https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 14 May 2026 19:16:11 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2382175 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 17:42:14 +0000 TemperanceBrennan 2382175@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are taking a pretty in-depth birth/parenting class and I feel pretty prepared.<br /> I'm extremely comfortable with my doctor (and other possible doctors that could be on call), the hospital procedures, and my ability to voice my preferences during labor.<br /> We went through the process of writing a birth plan in class using a template and prompting questions, but there wasn't really anything to note at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2382123 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 16:54:36 +0000 peaches1038 2382123@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did and everything went the way I planned, thankfully! I'm glad I had it and the nurses liked how simply it was presented.<br /> -no drugs<br /> -no episiotomy<br /> -perineal massage during pushing<br /> -intermittent monitoring<br /> - delayed cord clamping<br /> -save the placenta<br /> -immediate skin to skin for at least one hour </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2382107 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 16:43:49 +0000 lovehoneybee 2382107@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs.KMM: Basically the same here. The folder it was in barely made it out of the bag, and the sheet itself was never brought out. </p> <p>I had wanted things like be able to bounce on a ball/shower/walk and have to ask for an epidural, no episiotomy, delayed cord clamping. But by the time I was admitted I had been awake and having back contractions for nearly 24 hours and immediately asked for an epidural. After that I figured I'd just go with the flow (I knew from my prenatal visits that episiotomies are not standard, delayed cord clamping and immediately skin to skin are). </p> <p>It took me two hours to push out my posterior baby, and ended up with an episiotomy (I had a second degree tear on top of it). D told me the OB tried massaging and stretching and letting me labor down for a long time, but both our heart rates were erratic and they wanted to get him out (the cord was also around his neck twice). Given the circumstances we both thought it was a justified cut. I had an immediate pp hemorrhage so delayed cord clamping was out because they needed to get everything out ASAP. I did get almost immediate skin to skin (as soon as they had the hemorrhage under control). The only real thing that was important to us that we stuck to on the plan was that D announce the sex of our Team Green baby :) </p> <p>I'm still really glad I took the time to write a plan, though. I was a FTM and very nervous about the unknowns of L&amp;D, and making myself sit down and think about what my ideal experience would be like, which helped calm me down a lot (even though I knew it might all go awry). </p> <p>I didn't bother this time, though. My placenta is weird, and they want to get it out and my uterus down immediately to prevent and/or control another hemorrhage, of which I'm at a higher risk. I knew that process would include pitocin after delivery, so I figured I'd end up with an epidural at some point. But she's breech, and I have a c-section scheduled for next week, so it's all pretty much moot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2382093 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 16:34:17 +0000 Hoots 2382093@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nope and no classes. I didn't want to set myself up for disappointment, which totally happens for me when things don't go according to plan. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2382081 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 16:29:40 +0000 Keybee 2382081@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The practice I go to gave me a sheet of preference to fill out, so I did that, but that's all<br /> I have. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2382014 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 15:36:40 +0000 jlm22 2382014@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nope! I also didn't take one class :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2382011 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 15:34:59 +0000 misolee 2382011@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A lot of what I wanted was what our midwives and doctors practice and prefer. I asked if I should write one at one of my last appointments and the midwife (whom i love!) rolled her eyes at me and said they read charts and prob won't even read anything especially if it's not worded correctly, too long, etc. She did mention that before anything is done, everything is run through us anyway. I ended up being induced, had a long labor, but true to word, the midwives and doctors kept me up to speed on anything and gave me the options to decide. Also, I trusted them and let them do their thing to safely bring LO into this world. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2381961 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 14:49:34 +0000 ms.line 2381961@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a birth plan/preferences that I've shared with my husband, doula, and midwives. Even if (when!) things don't go accordingly, at least I'll know it won't be from a lack of preparation or self-advocacy on my part. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2381935 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 14:37:45 +0000 ineebee 2381935@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just wanted to do whatever the doctor told me to do, so I didn't have a birth plan. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2381850 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 13:39:03 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 2381850@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No. There were three things that I was hoping for (no episiotomy unless necessary, delayed cord clamping, and immediate skin to skin), but they were standard procedure for my OB's practice and the hospital I delivered at so I didn't need to request them. I also didn't want to write out a plan because I knew if things didn't go the way I wrote them down I would be disappointed. I have a hard time being flexible. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2381833 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 13:22:19 +0000 dc yoga bee 2381833@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LuLu Mom: same! And there was one of 15 doctors and midwives on call, so they encouraged patients to meet all the delivering practioners during your pregnancy if possible. I made all decisions with my midwife, nurses, and when I asked for a c-section they brought the doctor to talk me out of it, and it happened to be my favorite doctor. We made the decision together to give her 8 more hours (I was induced due to severe pre-eclampsia and was done by day 3 of no progress.) Delivered healthy baby girl vaginally exactly 8 hrs on the nose later. My plan was loose anyways, and more of in the event of an emergency do we save child or mother etc.. I was thinking things I'd want them to know in life or death decisions in case I was unable to speak for myself and DH couldn't or didn't remember. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2381826 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 13:19:33 +0000 Ajsmommy 2381826@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nope. My goal was to get baby out. Have both of us be healthy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2381820 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 13:18:00 +0000 Foodnerd81 2381820@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did and printed it out and gave it to my midwife at my last appointment, as well and bringing one with me. It was pretty basic and gave them an overview of what I wanted (unmedicated if possible, DH to announce the sex). Most of the other things on there were standard at my hospital anyway (no routine episiotomy, immediate skin to skin, delayed cord clamping if possible). Glad I did it, but this time I'll probably just say I'm not planning on an epidural and go from there. </p> <p>I had a wonderful experience and felt my wishes were respected, even if a few things didn't go according to plan (OB actually delivered instead of my midwife and needed a vacuum assist). