Bith Plans- When is this done?

[Jzee]

My baby is due in about 5 weeks and so far none of the midwives have suggested I make a birth plan? I have heard about them from other sources and am wondering how I should go about making one? Is it something that's normally done with a midwife?

[sjs]

Think it's a good idea to write a plan - will help you think through the options and what matters to you. Also, good for your partner to know what you want so he can stand up for you if required. Allow for room for changes in plan (eg, I'll start with gas and air and would like an epidural if I ask for one.) I added in that I wanted my husband with me as long as he was comfortable (he was very nervous and I didn't want him forced into a situation where he was distressed eg, if I had ceasarian). Also, added that we wanted to be given advice and to be consulted and given all options. Turned out this was the most important piece for us and was brilliantly followed by our doctor and midwives who explained everything throughout and gave us all options. In end, I had an emergency c-section - but even that was presented as an option. (I'll let you keep going for another hour or so, but if you have the baby naturally, I'll have to use some sort of intervention and she'll most likely be in special care for a day or so. ) Although I had a c-section I never felt like I'd lost control which was important to us. The important thing is to be very flexible and don't be upset if things don't go to plan. Agree with comment about after the birth too - we asked for the BCG injection to be given in dd leg instead of arm since that's what I had and it avoids a scar in the arm.

[Linnet]

Since when did they start giving new born babies BCG injections? Is this a new thing that has started in the past few years? Or is it just a regional thing?

[SoupDragon]

I suspect it's a non-UK thing.

[Marina]

Regional, Linnet. It's given at birth in parts of inner south London for example. Cases of TB have risen sharply in boroughs such as Lambeth and Lewisham in the past ten years.

[SamboM]

I agree with Codswallop. If you have a plan I seriously think you are setting yourself up to be disappointed. Go with the flow girls!!

[SoupDragon]

I don't think you'll be disappointed if youview it as a plan and not something set in stone. You have to be prepared to accept that things change as you go along and write your plan accordingly.

[StripyMouse]

Rachael17 - everyone is different and the same woman can (and frequently do) have different labours. Pan relief is so personal - for example I had pethedine which was a disaster for me and never again however some women swear by it. Best bet is to do all the research in terms of what crosses the placenta, potential complications and side effects (eg. certain things will stop you having awaterbrith) and keep an open mind on the day. So many women say only gas and air/tens and then end up with an epidural - and some end up leaving it too late to have one as they become desperate to "stick to the plan". I guess I am trying to say there is no rules.

[princesspeahead]

as marina says, pretty common now in london because tb rates have risen so swiftly (connected to immigration from eastern europe in particular, where it is rife). both mine were given it at birth (both london babies). having said that there is a huge shortage of vaccine nationwide at the moment and I've been told if I want to try and give it at birth I'll have to source it myself... and if I find any can I tell my GP where as he hasn't managed to get hold of any for months.

I love the NHS

[badjelly]

Jzee

I never had a written birth plan I just discussed it with dh who knew that I would just go with the flow and ask for pain relief when I needed it. He also knew little specific things I wanted - like to have the baby put on my belly but with a sheet or towel under it first (didn't do yuckyness then!) and he was to cut the cord. He also knew my views on what I wanted to happen if I things went pear shaped and I couldn't communicate for whatever reason, good job too - if he hadn't put his foot down with certain aspects we both me and dd wouldn't be here now!

[sjs]

Linnet - Soupdragon is right, the BCG injection wasn't given in the UK but in Hong Kong where my dd was born. Didn't realise wasn't standard in UK though. It did leave quite a scar - I guess it will fade over time.