https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 22 May 2026 19:53:33 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-birth-plan-opinions-sound-okay#post-1012794 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 09:55:18 +0000 pregnantbee 1012794@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ZombieBullfrogHoller: That sounds amazing! Love your doc. Fingers crossed that you get the birth you want. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-birth-plan-opinions-sound-okay#post-1012762 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 09:49:16 +0000 ZombieBullfrogHoller 1012762@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Update!</p> <p>I just got back from my appointment and it was great. I was so nervous that the doctor would be like "No, this can't happen" and give me push back against everything and pressure me to induce.</p> <p>But he came in and was so nice and was like, "Okay, so you know you're allowed to have the baby now, right? So what do YOU think we should do?" And I was like "Uh, wait as long as possible?" to which he says, "Sounds good to me." He says he's not comfortable going past 41 weeks and set me up with a NST for Friday. We'll see what happens. Hopefully baby will make his debut, but if not I'm going to see if we can't wait just one more week as long as things are okay.</p> <p>Then we went over my birth plan. I was on pins and needles and had all my evidence based birth print outs ready to go and to talk about the other research I've read and blahdeeblah. But he just read it and went "Awesome. Everything looks fine to me. I would suggest you labor at home as long as possible - you want to come in ready to push out a baby. Because, you know, it's a hospital and they'll want to "help" which can sometimes wind up hindering, although that's not the intention. I want your birth to go the way you want - you call the shots. We're just there to help when you need us."</p> <p>There are no words to express how relieved I am :D </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-birth-plan-opinions-sound-okay#post-1012758 Tue, 13 Aug 2013 09:48:59 +0000 ZombieBullfrogHoller 1012758@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mojojo29: Thanks for the advice. I'm flexible in terms of seeing how I feel or if something happens that changes my plan, as in medically necessary somethings. I'm not flexible when it comes to nurses and doctor's not listening to how I want to birth because of hospital policies. :P </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-birth-plan-opinions-sound-okay#post-1009206 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 04:40:31 +0000 mojojo29 1009206@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi ZombieBullfrogHoller, </p> <p>Your birth plan sounds good and very detailed. Have you had a labour before? If I can you any advice, and please don't take this negatively, I would go in very much open-minded if you can. When I had my daughter I was amazed out how many things can change on the day, you don't realise how you are going to feel and its very hard to predict what you will want. It's great having a general idea and aiming for that, but if your too strict with your birth plan and then on the day you change your mind (especially regarding any pain relief or interventions regarding baby's safety) the nurses or medics may not listen to you. I completely understand you want a very natural birth and good for you! But its definitely worth keeping an open mind and now one can explain to you how you might feel on the day. </p> <p>All the best and I hop eyou have a lovely, stress free birth with a healthy bundle of joy x </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-birth-plan-opinions-sound-okay#post-1009175 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 02:08:55 +0000 RubyCali 1009175@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You may want to consider adding something about medical staff refraining from asking you to "rate your pain." I found it really annoying to try and quantify the level of pain I was experiencing and I preferred to not have to do so all the time. I had that in my birth plan but had to remind the nurses that I didn't want to be asked, and then they stopped. Power of positive thinking is important! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-birth-plan-opinions-sound-okay#post-1009146 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 00:52:10 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1009146@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>oh... maybe add something about not wanting an episiotomy? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-birth-plan-opinions-sound-okay#post-1009133 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 00:41:54 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1009133@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ZombieBullfrogHoller: i think your birth plan sounds great!! it's simple and straightforward, and easy to understand. :) good luck to you and i hope you get the birth you're shooting for.