BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

Has anyone done one of these and do you think it's necessary? A girlfriend of mine just showed me her birth plan and I think that they may think she's crazy. Then again, maybe I'm the crazy one for thinking that I can just go in and trust the doctor's to do what they do best and deliver my baby?

This is her plan. Mind you she's NEVER given birth before. I told her that I think that some of her expectation are completely off the wall and unrealistic, but I'd like to get some input from people that have been there.

ENVIRONMENT

I would like to give birth:

In a birthing room.

I would like the following people to be present at the birth:

Partner: My husband
Friend/s: XX, XX, XX

Relative/s: My mother

I would like to bring music.

I would like to wear my own clothes during labor and delivery.

We would like to film and/or photograph in the delivery room.

I would also like the following amenities: my personal effects if possible


PREP

I would like to have an enema upon being admitted.


FIRST-STAGE LABOR

I would prefer not to be separated from my partner at any point during labor or birth.

If water breaks at onset of labor, I would like to wait 6 to 12 hours or more before inducing, my and my baby's condition permitting.

If inducing or augmenting labor become necessary, I would like to try the following techniques:

Pitocin (oxytocin, syntocinon)

Acupuncture

Castor oil

Herbs (blue and black cohosh)

Walking

Sexual intercourse

I would prefer not to undergo internal exams unless they are medically necessary.

I would like to eat and drink during labor.

I would like to stay hydrated by drinking clear fluids and using ice chips.

If I need an IV, I would like to use a heparin or saline lock.

I'm interested in pain medication only if I'm too uncomfortable to handle the pain.

I would like to handle pain in the following ways:

Acupressure

Acupuncture

Massage

Relaxation

Breathing techniques/distraction

Hot/cold therapy

Bath/shower

I would like my partner to have the option to join me.

Drugs

If I use drugs, I would prefer to use:

Regional or local analgesia or anesthesia

Narcotics

I would like to be free to walk and move around as I choose during labor.

I would like the baby to be monitored externally.

As long as the baby and I are fine, I would like to be free of time limits and not have my labor augmented.


SECOND-STAGE LABOR

Unless I'm having a medical emergency, I do not want an episiotomy offered to me.

I would like to try the following positions for delivery:

Squatting

Whatever feels right at the time

I would like to have the following birthing equipment made available to me:

Squatting bar

I would like to view the birth using a mirror.

I would like to touch my baby's head as it crowns.

I do not want residents or students to be present during my birth.

As long as the baby and I are fine, I would like to be free of time limits on pushing.

CESAREAN SECTIONS

I would like my partner to be present at all times during the operation.

I would like to be conscious.

I would like the screen lowered so I can see the baby coming out.

We would like to videotape and/or photograph the operation and baby coming out.

I would like to have immediate contact with the baby (if the baby is in good health).

POST-BIRTH

My partner would like to catch our baby.

I would like to hold my baby immediately after birth.

My partner would like to cut the umbilical cord.

I would like all newborn procedures to take place in my presence.

If I can't be with my baby for newborn procedures, my partner would like to stay with the baby at all times.

I plan to breastfeed my baby.

I would like to breastfeed my baby immediately following the birth.

The following pacifiers can be offered to my baby:

Formula

I would like my baby fed on a schedule.

I would like my baby to room-in with me only when I'm awake.

If my baby's a boy, I would like him circumcised.

I would like to stay in a private room.

I would like my partner to spend the night with me.

I would like my hospital stay to be as long as possible.

Message edited 1/28/2004 11:20:21 AM.

Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

Wow! She certainly is well organized!

I didn't have a written plan. I discussed my preferences with my doctor, but also told him that I left things up to his judgement in the event of an emergency, and Patrick knew what procedures I wanted and did not want unless it was an emergency situation.

I would say that just about everything your friend covered was offered to me at the hospital, and that no decisions involving my care or Nicolas' were made without my consent or Patrick's. I brought music (never got the opportunity to listen to it though...), labored for as long as I could in my own pajamas, stayed in a private room, and did lots of the things mentioned, and I never felt like those were things I had to have discussed in advance.