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2381810 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 13:09:19 +0000 Greentea 2381810@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs.KMM: I think that's great your doc requires that. My Bradley class made us and I was glad, because it helped me know what to expect with shots and things once the baby was born as well, and delayed clamping, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2381805 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 13:05:38 +0000 Greentea 2381805@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yup, I am a huge proponent of them. At my hospital you have doc on call, so for me, meeting doc in triage, it was a good way to get to know one another. He and the nurses and residents all read it right in front of me. They were respectful, appreciated the care and time I put in, and asked questions.</p> <p>They told me they'd do their best. They were seriously wonderful! It isn't about control, but preparation and hoped for preferences. They told me I had a right to veto my own ideas, and I did! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2381716 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 12:25:07 +0000 Mrs.KMM 2381716@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Portboston: It was not that mine was not followed. I just ended up with severe preeclampsia, had to be on magnesium (which meant I couldn't get out of bed), and my induction ended up failing and requiring a C-section. So complications prevented the plan from being carried out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2381683 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 12:08:58 +0000 snowjewelz 2381683@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Happygal: Awww that is so sweet! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2381680 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 12:07:25 +0000 Happygal 2381680@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: I thought my OB would laugh when I shared I wanted this b/c he's very pragmatic and no frills, but he said he thought it was a really great idea and recommended it. He's an athlete that listens to a lot of music during his workouts. Knowing I was having a c-section and that he was very quick with the procedure did feel like pressure though--I wanted to pick out the perfect 4-5 songs! Now I dance with her to the song I wanted to hear and tell her it's our song. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2381672 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 12:06:03 +0000 nana87 2381672@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wrote/typed one out and I found it a really useful thing to do, even though I didn't give it to my dr/midwife/any of the nurses (although I did have a conversation with my dr about it before hand, and very much trusted her)--I did have a printed out version there, and made dh and my mom read it so they knew exactly what I wanted/how to advocate for me. I included things like how I wanted them to support me, how I wanted dh to go with the baby and my mom to stay with me after the birth, etc. </p> <p>I was induced rather than having the unmedicated birth plan I wanted, but I still thought it was a useful exercise, and I ended up being extremely happy with my birth experience even though it was completely not how I envisioned it </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2381669 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 12:05:14 +0000 lamariniere 2381669@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With my first, the child birth class instructor (a doula) highly recommended making one. I didn't write one down, but we had some ideas going into it. We didn't bother with LO2. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2381664 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 12:02:17 +0000 catomd00 2381664@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No I didn't with my first and I won't with my second. It worked just fine for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2381660 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 12:00:52 +0000 snowjewelz 2381660@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Happygal: Oo music is a great idea! Not that I was even paying attention really, but I have to remember that for next time! </p> <p>I didn't have one. I was being induced, so I just wanted to be informed about what's happening, and making sure I could get the epidural as soon as possible, haha! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2381650 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 11:56:01 +0000 Portboston 2381650@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs.KMM: ha! Same here. </p> <p>My midwife encouraged a birth plan so I did one. And it was barely followed at all! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2381648 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 11:55:38 +0000 Happygal 2381648@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, but I also didn't give a hard copy to anyone; it was more to help organize my thoughts and remember what to tell the team. I shared the very short list before my c-section, which was:<br /> --delayed clamping if possible (I don't know if they did this)<br /> --allergy adhesive, so the shortest time possible with sticky things on my body<br /> --donating the placenta (they still tossed it and had to retrieve it)<br /> --music: i had a few songs I wanted to hear and my OB said this was a great idea, but my husband had the iPod and he came in after they had already started cutting me open! That's one thing that I'm a little sad about--I loved this song and would have appreciated a distraction from all the surgery sights and sounds. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2381641 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 11:53:28 +0000 Mrs.KMM 2381641@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a written out birth plan that was basically my preferences. I was flexible on everything if it was necessary for the ultimate goal of healthy mom, healthy baby.</p> <p>I joke that my birth plan got crumpled in to a ball, thrown on the ground, stomped in the mud, lit on fire, and the ashes thrown into the ocean. That is about as closely as my birth went to my plan. And that's OK because that's what DD and I needed.</p> <p>ETA: my OB requires patients to put together a written out plan and review it with him before labor/delivery. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2381620 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 11:45:07 +0000 autumnlove 2381620@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't have a written or typed out plan but I had a few preferences for my first. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-a-birth-plan-1#post-2381586 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 11:37:03 +0000 LuLu Mom 2381586@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When I went in with my first, I had a birth plan and I decided to not even give it, I made all my decisions with my doctor (who I 100% trusted.) I'm glad I threw the paper away, it helped me give up my need to control (which was necessary for me to relax and not be anxious) and I think it helped to not have disappointment when I ended up with a C-section, ect. My second was a RCS so no need for a birth plan other than "show up on time and have this baby!" Did you use a birth plan? </p>