Did anyone actually do a written birth plan?

If so, what did you include? Who do you give it to at the hospital?

Re: Did anyone actually do a written birth plan?

nope.. in my opinion, you can't plan what will happen before, during, or after the birth!

Re: Did anyone actually do a written birth plan?

I did not. I talked over some things with DH before, and made it clear that he might need to ask questions for me at times, but I think you need to go in with an open mind.

Re: Did anyone actually do a written birth plan?

Re: Did anyone actually do a written birth plan?

We had one but it wasn't called a birth plan. It was called our birth "Preferences" since you can't plan anything. It came in very handy and helped to express our wishes and desires for not only the birth but care and treatment postpartum of Mom and baby.

Re: Did anyone actually do a written birth plan?

I had one.
I didn't plan to stick to it, but I wanted my wishes on paper for my own sanity.
I wanted to be able to write down what my perfect delivery would be if i could plan it out.
It totally didn't work out the way I had hoped, but I was ok with that. I just knew, going in, that my husband knew what my wishes were, my doctor knew what my wishes were, and I had thought everything out in advance.
I'm not the type of person that can just go in and "wing it".

So if you're thinking of doing one, I would say go for it - but be prepared that it possibly might not work out according to plan.

Message edited 5/27/2009 2:13:50 PM.

Re: Did anyone actually do a written birth plan?

yes I did..
it was part of our birthing class- and it was a complete and utter waste.

I went early and all hell broke loose so I honestly had no chance to use it and nothing on my plan was how my DD's birth was.

Re: Did anyone actually do a written birth plan?

Re: Did anyone actually do a written birth plan?

Re: Did anyone actually do a written birth plan?

My doc said don't bother.

I found a form online that could be filled out-- maybe from thebump.com.

The only thing I KNEW I wanted was an epidoral-- and I made sure everyone knew it and I sure as hell wasn't going to forget that I wanted one!

Re: Did anyone actually do a written birth plan?

No and I wouldn't bother. The whole experience is so unpredictable anyway. I would just read up and what to expect in all scenarios and just be flexible that day. You don't need to write anything out.

Re: Did anyone actually do a written birth plan?

I printed out the one from thebump.com and filled it out. It was more like a checklist though. I didn't actually have it with me when I went to the hospital. However, it helped me think about what I wanted once it was time.

Message edited 5/27/2009 8:17:27 PM.

Re: Did anyone actually do a written birth plan?

Yup! and it went right out the window

If you want to write one up for your own peace of mind and to just *have*...I say do it. Use it to discuss options and procedures with your Dr, things you are and aren't comfortable with, or want more explainations about.

But to use it as a *plan* is un-realistic. If there is one thing I learned about labor, it's you are NOT in control of what's going to happen...you can just be prepared and educated

Re: Did anyone actually do a written birth plan?

Re: Did anyone actually do a written birth plan?

I don't think that a birth plan works. I had one in my mind going into it, but I totally changed it as soon as I got to the hospital, and just went with the flow!

Re: Did anyone actually do a written birth plan?

I think what may be better than a birth plan is going over your preferences with your OB and DH. Many people roll their eyes at a written birth plan (not saying that its right, but they do). There is nothing wrong with having a clear list of what you want or don't want, I think its better to go over it verbally with your provider sooner rather than later.

Re: Did anyone actually do a written birth plan?

Re: Did anyone actually do a written birth plan?

Yea I wrote out a full page of "wishes" but when my husband read it he looked horrified. I couldn't understand why he wouldn't give it to the nurse. When I read it later on (almost a year later) I broke out in laughter because it was more like a diva ranting off her wants. Appearently I was a mean pregnant lady. But thankfully everything went smoothly and I had an awesome nurse who I already knew from a previous stay a month earlier from kidney stones. Hahahahaha Don't waste your time when you get there tell them weather you want an epidural!!!!!!!

Re: Did anyone actually do a written birth plan?

I did, but I ddin't even end up taking the darn thing to the hospital!!! lol
I can FM you if you need ideas/guideline