https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:09:05 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/birth-plan-feedback#post-184609 Sun, 10 Jun 2012 11:20:13 +0000 daniellemybelle 184609@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think this looks great! It seems very reasonable, yet there are definitely things in there that the medical staff would need to know - like that your DH doesn't want to cut the umbilical cord, and that he wants to announce the gender. I'm looking forward to hearing how it works out for you - hopefully it goes off without a hitch! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/birth-plan-feedback#post-184561 Sun, 10 Jun 2012 10:23:14 +0000 lovehoneybee 184561@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Tricycle:@Mrs. Jacks: I was telling DH last night that whether or not anyone other than us reads it, I was unsure of what kind of delivery I (ideally) want, and the act of having to think it through and put it on paper helped clarify a lot for me. And I'm getting nervous about L&amp;D, and having something clear in front of me calmed me a lot. Of course I know it can all be thrown out the window, but I've been more mentally prepared for that than for everything going according to plan. I told DH my only real "plan" is whatever it takes to get Baby here safely, both for him/her and me, and most of what's here are "birth preferences".</p> <p>Anyway, thanks for the feedback! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/birth-plan-feedback#post-184477 Sun, 10 Jun 2012 08:01:20 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 184477@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Tricycle: this is exactly why I didn't give anyone the birth plan I wrote, because at most hospitals that I've been at for work or babies, these things are standard of care :) I think you'll see that in many of the birth stories here, you'll see one of two things. The first is, "wow, I didn't even need my birth plan " and the other is that the delivery went nothing like planned because of complications. But that doesn't mean that it's not worth doing if desired :)! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/birth-plan-feedback#post-184429 Sun, 10 Jun 2012 06:35:19 +0000 Mrs. Tricycle 184429@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Most of this stuff all seems so logical and "normal" -- I'm kind of surprised that you have to TELL a hospital that this is what you want. So much to learn!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/birth-plan-feedback#post-184418 Sat, 09 Jun 2012 22:40:37 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 184418@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it's really good. A few minor comments:<br /> First, this sounds kind of contradictory, "Please do not offer an epidural. I will request one if needed. Please do, however, inform me if there is a “last chance” to receive an epidural."</p> <p>What do you think about just saying in one bullet. I prefer not to be asked about an epidural until the point that it is the "last chance" to receive one? It sounds clearer and more consistent with what you are trying to say.</p> <p>With respect to eyes and Vit K, standard of care in every hospital I've been in is to do these after the golden hour. I'm not saying take it out, but it did seem kind of like a no-brainer to me... but then again, I have no idea what things are like in other parts of the country.</p> <p>Otherwise I think it sounds clear and straightforward :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/birth-plan-feedback#post-184356 Sat, 09 Jun 2012 18:56:52 +0000 lovehoneybee 184356@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh, I forgot about that! I also forgot to add that we don't want to circumcise. Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/birth-plan-feedback#post-184353 Sat, 09 Jun 2012 18:50:57 +0000 prettylizy 184353@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think that looks great. The only thing you don't have that I had on mine were instructions about Vitamin K shot and the eye goop they put in a newborns eyes. I asked that those procedures be delayed until after skin to skin and nursing, and we decided not to do the erythromycin eye goop stuff and that was in our birth plan. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/birth-plan-feedback#post-184349 Sat, 09 Jun 2012 18:41:11 +0000 lovehoneybee 184349@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi all!</p> <p>I was hoping to get some feedback on the rough draft of my birth plan (parts of which were blatantly stolen from other bees--sorry Shimmer, and thanks!) It's one page in Word (and is formatted with bullet points), with a second page specifically for a c-sec that we thought we could pull out if needed. </p> <p>Is it clear and concise? Do I repeat myself anywhere? Miss anything big? Any feedback is appreciated. I'm still undecided if I want my mother and/or SIL with me, so that's something I might need to add? </p> <p>I should add that hep-locks are standard/required at my hospital, and the hospital prefers to allow women to tear naturally rather than giving episiotomies. </p> <p>Thanks!</p> <p>We have created this birth plan in order to outline some of our preferences for birth. We understand that the following are preferences and understand the need to be flexible as many of these are contingent on the health of me and the baby and the normal, steady progression of labor. We do not want to replace the medical personnel, but instead wish to be informed of any procedures in advance, and to be allowed the chance to give informed consent. In the event that I am unable to give informed consent, my husband David McK (from here on referred to as the Father) will act as my proxy. Please keep him informed and allow him to read over and sign any consent forms if I am unable. </p> <p>Please feel free to ask if you have any questions or comments. Thank you!</p> <p>LABOR<br /> I understand that Penn State Hershey is a teaching hospital, and am comfortable with medical students observing my progress and treatments, but not with their active participation.</p> <p>I would prefer that the Father be allowed to remain in the room for all exams and procedures.</p> <p>Please do not offer an epidural. I will request one if needed.</p> <p>Please do, however, inform me if there is a “last chance” to receive an epidural.</p> <p>Please allow me to labor in different positions (walking, birthing ball, etc).</p> <p>Baby’s health permitting, I would prefer that fetal monitoring be performed intermittently with an external monitor.</p> <p>Please keep vaginal exams to a minimum. </p> <p>INDUCTION<br /> Please avoid induction (Pitocin or membrane scraping or rupturing) unless deemed medically necessary. </p> <p>If necessary, first methods used should be a membrane sweep and/or breaking of the waters. </p> <p>If Pitocin is required, I would prefer to start and stay at the lowest effective dose. </p> <p>DELIVERY<br /> Unless medically necessary, please avoid the use of forceps or a vacuum. </p> <p>If epidural has not been administered, please allow me the freedom to push from a position I find natural (squatting, on my knees, etc).</p> <p>To help my perineum stretch, please help guide my pushing efforts by letting me know when to start and when to stop. </p> <p>POST-DELIVERY<br /> Please allow the Father to announce the baby’s gender.</p> <p>Please place the baby on my stomach or chest immediately after delivery.</p> <p>I would prefer that the umbilical cord be allowed to cease pulsating before clamping and cutting. </p> <p>The Father does not wish to cut the umbilical cord. </p> <p>If possible, please allow newborn exams to be performed with baby on my chest.</p> <p>Please refrain from administering the Vitamin K shot and eye drops until after the baby has been nursed and has had at least an hour of skin to skin contact. </p> <p>Unless it is medically necessary to be separated, I would like to hold the baby for at least the first hour following the birth.</p> <p>If the baby must go to the nursery or NICU for evaluation or medical treatment, the Father will accompany the baby. </p> <p>I plan to breastfeed and wish to nurse immediately after birth.</p> <p>Please do not give the baby supplements, including formula, glucose or plain water without my or the Father’s consent.</p> <p>Please do not give the baby a bottle or pacifier. </p> <p>If the child is a boy, we are not planning to circumcise.</p> <p>CAESAREAN<br /> Please do not administer general anesthesia without my consent. </p> <p>Please allow the Father (and another Support Person if desired) to be present as early during delivery and surgery as possible. </p> <p>Please do not strap my arms to the table unless medically necessary.</p> <p>I would prefer a low traverse incision. </p> <p>Please do not perform a hysterectomy without the informed consent of me or the Father. </p>