</p> <p>here's a copy of my exact birth plan that i posted on the blog - <a href="http://www.hellobee.com/2012/12/11/our-birth-plan-for-an-unmedicated-hospital-birth/" rel="nofollow">http://www.hellobee.com/2012/12/11/our-birth-plan-for-an-unmedicated-hospital-birth/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-birth-plan-opinions-sound-okay#post-1009053 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 23:01:33 +0000 mrskc 1009053@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ZombieBullfrogHoller: If you'd like I can gold wall post you a copy of my birth plan for you to look at. I was so happy to have my doula there to advocate for me and let the nurses and docs know of my wishes. All I had to do was focus on labor. And my hospital was really nice about us presenting a birth plan when we showed up, and were really great about following my wishes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-birth-plan-opinions-sound-okay#post-1009005 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 22:10:25 +0000 pregnantbee 1009005@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ZombieBullfrogHoller: I hope you get the birth you want :) I'm so glad my husband and doula were able to advocate for me since I was so focused on breathing that I wasn't able to decide things. Be very clear in your plan to list feelings about episiotomy, too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-birth-plan-opinions-sound-okay#post-1009002 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 22:06:27 +0000 ZombieBullfrogHoller 1009002@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskc: @pregnantbee: Those are all things I need to read up on some more, actually - thanks for reminding me! </p> <p>@locavore_mama: Yes, absolutely - between my husband and the doula, I feel much better about having my voice heard :) And I hope our experience will be as supportive as that - the hospital tour I took made me wary, though, so I'm trying not to go in expecting the worst - I don't want that to actually affect the situation, you know? :P </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-birth-plan-opinions-sound-okay#post-1008977 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 21:39:08 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 1008977@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ZombieBullfrogHoller: it looks good and I agree with others' suggestions. I wrote out birth preferences and my nurse read it right in front of me before I even got changed. I think it's good to have it with you :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-birth-plan-opinions-sound-okay#post-1008973 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 21:36:13 +0000 pregnantbee 1008973@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Looks good. I'd add a couple notes about eye ointment and cord clamping and shots for baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-birth-plan-opinions-sound-okay#post-1008968 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 21:31:53 +0000 regberadaisy 1008968@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Honestly. I typed out a very short birth plan when we went in and I'm pretty sure it stayed in my file and not a single nurse read it. It's most important to have your husband aware of your wishes. He will be your biggest advocate in that room. </p> <p>My hospital was absolutely fantastic in supporting all our wishes. The things that were most important to me we reiterated to the nurses and any new ones that came on staff. They were excellent in honoring all our wishes and asking before doing anything, I would say for us we were lucky that the birth plan was not needed essentially.</p> <p>And remember, be flexible in your "plan"! Any good doctor and nurse will have the most important plan in mind, which is healthy baby and healthy mommy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-birth-plan-opinions-sound-okay#post-1008948 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 21:16:24 +0000 mrskc 1008948@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ZombieBullfrogHoller: looks great! Do you have a preference of when you want the cord clamped? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-birth-plan-opinions-sound-okay#post-1008939 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 21:11:39 +0000 ZombieBullfrogHoller 1008939@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsF: That's exactly what I mean - I just couldn't figure out how to say it XD That sounds much better! Thank you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-birth-plan-opinions-sound-okay#post-1008826 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 20:24:00 +0000 MrsF 1008826@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Looks great! Very clear but diplomatic. One question: when you mention a routine IV, do you mean an IV in place or one that is hooked up to continuous fluids? If I'm interpreting it correctly I would say: I do not want continuous IV fluids, but am okay with a hep-lock IV in place in case of emergency. </p> <p>Hopefully you wouldn't need a peace offering, but I don't know many nurses who would say no to dunkin donuts! That's very sweet :) </p> <p>Good luck as you head towards your due date! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-birth-plan-opinions-sound-okay#post-1008722 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 19:49:14 +0000 Mrs. Oatmeal 1008722@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Looks good and pretty straightforward to me! Not too demanding or anything! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-birth-plan-opinions-sound-okay#post-1008687 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 19:32:06 +0000 Penny Lane 1008687@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Looks good and simple to me! