Birth plan ???

[shellmc]

Hiya,

this mite sound like a silly question but this is my first pregnancy. Do you need to have a birth plan ready for when u go in2 labour?? We discussed in the antenatal classes about filling in the back section ov our notes, is this what ya av to do or can u write ur prefrences down on a seperate sheet ov paper?? Im not sure what im meant to be putting down, and dont want to end up going in without one, if ya supposed to.

Any help wud be appriciated.

Thanku shell xxxx

[doulalc]

It is up to you....some people have them, some don't. If you have very specific ideas of what you would like to be able to do while in labour and what you would like to avoid, it can be helpful. For example....maybe you don't want to have an IV put in, you want to be able to freely move about in labour, you do not want your membranes ruptured, etc..

How well it is received can often depend on the wording...."I refuse such and such" will usually not go over as well as "I would prefer to avoid such and such".

By having a birth plan, that you will have gone over with your midwife before time, you can be sure that those who are taking care of you while in you are labour all know what your preferences might be. You are less likely to have someone suggesting something if you have already stated a preference to avoid it.

It can simply be a list written down...does not have to be elablorate, although you can find some online where you tick off what you want, print it out, and take it in with you.

[muppetgirl]

I would say the most important thing is to have thought about what you'd like to happen, read about all possiblities and consequences so you can make informed choices before and during labour but mainly make sure your birth partner knows EXACTLY what you would/wouldn't like as they may have to speak on your behalf (dh signed for my epidural as I was away with the fairies!)

Write this all down with the knowledge that all choices requested may be subject to change depending on medical need (and your change of mind)

Good luck!

[shellmc]

Hi ladies,

Thanku very much for your help and advice that has helped alot.

I am just over 36 weeks, cant wait soo excited but a little nervous 2.

Il take a look on websites i didnt realise u could get them and print em out.

Thanku soo much for your replys!

Shell xxxx

[Pinkmarshmallow]

Just a thought & something for you to consider... I wouldn't put too much effort into writing out a birthplan or be too set on any preferences. THings went so quickly in the end for me that the midwives and doc who delivered my baby never even had time to read my plan. They didn't know I had pelvic girdle pain and shouldn't be put in stirrups ( i was in stirrups for about 2 hrs and too spaced out & sore to tell them my prob) and I had an extensive episiotomy, without even being informed I was going to be given one.... and the possibility of needing one was my biggest fear about childbirth!
BUT by all means write out your preferences, just don't foget to consider alternatives in case things don't go according to plan. Hope your plan does work out and you have a better time of it than I did! Good luck!
xx

[BikeRunSki]

I found my birth plan was a good way of me thinking about the various methods, options and techniques used in hospitals and what I actively did and didn't want.

The first line said "I DO NOT WANT A C SECTION"
The second line said "I would like a water birth".

I had an emergency c section after labouring at home.

[shellmc]

I like that last message :-)

I have printed one out and filled it out but obv that doesnt mean thats what is gonna happen or its what im gonna get!!

Its been helpful tho for me andd hubby to go tru it 2getha soo at least he knows what i would rather have and what im hoping for if possible.

Thanks for ur help

[doulalc]

That's important that hubby is on the same page with it as you since he will be your biggest advocate while you are in labour.

If nothing else, it opens the door to discussion about the various interventions and what options you may have to avoid them, and when they might be truly necessary.