https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:22:12 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan/page/2#post-1244797 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:50:23 +0000 Raindrop 1244797@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'll admit I didn't read all the responses, so if someone said this already I'm sorry.</p> <p>I didn't write up my own birth plan. Our hospital gave us a check list, and we just checked/circled what we wanted at like our 30 week apointment and it was filed away in our file for when we were in labor. I saw it being pulled out when I was in labor. I thought that system was pretty good. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan/page/2#post-1244761 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:44:22 +0000 LuLu Mom 1244761@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wrote one, didn't use it pretty much threw it out the window and gave up control to those who knew what they were doing. I'm a control freak and this was the best option for me, I had no idea what I was doing how was I going to "tell" them what I wanted when I had no idea what that even meant? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan/page/2#post-1244746 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:41:51 +0000 Corduroy 1244746@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Although the hospital staff looked at my birth plan in reality it could have been summed up as "unmedicated birth with doula" or "she brought a doula (eyeroll)" The hospital staff correctly gleaned all of my preferences from that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan/page/2#post-1244708 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:32:26 +0000 Mamasig 1244708@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No birth plan - healthy baby + healthy mama was my only real wish. As long as I got that, the rest wasn't that important to me. I also delivered at a hospital that was "birth" friendly so I wasn't concerned about not being to breastfeed, hold the baby, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan/page/2#post-1244490 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 13:39:30 +0000 Boheme 1244490@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LovelyPlum: I hope my birth experience doesn't give you pause or make you afraid in any way - it was a TOTAL anomaly! What I will say is that my birth plan gave me a lot of comfort. It was like "Ok, X, Y, and Z went awry... but they're still doing all they can according to what we feel is best for our baby." My nurses absolutely rocked at making my postpartum experience feel redemptive. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan/page/2#post-1244474 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 13:35:01 +0000 LovelyPlum 1244474@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@redsmarties: I'm wondering if our classes will, too. I am already feeling better by writing everything down ahead of time, though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan/page/2#post-1243894 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 11:06:50 +0000 Mrs. Oatmeal 1243894@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The classes I took gave us this sort of checklist for a birth plan. So instead of writing one out (paragraphs, etc), I had a laminated sheet with preferences to check off.<br /> For example, I checked off "Would like to move around as much as possible" and "Would like to labour in water if possible". That way, it was easy for my doula and midwives to glance at the sheet, rather than reading through the whole thing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan#post-1243857 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 10:51:24 +0000 alleyflowers 1243857@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BabyMats: It was scary at the time.... but everything was fine! LO was born so very healthy and screaming his lungs out! I broke a few bones but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan#post-1243763 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 10:23:29 +0000 rachiecakes 1243763@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had expressed my preferences and my doctor and midwives had my "plan" on file.<br /> Two things were out of my control - preeclampsia and baby had a collapsed lung - so I was induced and he was taken immediately to the Level II nursery for oxygen/monitoring.<br /> But I was able to have a vaginal birth and able to breastfeed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan#post-1243709 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 10:00:55 +0000 mrsmenow 1243709@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did not write one with either of my 3 DDs. I felt really secure with my physician (who I knew would be delivering) and the plan he and I talked about. Most of the requests skin to skin delayed cord cutting is pretty routine at most hospitals now so I really didn't feel it was necessary. All of the nurses I have had have been so great and supportive with how ever we wanted to labor too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan#post-1243707 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 10:00:03 +0000 skipra 1243707@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My doctor's office gave a form that they wanted me to fill out with a birth plan. It had specific questions so I didn't have to come up with it myself. I don't think I ever handed it over to them though. I just made it clear that I didn't want them to offer me epidural or drugs but that I'd ask for them if I needed it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan#post-1243696 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 09:56:13 +0000 mrsjyw 1243696@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i Started to fill out a template. then decided that i was just goin to go with the flow, with only 1 hope that i could avoid c-section and also that i only wanted dh and my mom in the room w me.