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-birth-plan-opinions-sound-okay#post-1008622 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 18:58:06 +0000 ZombieBullfrogHoller 1008622@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@runsyellowlites: Agreed - that does sounds better and less inflammatory - thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-birth-plan-opinions-sound-okay#post-1008619 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 18:55:39 +0000 runsyellowlites 1008619@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think I would say "with minimal interventions...." instead of "unnecessary"... I think it could be read as inflammatory like "we don't use "unnecessary" interventions.. pfft"</p> <p>Otherwise I think it looks simple &amp; covers your desires well. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-birth-plan-opinions-sound-okay#post-1008615 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 18:52:35 +0000 ZombieBullfrogHoller 1008615@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@grizz: Oh, good point! Since I'm sure that's what we'll be talking about Tuesday anyway :P Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-birth-plan-opinions-sound-okay#post-1008607 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 18:49:07 +0000 Boheme 1008607@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Looks great to me! I think you could take out the part about induction since that won't be a concern when you present at labor and delivery. It's something you would discuss with your doctor beforehand. Other than that, looks good! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/my-birth-plan-opinions-sound-okay#post-1008598 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 18:45:04 +0000 ZombieBullfrogHoller 1008598@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Officially two days away from my EDD - woohoo! I have an appointment on that day and want to bring my "birth plan" with to go over with the doctor. Last time I spoke with this doctor (there are like 6 at this practice) he was supportive about my wanting an unmedicated birth, but wasn't much on board with some of the other things I was concerned about (like the constant monitoring - his reply was "it's just velcro - no needles, it doesn't hurt!" lol). I was sort of unprepared then and hesitant to state myself, but now that I'm so close, I've gained some confidence, so I'm going to ask if I can put my pants back on before we discuss these things and try and see if I can't get a better response from him. :)</p> <p>But here it is - I tried to keep it short, to the point, and about things I'm most concerned about. I tried to be respectful and to not come across as untrusting. I want to compromise with the nurses (we're totally bringing them Dunkin Donuts when I go in as a peace offering) and have them on my side, but I have my doubts going in. :S</p> <p>*Disclaimer: I have totally stolen bits and pieces of this plan from the internets, bloggers, and former Bees. I have no shame - they put things better than I can muster at the moment. :P</p> <p>Okay, so what do you think? Should I word it differently/change anything up? I'm going to send it to my doula tonight to critique as well.</p> <p>Birth Preferences</p> <p> Our names are Mrs. &amp; Mr.<br /> Our doula's name is SupahAwesomeDoula</p> <p>We are hoping for a natural childbirth without unnecessary interventions or the use of drugs. We have asked a doula to be present during the birth to help us work towards this. We appreciate your support!</p> <p>This plan represents our preferences; however, I fully understand that labor is unpredictable and, in the event of unforeseen difficulties, it may need to be re-negotiated. I trust my caretakers to make the best decisions for baby's safe delivery. In the exception of an immediate emergency situation, I would request that any procedures, decisions, and risks be discussed with my husband and I so we have full understanding moving forward.</p> <p>Active birth<br /> - I would like the freedom to choose positions, use the shower or bath and walk around in labor as desired.</p> <p> - I am happy to have intermittent external fetal monitoring unless continuous monitoring is medically necessary.</p> <p> - I do not want a routine IV, but am okay with a hep-lock IV as an alternative in case of emergency. I would like to use clear liquids (water, ice, popsicles, etc) for hydration as opposed to intravenous fluids during labor.</p> <p> - I wish to be free of time limits and not have my labor augmented unless in a medical emergency.</p> <p>Induction</p> <p> - If baby and I are well, I would like to go beyond my due date. I am happy to discuss a plan should my pregnancy reach the end of term at 42 weeks.</p> <p>Birth and Soon After</p> <p> -Presuming baby and I are well, we'd like:</p> <p> - To have immediate skin-to skin contact with baby after birth and to begin breastfeeding right away.</p> <p> - For all newborn procedures (weighing and measuring) to wait until I have had time to bond with and begin breastfeeding our baby.</p> <p> - For baby to be given only breast milk - strictly no water or formula.</p> <p> -I would prefer to wait on administering pitocin after delivery unless I need it to control bleeding.</p> <p> - We will not be circumcising baby. </p>