Birth plans

[moomin35]

Have you done one? How long is it? What's the jist of it?

I've decided not to bother (first baby due in 3wks) but have been through all the possibilities with the midwife and that was fine for me. I would like a pool birth with gas & air but I want to stay relaxed if that can't happen, for whatever reason.

I don't see how having a strict birth plan can be helpful, more a source of potential stress.

I haven't written one yet. I would like a water birth in theory but if things change then they change. Beyond that the only things I'm bothered about are not wanting any opiate pain relief (my unit does mobile epidurals which seem like a better idea, I detest the woozy, spaced out, sick feeling I got on both codeine and morphine) and delayed cord clamping if possible.

Maybe I should write that down!

I'm having DC2 (due 4 days ago) and I have not written one, but have discussed with OB and midwife possible outcomes and preferences. With DD i wrote one and they didn't even bother reading it.
If you want to write one it might be best to do so in clear point form- they might be more likely to take note.
Include things like pain relief.
Whether you want a physiological or managed 3rd stage.
Intervention preferences (although often this is emergency situation so really not something you can be adamant about).
Positions (do you want to stay active in labour?)
Consider different outcomes. If you have slow progression- what measures would you prefer.
Who announces the sex of the baby?
Who cuts the chord?
Are you adamant about skin to skin in first few moments?
Would you like delayed chord clamping?

Etc, etc.

I can't think of anything else but take into account that it's all very hypothetical as everything (literally everything) depends on how things unfold.

My first was:

DH to announce the sex of the baby
Medical students permitted
Pain relief to be given as requested but I am aiming to use as little as possible
Everything that is being done to me by docs/mws must be explained fully to DH and I beforehand
Injection to deliver placenta
I will decide on skin to skin at the time

Everything was followed to the letter.

Next time around it will read
Use of birthing pool for labour and delivery if possible
No induction drugs. Csec if syntocin is needed.
No internal examinations except the one to see if I can get in the pool
Everything explained as last time
Medical students permitted