ummm, my birth plan.

[shouldIbecrossaboutthis]

So I haven't discussed this with my MW yet as only 34 weeks, but going away this weekend and want to pack a quick one in my bag for emergencies sake!

In terms of pain relief, am I being an irrational person in thinking if I need it, I will go straight for an epidural? Is this a weird thing to ask for? Should I try other things first (obviously will be doing hypnobirthing, tens, G&A and pool first). But if drugs are needed epidural seems like the best one to me, it's the only one that doesn't zone you out and is the only one that doesn't get 'into' the baby. Also I'm a puker and I hate not feeling in control so I think the others would ruin me! I'd ask for the sort of epidural you can have to still be able to walk around and also turn down when you need to push.

Also, another thing I'm not sure about is ventouse and forceps. I don't want them. I know if the baby is stuck then they are necessary, but really if it's looking like it's all going wrong can I ask for emergency c-section? I know there are more risks with a C-Section and I'm not making my decision rationally. It's based on personal circumstances really.

Is there anything else I should think about? I want my DP with me the whole time, is this a given?

Any tips would be fab, I don't want it to be too long either!

Seconding what others have said about open mind and changing it on the day if you want.

I never wrote a birth plan as my plan is to do what our wonderful community midwives say, but then I know they approach things how I would want anyway. I can see why you might write one for a hosp situation and your approach sounds sensible and pragmatic.

It?s good for you to be informed and be clear about your preferences, but i reckon best strategy is to do everything you can to avoid starting on that intervention cascade ? keep moving and don?t let them strap you to a bed with monitors and wires if possible. Your plan looks good for achieving that as you?ve planned to use water, G&A, hypno ? hopefully one will work for you.

RE the C -section, I'm no expert but think in those situations you're better off going with their advice. You can always ask though about your options and the pros and cons (or your partner for you). I had a kiwi ventouse and it was fine - sure it would have been too late for C section as i could feel head with tip of finger - head was just twisted a bit the wrong way and wouldn't come out.

Even then, things might not go as you wish of course. The good news is, when you have your baby you really won?t mind how he/she got there and will be (almost) ready to do it all again!

Hey goosey, mobile epidural sounds good! Heard of them but conflicting opinions as to whether they exist - seems they do! Did you request that specifically or anesthetists just do it anyway?

There's a brief bit about mobile epidurals on the NHS website. They do exist, but I'm not sure if you have to ask specifically for one or not.

You can only go to the hospital when you are 3cm, so by then you would have had quite a few contractions and you will know what kind of pain relief you would like :)

I went from gas and air to an epidural, whereas I have a friend who had no pain relief what so ever