[BeccaBoo88]

Hey ladies,

I just hit 30 weeks today, and my app has in its to-do section - 'Write up your birth plan'

I am wondering, has anyone done this yet? Have you done it for a previous pregnancy?
Did you stick to it? What did you include?

I am a little stuck and I LOVE lists and plans so would like to have one, but not sure where to start! I found some templates online, but they don't really suit my needs, so not sure if I need one at all??

[BBV]

I haven't done one yet but would like to. I'm waiting for our antenatal classes, which will hopefully equip us with an example or a better idea about choices we need to make. My friend shared hers with me which was very useful.

[zackcat]

I haven't done one! Not sure what goes in one or the format really?

I'm doing the CalmBirth course in 2 weeks time, so maybe that will help me know what to put in it.

[BeccaBoo88]

Ah, good idea BBV! My classes start this afternoon. I am hoping to learn more then!

[Emmaleee]

I probably wont have a very formal birth plan as i knid of think that however it happens it happens- I am however a little scared of the thought of an epidural. We've had 2 of our classes (one was breastfeeding), got another 2 to go. The breastfeeding one was especailly good, it gave me some ideas to start thinking about, things like wether DH wants to cut the cord, who we will want to visit straight after the birth (we'll probably say only grandparents for the first 24-48 hours so we dont get inundated with nieces and nephews etc), who does baby's first bath, skin-on-skin time, etc.... not so much about the actual labour but other things we would like around the time.

[lozoodle]

No I don't have a plan as such, and never have.

I have preferences though.

Just little things such as I'd like to use no drugs
Who I'd like in the room
Who I'd like to cut the cord
At what point I'm willing to have visitors
etc

I tend to go with the flow, but its good to have a few firm ideas in mind of the sort of things you want. I'm hesitant to write a full on plan because things wont always go to plan and I think that can cause unnecessary stress and disapointment.

[redmum77]

I think we have a thread on this from a little while ago - and can I suggest now that we ask for only our due in group members to post? So it doesn't get out of hand! Sounds silly maybe but it can be a point of disagreement.

The birth centre I'm in gave me a birth plan form to fill in, with all the basics and important bits, so that's good. I personally think they are very helpful, even if it's just the process of thinking things through rather than demanding one course of action when there are so many unknowns.

Check out that old thread

[DomesticDivinity]

I'm not doing one.

The only thing that I would write on one would be "give birth to healthy baby" - I just think there is far too much that you cannot control and if you go into it thinking that you can control every aspect you may be setting your self up for failure.

[WithSprinkles]

I wrote one with my OB and found it to be very useful for when it actually came time to give birth. I wrote things like:

Birth partner's name
Would prefer to have limited monitoring if medically possible to allow me to move around.
Would like tp use natural pain relief methods such as bath/shower, massage, different positions. Would prefer to labour without medications but will request gas and/or epidural if needed.
Would prefer to avoid an episidiotomy unless medically indicated for baby or natural tearing is likely to result in a worse outcome.
Would like local anasthetic if stitching is required.
Would prefer for baby to be given directly to me for skin to skin time after birth before weighing etc (if I am not medically stable would prefer partner to be given baby).
If an emergency C-section is necessary, I would prefer a screen to be in place so I cannot see myself being cut open. Would prefer partner to be given baby directly after birth.

ETA: sorry I should have read where this was posted!! Didn't realize it was a DIG

This post has been edited by VanillaIcecream: 14/01/2013, 12:23 PM

[Cloria]

I don't have one but I do have a vague plan to make one.

Here's a question - what are people planning on DOING with it when you get to the hospital? Hand it to someone? Stick it somewhere? Read it out to someone?