If you feel more comfortable having a written plan, do it, but I don't think it's necessary unless you want things that are out of the ordinary.

Message edited 1/28/2004 11:26:51 AM.

Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

I will probably write this out for myself, when I am calm.

I think this is a good idea

Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

Wow, now *that's* a plan!

I went over my birth plan w/ my OB prior to delivery. It went like this: "We're going to induce you on Sunday, July 13th at 6 p.m." Seriously, though, I was well-prepared (well-read, I thought) so I had no concerns about what was going to happen. I knew that I could ask questions along the way and refuse anything that I didn't feel comfortable with - and I did!

IMO, *some* type of plan is necessary, particularly in an emergency situation. My DH and I discussed what we would have wanted if that were the case.

I will say that requesting an enema isn't such a bad thing.

Do we have names yet, Susan!?

Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

There are some things on there which I think are valid, but then other things that really make me go ????
Like the acupunture, accupressure, black cohosh...SURELY a hospital can't provide these things for you!

I always assumed that private rooms were an $$$$ option.

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went over my birth plan w/ my OB prior to delivery. It went like this: "We're going to induce you on Sunday, July 13th at 6 p.m."

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Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

wow, thats some list. I'm not sure all of those things are possible & a few things seem a bit contradictory I think, but I think it is best to have a clear plan...as long as she knows that everything doesn't always go according to planned.

Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

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Posted by susans

I would like to view the birth using a mirror.

I would like to touch my baby's head as it crowns.

CESAREAN SECTIONS

I would like the screen lowered so I can see the baby coming out.

We would like to videotape and/or photograph the operation and baby coming out.

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Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

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Posted by WhatNow?

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Posted by susans

I would like to view the birth using a mirror.

I would like to touch my baby's head as it crowns.

CESAREAN SECTIONS

I would like the screen lowered so I can see the baby coming out.

We would like to videotape and/or photograph the operation and baby coming out.

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Uhm, these should be fun!

Imagine watching a movie of youself coming into this world through a cesarean! Lovely!

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Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

Anya, at least she is not bringing cousins/siblings to watch the birth...

Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

Yeah, I feel the same way on that one.

Here's my Birth Plan

Environment
whatever room you usually use for this sort of thing

PREP

Please make sure that everyone washes their hands and is sterile. I assume this is standard procedure.

I'll wear whatever the hospital gives me because I assume it's going to get messy and I don't want to mess on a $45 nightie. I'll save my fancy gown for after I shower.


FIRST-STAGE LABOR and SECOND-STAGE LABOR
Yes to an episotomy, yes to an epidural, please inform me of what's going on and when
Please make sure that my husband doesn't faint (can you still use one of those sheets that seperates uptown and downtown?)

I would like to just get this over with as quickly and painlessly as possible.
I can't stress that enough. FAST. LITTLE PAIN.



CESAREAN SECTIONS
if necessary and you can kick out anyone that may get in the way, even if that means my husband

POST-BIRTH
DO NOT show my partner a messy baby or I'm certain he'll be traumatized for life.
And I CERTAINLY wouldn't trust him to CATCH a slippery baby

I would like to stay in my room as long as my insurance covers it (I think that's 2 nights) and I'm 1000% sure that they won't cover a private room so I won't even ask.

Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

Susan you so so funny!!!!
All of your plans sound great!!! At least you're looking out for your DH!

Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

Susan..sounds like a great plan to me!

Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

That soundnds like a plan to me, susans!

may be I am cruel, but i can't stop LOL at some of the things you friend put down in her plan! Especially her "epidural of choice" narcotics and accupuncture!! and the ceserean plan!

Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

Actually some of the things your friend seems to want would be better for a midwife, birthing center or home birth. I wonder if they have a acupuncturist at the hospital for pain relief?

Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

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Posted by alina

Anya, at least she is not bringing cousins/siblings to watch the birth...

