Birthing plan... where to start?

[TheeMothership]

I know what I want and don't want to happen... Getting it all down is a whole different story!!! The layouts I've found are scattered, want one that has everything in order but also prioritized... How did you do yours or is there a website or something that stood out and helped you the most?

[soccermomma84]

I did mine like a list from the how I wanted my labor to go to how I wanted the delivery to go. Kind of a start to finish. And I agree that saying a birth plan is useless. That's so obsurd. I used a birth plan with my last pregnancy. They scan it into the system so wwhoever comes on as my nurse will see it before entering my room. You have to be your own advocat! It's your birth... don't be afraid to say no.. or you don't like this or that. Stay in control

[LoveCake98]

My OB office gave me a nice checklist style birthplan. It was very easy to use and they followed it.  They didn't insist on it but the format was great.  Agree w/geek mom.  Do a plan and decide what you want.  You'll feel more confident that way.  If you go in there wanting to be managed--you will be managed according to doctor preference.  Educate yourself so you know what you want.  An open mind is a great attitude but it's not a sub for research & a plan.  I gave birth during snowstorm & midwife unavailable.  Doc was great but initially wanted to break my water.  I just told her that wasn't my plan & we worked it out & got along great.  The L&D nurse was the best.  Those RNs know what's going on!

[love_being_his_mrs]

I love birth plans because it's NOT "it has to go exactly like this" - it makes you think about your options :) Check out earth mama angel baby website for a great template that makes it for you!

[ShalaneMarie]

I have an open mind but think having a birth plan is a must considering I want certain things like no epiosomy direct skin to skin after bab y is born and to have him be measured after bonding for after hr. No pacifiers or bottles. Dark quiet room when I am in active labor no students or resident involved in my labor. Cord clamping saving my placenta. This is my birth not the drs. They shall respect my wishes. However my birth plan is based on circumstances.  And i will listen to any medical advice that is given that does not abide by the plan.

[GeekMom1213]

Ummmm... my birth plan with my first was exactly what I wanted and exactly what I got. My midwife listened to me when we talked about it and followed my requests. She did not offer medication at any point, and did not listen when I asked for something to take the edge off - because she knew I didn't really mean it, or need it. She did not insist on an IV when I refused it. She supported my perineum. She allowed me to push for as long as I needed to without pushing me into more invasive interventions. She let me get in and out of the tub as I wanted and helped me to position myself however I was comfortable. I did not see a doctor until my son's pediatrician came to check him out the next morning. Everything I requested was done the way I requested it. If I hadn't had a birth plan I would have been at a serious disadvantage as far as self-advocacy. It worked for me.
Saying "birth plans are pointless" is just another way of surrendering your choices for the birth of your child, one of the most transformative experiences in life. If you want someone else to be in charge, if you want to let a doctor cut you and drag your baby out with forceps and drug you so you stay quiet and make it easy for them - that's your choice. I had a birth plan so it wouldn't happen to me. And I had an amazing and empowering experience. It was worth it, absolutely.
I can't remember the websites I used to template mine, though - sorry I can't help! But talk to your provider. Keep lines of communication open. Talk about what you want, over and over again. It's an evolving conversation and requires trust to uphold it. You can do it. Good luck!

[mummainoz]

I agree. My dr said the best birthplan was an openmind and all my friends told me to just do whatever you need to do at the time. Best advice I got. Will be doing the same this time.

[KnCarroll87]

I used the birth plan from the bump.com. Even if you don't think you will stick to it, I still recommend looking over it. There are so many options that I didn't know where available until I read options on a birth plan. It also gives you a heads up on questions you might be asked that you never thought about. It will help give you time to research.  One question was "do you want the cord to stop pulsating before cutting it?". I'm a first timer and didn't know this was an option. I have my detailed birth plan but I am also ready to do whatever the DR. Thinks is necessary for a healthy delivery for baby and I.

[TheeMothership]

Have you ever told your partner what you wanted?! Lol when does that ever work!!!

[jess56m]

Birth plans are pointless just tell partner whst u want

[Lilmummyems]

I agree I've had birth plans but I don't know that anybody ever looked at them- as long as your partner or whoever is going to be with you during the birth fully knows your wishes! Or can relay what your trying to tell the midwife!

[isaknhenrysmama]

Birth plans are pointless.  Birth never goes according to the plan. Your best bet is to have a midwife or a doula. In the room with you that knows what you want and can relay it to staff and Dr. But just know most times the birth plan goes out the window. Good luck.

[Dacelc]

Check out thebump.com
They have a very specific birthing plan. From delivery, to nursery. Everything you could want and do NOT want to happen. It free to download and print, or even hand write it from the site. It's what I used.

[TheeMothership]

Bump

[ShalaneMarie]

I've been having the same problem:(