</p> <p>i ended up with a long labor, epi, and 2 hours of pushing, an episiotomy, but got my vaginal delivery. i went in with low expectations. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan#post-1243695 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 09:55:59 +0000 BabyMats 1243695@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@alleyflowers: scary! hope everyone was fine! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan#post-1243690 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 09:54:29 +0000 BabyMats 1243690@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BabyBoecksMom: yup that's how I felt as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan#post-1243473 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 08:54:23 +0000 alleyflowers 1243473@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't write one because I was worried if it didn't go as I planned I would feel like I failed (i.e. epidural vs natural birth). That being said, I didn't have very STRONG feelings about a particular birth plan.</p> <p>In the end I'm very glad I didn't - I ended up getting into a car accident and having an emergency c-section at a hospital that wasn't even the one that I had planned on going to!</p> <p>My circumstance was extreme, but I think it's good to have an idea of what you want / don't want.... I knew that the one thing I didn't want was a c-section - but when it came time I knew that I would do whatever it took to have a healthy baby and it didn't matter. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan#post-1243335 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 06:18:26 +0000 BabyBoecksMom 1243335@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BabyMats: same! </p> <p>I figured the less rigid I was, the less stressed I would be if something didn't go "as planned" </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan#post-1243303 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 04:32:42 +0000 Dandelion 1243303@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nope. I've never written one. This time it is already written for me in my file: c-section. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan#post-1243291 Tue, 26 Nov 2013 03:26:12 +0000 Kemma 1243291@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't have a "plan" as such but I did discuss my options and preferences with my midwife who then wrote them up in my notes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan#post-1243216 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 23:55:25 +0000 dojo 1243216@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't but I already knew that the things that mattered to me (skin to skin and breastfeeding) were what was regular practice at the birth center I delivered at. I asked my doctor about writing a plan but I guess I just never got around to doing it and so many things were out of my control when the time came that all I really cared about was a healthy baby no matter how that happened. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan#post-1243198 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 23:36:25 +0000 lawbee11 1243198@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No, I didn't. But the only things I felt passionately about were skin to skin and attempting to breastfeed soon after delivery, and those were both standard at my hospital. The only other thing I didn't want was an episiotomy, but I did end up getting one. Oh well...I had a healthy baby and that's all that mattered! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan#post-1243174 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 23:19:20 +0000 anonysquire 1243174@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You are so smart! I think that is a great idea to help with anxiety. Even just to have so everyone is aware of your wants. I am planning on giving birth at a birthing center so my choices are limited anyways but I think I'm going to still write one! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan#post-1243170 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 23:15:08 +0000 Greentea 1243170@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I sure did! I am really glad I did too. Every single person read it and was very nice and respectful. I did not know what doc I would have on call to deliver (there were several partners) and the doc on call came into triage and met me and read my plan. So did both of the residents. They asked any questions and it was great to have it on paper for when I did not feel like talking. (I didnt go in until I was dilated to a 6 so I was pretty uncomfortable by the time I got there.) I brought several copies and handed them out. I found it really helped open the lines of communication.<br /> One thing I did not do that I wish I had known to do was write a stay plan for the nurses to read! My L and D went marvelously but I had a bad experience with my hospital stay. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan#post-1240667 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 09:17:54 +0000 StrawberryBee 1240667@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes. My OB practice has seven doctors, so even though I technically met all of them, I was not able to have a talk with all of them about what I wanted (or expect them to remember it!). Having something written out and placed in my file allowed me peace of mind that nothing would be forgotten that was important to me. I called it my "birth preferences" though; I thought it sounded less demanding and less formal than a plan. I went in knowing that I would be flexible with it.