https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 06 Nov 2026 13:09:09 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-discuss-your-living-will-before-going-into-labor#post-2272346 Tue, 25 Aug 2015 08:01:10 +0000 Alivoo01 2272346@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>They asked if I had a living will (I didn't), so they made me sign paperwork designating who would be able to execute/make decisions for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-discuss-your-living-will-before-going-into-labor#post-2272288 Tue, 25 Aug 2015 07:20:21 +0000 littlebug 2272288@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Living wills aren't just about addressing death. If something happens that renders you unable to make decisions, you need to have something in place so that your physician and loved ones know what you want. For example, if you're declared brain dead, do you want to be kept alive by machine? As a hospital social worker who's dealt with too many confusing situations when a patient does not have a living will completed, I strongly encourage you to complete one. Most hospitals have a generic form you can complete, even while you're in the hospital. </p> <p>The US Dept of Health is starting to mandate that these conversations are had. In my health system, we get a consult every time a patient has a question about Advanced Directives, and we have 48 hours to address that consult. I imagine this is why your physician is starting the conversation now.</p> <p>ETA: In the state of PA, in the absence of paperwork, decision-making falls to your spouse, then adult children, then living parents, then living siblings (typically oldest sibling first), and in the absence of any family, friends who are willing to step up. I don't think this is is the case in all states, though, hence the whole Terry Shiavo fiasco in FL several years ago. All that to say, I can't stress enough the importance to not only have this conversation with your spouse and loved ones, but get it on paper. That way there is no confusion and no fighting. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-discuss-your-living-will-before-going-into-labor#post-2272267 Tue, 25 Aug 2015 06:53:53 +0000 catomd00 2272267@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband and I discussed it. We also discussed it with the doctor before and had to fill out paperwork. The nurse asked about it again when I was admitted. At this time I again told my husband my wishes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-discuss-your-living-will-before-going-into-labor#post-2272231 Tue, 25 Aug 2015 06:15:52 +0000 Mrs.KMM 2272231@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't discuss it associated with pregnancy and labor. But DH and I have discussed it before and he knows my wishes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-discuss-your-living-will-before-going-into-labor#post-2272227 Tue, 25 Aug 2015 06:04:51 +0000 Adira 2272227@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We didn't really discuss it, but I think my hospital had a form I had to fill out giving my husband the right to make decisions for me if I wasn't able to... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-discuss-your-living-will-before-going-into-labor#post-2272226 Tue, 25 Aug 2015 05:56:31 +0000 BSB 2272226@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My nurse was making sure my medical chart was up-to-date and asked me if I have a living will. Totally surprised me but now it makes me wonder. I know I have heard of rare instances of mothers dying while giving birth (it's sad to think about :crying: ). I should probably discuss this with the DH at some point soon. We have discussed our wishes in the past but it might be good to remind him again. </p>