Birth Plan

2nd Try...Arghhh OH is giving me issues today.

Hi all,

So hubby and I started working on our very short birth plan last night (I am trying to be very flexible and not make too many demands). I just wanted to take a poll and ask what you wish you had put on yours not knowing what was going to happen the first time.

Tina

I am a first time mom so I cant offer any advice.  I just wanted to say good luck!  My only birth plan is to show up at the hospital at 6 AM on the day of my c- section and let them do their thing!  My only request was that no one other than by DH hold my baby before me.  So if I am out of it for what ever reason in recovery, that all the grandmas, aunts, etc, dont hold her before I do.

I would say JUST incase make a c-section birth plan.  I wish I had for sure.  You can include having daddy watch the baby coming out, or making sure he cuts the cord (if he wants) or letting you see the baby immediately after delivery.

I would make one just incase, but here's hoping you never need it!

I wish wish wish I would have told my nurses and doctors that my family (that was waiting in the waiting room) was entitled to any and all information on baby and me and was also allowed in my room at any time. They weren't treated very well at the hospital and that caused a HUGE fight after the birth where my mother didn't talk to me or see Anberlin for at least a month but that is a whole nother story!

I went to this site and it walked me through everything and emailed me a printed version for free :)

http://www.childbirth.org/interactive/ibirthplan.html

I wished I was not whisked to a bed and hooked to an IV right away (but, this was 12 years ago). The hospital said that was standard procedure. I think laying for 18 hrs certainly delayed my labor and made me more frustrated. I would have liked to walk around the halls and take a shower to help the back labor.
Also, I was 19 and unmarried. I wish I would have had the balls to complain My
dvice is, don't let any nurses or doctors railroad you into doing anything to make it easier for THEM. If you and your nurse are butting heads and she is disrespectful, request another one. There are a million things I wished I could have done different. Make your opinions and needs clear to the staff. I agree with the consideration of a C-section plan. Just to cover all bases and aleviate last minute decisions. best wishes to you guys!

I would keep it really short and sweet.  Pick the things that are absolutely most important to you.  I have read some birth plans that are like 5 pages and I doubt anyone reads them except for the factor. 

I don't know if I'll make a formal one this time.  I plan to birth with midwives who are supportive of breastfeeding and getting baby in contact with Mom ASAP barring medical problems.  If I do make a plan, it will be something like this:

*Baby will be breastfed only.  No pacis or supplements without my express permission or my husband's if I cannot give it.

*Please do not offer pain medication.  I will request it if I want it.

*In case of a c-section, I would like a mild sedative and a spinal even if an epidural is in place, unless it is an emergency situation.

*No Hepatitis B vaccine while in the hospital (we will have it done at the pediatric clinic.)

I figure all the other stuff that I want, like ability to move around while in labor, etc, I'll discuss with the midwives in advance. If I have to transfer to OB care, I will also discuss in advance but my birth plan might end up a little longer, but I'll try to keep it to 5-7 points or so and very short and sweet.

Good luck!