</p> <p>My nurse (who was *awesome*) came in quoting it to me, and I was so impressed that they actually looked at it! We discussed various things. Since I had back labor and lying down was the only thing that gave me some relief, walking around went out the window. I agreed to pitocin after birth to help my uterus contract. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan#post-1240598 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 08:53:52 +0000 Alivoo01 1240598@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nope. My OB and I discussed my preferences during one of my regular check ups (yay or nay on epi, did I want skin to skin contact, yay or nay on breast feeding, etc). I was open from the beginning and just wanted a healthy baby at the end. Heck, she was pulling DS out when she asked if I wanted her to plop him on my tummy or not when he was out out. Talk about a last minute decision! haha! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan#post-1240546 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 08:31:11 +0000 avivoca 1240546@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sugar.Biscuit: Could you ask your doctor if the hospital does family-based c-section (I think that's what it is called), where you can have the skin-to-skin while they are stitching you up, or even request that your husband do the skin to skin, delay the bath, etc. as long as the babies are healthy? I learned about it in my birth class, but the instructor said you have to ask for it early. </p> <p>I did write a birth plan. I used the one provided by my midwife. The hospital I delivered at is a baby-friendly hospital and the only hospital in the region to have a birth center. It went great. The only thing that wasn't followed was the continuous monitoring (I wanted to be monitored intermittently), but I arrived at 6.5 centimeters and progressed quickly. Also, my needs changed in the moment. I planned on laboring in the tub, but after 11 hours of labor, I laid on my back through most of transition with my legs on the squat bar before pushing on my hands and knees. The nurses came in quoting my birth plan and offering suggestions (never pain meds, as I requested a med-free birth), which was excellent. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan#post-1240507 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 08:09:56 +0000 bushelandapeck 1240507@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did and the OB's and nurses actually followed it! I say that because I delivered in a traditional hospital, wanted a med-free birth, and expected no one to even look at it. They actually took it very seriously and did just about everything I asked. At one point, I asked why they using a warm compress while I was pushing and they said "it's on your birth plan!". Haha. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan#post-1240504 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 08:03:43 +0000 singingbee 1240504@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No I didn't write one. My baby ended up being breech and we had to have her by csection. Honestly, I wasn't lookig forward to a vaginal birth because I had such negative feelings associated with it, that I feel okay with my csection. I didn't have to make the decision-LO made it for me by being breech. Everything about this birth was just how I would have wanted it to happen had I written out a plan: mom healthy and happy, baby born alive and okay, skin to skin, and breastfeeding. I got all of that even though I didn't write out a specific birth plan. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan#post-1240482 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 07:46:49 +0000 Sugar.Biscuit 1240482@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My birth plan has changed so much that I have pretty much given up on it. Originally I wanted a natural L&amp;D &amp; was refusing an epidural. I wanted skin on skin right away with both babies &amp; when it was time to deliver the second baby DH would take over the skin on skin. Then I would breast feed.</p> <p>At 20 weeks the babies flipped &amp; are still breech at 30 weeks. No matter what I've done they refuse to move. Now I'm looking at a c-section with and epidural. I will not have the first skin to skin, the babies will be taken away &amp; cleaned up before DH will get to hold them. I will not be able to move for a few hours &amp; I hate this! I hate not having control! </p> <p>Best advice is write out your plan &amp; prepare for it to NOT go the way you've planned. My problem was I knew it could change but I was to cocky &amp; was convinced it wouldn't. Now I'm paying for it mentally even though my goal is to end up with healthy babies &amp; mommy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan#post-1240479 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 07:44:34 +0000 artsyfartsy 1240479@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yup! I'll be delivering at a hospital and planning a natural birth. I'm 27 weeks and I've had mine written since around 10 or so. I'm sure mine won't go exactly as I've written in my plan, but it will give my doctor and nurses an idea of what I prefer. I plan on giving it to my doctor at my next appointment for us to go over.</p> <p>Mine's very simple. It has three categories: Labor, Birth, After Birth and has Yes and No categories for each. </p> <p>Of course I'm planning on a natural med free birth, but my preferences are included in my plan just in case I have to be given Pitocin or need a cesarean. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-write-a-birth-plan#post-1240476 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 07:42:55 +0000 looch 1240476@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I gathered a list of things that were important to me, but in the end, the hospital where I delivered practiced those things as default anyway, so it wasn't an issue. </p>