins-I had typed up a birth plan. Well, when I found out we were having twins and most likely going to have to have a c-section because of positioning I just dismissed the birth plan. But this time around I really think I want to go with a VBAC and I'm thinking I'm going to revise my birth plan a little to make it pertain to this pregnancy. I know I will discuss things with the OB as we go along but I really think I should have it all down in writing-mainly so we both can be on the same page *for sure* you know.

What are y'alls thoughts on birth plans (written out that is-everyone has some sort of a verbal birth plan)?

 

QUOTE
I really think I should have it all down in writing-mainly so we both can be on the same page *for sure* you know.



I think having a birth plan is a good idea. I know DH and I went through alot of details on what if's and what nots when I was pregnant with our twins. Of course it didnt go as planned but my DD's are healthy and thats all that matters. I am having a c/s again so no birth plan for us this time. Feels weird!

 

No birth plan for me. I just think that as long as I can verbalize my wishes, I can still be in control. If it comes to a point where I can't, then I just want everything possible done to save mine and my baby's life, and I feel like my DH is perfectly capable to handle that. But, I do think it is great for those of you who take the time and effort to create one. Just not my cup of tea.

 

When it comes to vbac I do think it's a good idea...most of the time. However, in my case i was given a heads up by my doula and by others that the nursing staff at the hospital didn't respond well to birth plans. Basically if you wrote it down they would try to make sure it didnt' happen...they kind of took the written birth plans as a challenge to their authority. I still think it's a good idea to write it down for your own benefit though, even if you decide not to formally present it to the doctor or hospital staff. In my case, I just verbally made my doctors aware of my preferences...and they actually jotted down those notes in my file without me even asking them to. So they all knew where I stood on the various issues at hand.

 

I don't have a birth plan written out, but I do have an idea in my head that I will convey verbaly. I am also going for a VBAC and know that it's a play-by-play plan once you are in Labor and Delivery so I cannot really see the staff really looking at it. I agree with Susanna that if I cannot say it, my DH can and as long as we end up with a healthy family, I'm going to be happy!!

 

With the girls I had verbally told my dr what I wanted and what I did not want done and it worked out great. Natural vaginal childbirth with no meds or epidural.
I had alse made it clear to her though that during labour she is the boss and she is in charge of making any decisions she find appropriate. I totally trust her though and that makes a world of difference. I'll have the same discussion with her this time around and will let her do her job as she finds best.

 

I pretty much had the same situation as you with a birth plan being foiled by the twins. The 2nd time around I was very very intent on a VBAC so I made sure I had a birth plan that increased my chances of acheiving that goal. It was good for my OB to have it in writing, good for me to let all my preferences be known, and vital during the birthing process since I was in there for 2 days and went through 4 different midwives. Having a birth plan kept everyone on the same page. I definitely recommend it.

I think the most important thing to remember is that you are the one having the baby. The doctor is just there to help in the rare instance something goes wrong. You are the boss.

 

QUOTE(Ali M @ Dec 21 2007, 12:54 AM) [snapback]542622[/snapback]
I think the most important thing to remember is that you are the one having the baby. The doctor is just there to help in the rare instance something goes wrong. You are the boss.

I agree! My OB has even said pretty much the same thing in the same words. I was so lucky to find a good OB this time around that is going to let me have a say in everything.

 

My birth plan is very simple.......
Step 1....go to hospital (scheduled c-section)
Step 2....get baby out
Step 3.....be waited on hand and foot
Step 4 .....head home in a day or 2 with a healthy baby