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Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

Susans you got a great plan

wow your friends plan I was

When my time comes in a few years my plan is hit me over the head with a malet and wake me up when its all over

Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

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Posted by susans


POST-BIRTH
DO NOT show my partner a messy baby or I'm certain he'll be traumatized for life.
And I CERTAINLY wouldn't trust him to CATCH a slippery baby

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Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

I never thought of writing out an actual plan!

of course I have no experience but wanted to comment that I'd doubt any doctor would allow their patient to touch the baby's crown as she's giving birth! Wouldn't she be in the doctor's way?!

Those other specifics are a bit odd IMO but I'd imagine some of the other specs are standard.

Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

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Posted by WhatNow?

That soundnds like a plan to me, susans!

may be I am cruel, but i can't stop LOL at some of the things you friend put down in her plan! Especially her "epidural of choice" narcotics and accupuncture!! and the ceserean plan!

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Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

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Posted by susans

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Posted by WhatNow?

That soundnds like a plan to me, susans!

may be I am cruel, but i can't stop LOL at some of the things you friend put down in her plan! Especially her "epidural of choice" narcotics and accupuncture!! and the ceserean plan!

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I've been poking fun at her too and feel bad because she's 100% serious.
I also brought up the fact that some of her requests were more suited for a home birth type thing as hospitals have policies and procedures that would make it impossible to accomodate some of her requests and I don't want her to be setting herself up for disappointment should her birth not go as she wanted it too.

I mean, I always assumed that when you go into labor, there would be one or to doctor's on call and LORD KNOW how many women who are also in labor! This plan seems like it would demand a lot of individual attention and I think she's losing sight of the fact that she's not going to be the only woman there.

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Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

And I hate to break it to her, but if she is in a teaching hospital she can have students in her room

Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

When your friend goes into labor she is in for a rude awakening.

i Couldn't have said it better myself!

Well, I guess your friend thinks she can control the whole thing, but the fact of the matter is that she wont' be the only woman there, and these nurses and doctors do the best they can under so many emergency situations....This plan doesn't seem to cover..."okay you have severe pre-eclampsia and your kidneys seem to be failing, even though you feel totally fine, and we have to deliver the baby right now so here's your magnesium and your pitocin, that will work against each other so this will take approximately 28 hours of watching your blood pressure like a hawk and hoping for no seizures....and oh here's a catheter and we dont' have time for an epidural and that enema...yeah it's not happening so just push and we'll deal with what comes out."

"oh and you dont' have time to put your contacts in so all your birthing pictures you thought would be the most sentimental thing you own are actually going to be of you not only in an oxygen mask but with your queer black glasses you bought 3 years ago"



But God bless her for being organized. And all kidding aside, of course it's best to go over with your caregivers the details that are important to you...though I think they might laugh their asses off at the acupuncture part. Where is she delivering- Bliss Spa?

I think your plan sounds a little more like it! Congrats Susan on keeping your feet on the ground!

Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

this thread is great!!!
Susans-I'm guessing that your first is a first time mom? She will learn as we all do that child birth is not about modesty or looking & even feeling good.
I'm almost 100% sure the doctor that treated my during my labor @ Stony Brook was a resident Podiatrist!!!!! I can remember thinking, I really feel like this is the first time he's ever done this...of course it was 4th of July weekend & you get who you get when your doctor's not there

Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

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Posted by jenny11.9

"oh and you dont' have time to put your contacts in so all your birthing pictures you thought would be the most sentimental thing you own are actually going to be of you not only in an oxygen mask but with your queer black glasses you bought 3 years ago"

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Re: BTDT moms: BIRTH PLANS

I'm almost 100% sure the doctor that treated my during my labor @ Stony Brook was a resident Podiatrist!!!!! I can remember thinking, I really feel like this is the first time he's ever done this..

SO funny! it's like that scene in Nine Months with Robin Williams....that cracks me up.

I remember thinking during labor - okay THIS isn't what I thought it would be at ALL. By the time she arrived they were like - now do you mind if we use a pacifier? And I was like - um NO WHO CARES GIVE HER WHAT SHE WANTS! The whole planning thing just goes down the tubes! Now I have a baby addicted to pacifiers...and ya know what? I couldn't be happier!