Help needed with birth plan please

[MissPitstop]

I am 33 weeks with DS4 and dont have a clue what to put in my birth plan. I know its something I need to do ASAP as I have delivered at 34, 36 and 37 weeks the other times and have been in labour 3 times already with this one but had the drip to stop things off but have bee told they wont stop labour again. All my other births have been vaginal delivery with an epidural but I have been advised to reconsider epidural as I now have SPD and need to be aware of how much pain I am in (Oh joy!). I delivered DS3 on my side with the midwife holding my top leg up but cant open my legs that far this time, I cant lay on my back legs open like with DS1&2 and can only stand or walk for very short period of time! Im stuck as to how am I going to get this baby out without needing a C Section which I really dont want. Im worried that if I go into labour again without a birth plan sorted they will opt for a C Section because I havent got a plan I want them to try first. Anyone got any suggestions or experience of this?

Would the info on here help at all?

kneeling, all fours, squatting seem to be mentioned.

Have you thought about labouring in water and/or a waterbirth? I'm sure the support of the water will help your spd.

Or, giving birth on all fours supported by a birthing ball or hanging over the end of a propped up bed?

I don't think they'll whip you off for a cs just because you don't have a birthplan.

I hope things go as you want them to, good luck

Thanks JKS I have looked at the link and the pelvic partnership website.

Iliketomoveitmoveit - Im going to try getting on all fours to see how it goes but will have to wait until DH is around in case I get stuck!

The hospital wont let me in the birth pool if I cant get in and out myself due to health and safety issues and recent attempts at just having a bath have not been easy, Ive needed lifting out by DH a few times (bless him).

If I could give birth sat on the loo Id have it sorted as Im at my most pain free there!

Well during DS1's labour the MWs introduced me to a torture instrument called a birthing stool. i hated it, but it's quite like a toilet seat!

here's one example

It could work for you, see if you can find out if the hosp has any.

Ooooo JKS that might just work, maybe I could sit on one of those resting on the bed for support. Im at the hospital on Monday for another appointment and lecture about needing bedrest so I will ask them if they have any birthing stools. They do look like an instrument of torture though dont they!

Just read that post, how sad do I sound getting all excited about a birthing stool?!? It may just be the highlight of the day though!

You should measure (distance between your knees) how far you can open your legs without been in pain. Put that in your birth plan, then if you do opt for an epidural the midwives should be able to measure your legs and know if its OK or not.

If they don't have birthing stools then ask about giving birth on the loo. I've looked after women who have pushed on the loo. I tend to put a towel under the seat to stop baby actually going down the loo. Women tend to either stand up right at the last minute or lean back and have their bum right at the edge so baby comes out and down at the front of the loo. Is a very good place to be for second stage.

Stripey - that's intriguing about the loo!

If you sit on a birthing ball then you can labour quite effectively. Gravity is helping and your lady bits are supported (unlike on the loo). When I got to the pushing bit I was on all fours for my DD2. It seemed very natural and she arrived quite quickly.
Did you try a TENS machine for your previous babes? I know they don't work for some people, but I LOVE them (apart from when you accidently turn them up not down afterb a contraction - 'tis interesting!).

Sorry Stripey my loo comment is not an attack on your methods - just a comment on the erm...oh okay... piles I got after DD1. Sounds like you have much more experience than me anyway .
MPS good luck with your birth.

I think to be honest if you're going to get piles then you're going to regardless of position. I've seen people on the bed get terrible piles and lots of people who've sat on the loo and haven't got piles.

Birthing balls are good (if available). Where I work there aren't always enough balls.

Sorry for the delay in responding things at home have been rather hectic.

Thanks for all your advice I am going to ask about a birthing stool or ball when I go to the hospital or see a midwife next.