I can’t wrap my head around this today folks. It turns out that people feel rather negatively about a birth plan. Yesterday, I placed a comment that Matt and I had completed our first draft of our birth plan and that it was at 1 3/4 pages. Probably after I format it, it will be one page. (This was our homework from class).
To my surprise, most of the comments to that post were negative in nature. Many people felt to just throw away the birth plan. That they didn’t need one. Or they just went along with the nurses. That is totally fine if that works from them, but I’m curious about the negative reaction to just building or having a birth plan.
When people think Birth Plan, I think they think of a woman that comes in with a binder of details. A person who doesn’t realize that some flexibility is needed, and is crushed when things don’t go according to plan. Or maybe people don’t understand that a birth plan covers so much more than the literal birth.
For example, sure my birth plan covers that I want a natural birth – no drugs – no induction. But in the case of c-section (healthy baby healthy mom mantra), I have details on what I want to happen if I HAVE to get one. Outside of that, I feel the most important things are defined. I want Skin to Skin for two hours. I want no visitors during that time. I want Skin to Skin before Pumpkin is washed or taken away. I don’t want a pacifier used at ALL.
Nurses are wonderful, but I’m not okay with leaving choices up to last minute. Especially when I might not be in the best mindset to make decisions. I will go over my Birth Plan with my OB at our next appointment. Based on the reactions on my Facebook page, I wonder if people understand the things they can control.
Here are some models of Birth Plans I used when creating my Birth Plan:
The Bump – has a great multiple choice PDF that basically works through all the stages of labor. It’s long though because of the formatting. So use it as a guide to build yours off of.
BabyCenter has a good multiple choice sheet as well. Little bit less on the details.
Before creating my birth plan I mostly joked it’s actually more of a Birth Flow Chart (programming joke). But really, it should cover your preferences in case of anything happening during labor. The theme is always healthy mom- healthy baby, but there are still ways to make sure things happen as how YOU want it to. On your terms. There is no reason any woman should feel out of control, misunderstood, or upset at her labor. With planning, hospital staff should respect a mom’s wants and try to accomodate as much as they can within the healthy baby- healthy mom mantra.
Thursday, December 20th, 2012, 9:30 am | 
And Baby Makes Three | 
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December 20, 2012 at 12:25 pm
I think having a specific birth plan really depends on your relationship with your doctor and the philosophy of the hospital. For instance, I didn’t need a birth plan because my doctor’s philosophy and the that of the hospitals I gave birth at totally were the same as my own. I was able to hold my babies prior to bathing and I nursed them all immediately upon contact. They were never given a drop of formula or a pacifier and they all stayed with me in my room until we were released. My husband was able to go with the babies to the nursery during their check-ups. I also thought about having a natural delivery, no drugs, but thank God I didn’t have that in writing because the epidural was a life-saver for me. I think that if there is ever a question as to what the hospital nurses or your doc is going to do, then a birth plan might be a good idea.
Carolyn West recently posted..If It’s Vacation, Why Am I Up At 7am?
December 20, 2012 at 4:03 pm
I didn’t get a chance to put together a birthing plan because I was on bed rest at 28 weeks, in the hospital at 33 and c section at 35. I probably should have taken the time to put one together had I been more knowledgeable.
Jennifer Willey recently posted..Monsters Inc., 3D!
December 20, 2012 at 9:05 pm
I had never heard of birth plans before. Really interesting
Shelby Barone recently posted..Sears #styleSurprise Twitter Party 12/18
December 21, 2012 at 1:09 am
My birth plan wasn’t really detailed. It was more like: breastfeeding baby, please do not give formula. That was pretty much it LOL
pattie cordova recently posted..OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party Tickets {GIVEAWAY} | @OCFair #NYE
December 21, 2012 at 10:28 am
People just love to criticize other people’s family decisions. It begins early and it doesn’t matter what you do – SOMEONE will take it upon herself (it’s usually another woman) and let you know you’re DOING IT WRONG. I wish more people (usually women) would just accept that we are all different and what is right for you may not be right for me – and if you want advice or an opinion you’ll ask for it. Sheesh.
Anyway – good for you for having a plan and congratulations! This is an exciting time!
Donna recently posted..What happens in the Olive Garden Stays in the Olive Garden
December 21, 2012 at 7:17 pm
I agree with above. Someone will
December 21, 2012 at 7:18 pm
Always criticize your choices as a parent. When you truly come into yourself is the ability to ignore the criticism and to trust in your decisions.