Aa
Birth Plan
So I have to make up a guideline of a birth plan to start talking with my doctor tommorow. I was just hoping people could help me cover all the bases...
C-sec
vaccum
forceps
epidural
laughing gas
Episiotomy
pitoson
fetal monitoring
membrane stripping
breastfeeding
enema
shaving
IV's
I'm just gonna list them and add a comment on my preference than talk with him about it all... just dont wanna miss anything if you guys have more i have missed PLS add!!!
C-sec
vaccum
forceps
epidural
laughing gas
Episiotomy
pitoson
fetal monitoring
membrane stripping
breastfeeding
enema
shaving
IV's
I'm just gonna list them and add a comment on my preference than talk with him about it all... just dont wanna miss anything if you guys have more i have missed PLS add!!!
There is no laughing gas used, at least in the U.S.
Just be flexible. That's my best advice. You won't suddenly be unable to speak during labor. You'll be well able to tell people what you want. Its nice to have your wishes written down, but labor is so variable that you will have to be able to change things on the fly, so to speak.
Just be flexible. That's my best advice. You won't suddenly be unable to speak during labor. You'll be well able to tell people what you want. Its nice to have your wishes written down, but labor is so variable that you will have to be able to change things on the fly, so to speak.
there is laughing gas here in Canada... i'm not sure that's what they call it.... but its some kind of gas you breath in.... and my family has a history of complications so i wanna talk with the doctor about what i would like and what is actually possible.... i think i'm more doing this to calm me down than for him to know lol.... i'm just so nervous and i'm a HUGE control freak :)
You can take eneman and shaving off the list, they don't do them in Canada anymore. Which hospital are you delivering in? Have you received any info from their L & D nurses?
I had a very detailed birth plan with my last.....and then had all sorts of complications.
This time I have an agreement with my doc that we will try and keep everything as natural as possible and that we will discuss any medical interventions if the need arises. The main things I want to avoid this time is episiotomy and vaccuum.
I had a very detailed birth plan with my last.....and then had all sorts of complications.
This time I have an agreement with my doc that we will try and keep everything as natural as possible and that we will discuss any medical interventions if the need arises. The main things I want to avoid this time is episiotomy and vaccuum.
why did you chose to avoid these 2 things? this is my first so this kind of gives me an idea on what i'm getting into... like i said it's more for me than him :)
Its funny you mention that. By far, it seems that people who have the most detailed birth plans often have the most complications!
People who do the best just do exactly as you said: they hope to keep things as natural as possible, but are willing to go with the flow.
Interesting that Canada uses Nitrous oxide (laughing gas). It hasn't been used here for decades. We don't do shaving or enemas either, in most hospitals.
People who do the best just do exactly as you said: they hope to keep things as natural as possible, but are willing to go with the flow.
Interesting that Canada uses Nitrous oxide (laughing gas). It hasn't been used here for decades. We don't do shaving or enemas either, in most hospitals.
I personally think the vagina is meant to stretch and if at all possible should not be cut in labour. However, sometimes it is necessary.
I found vaccum (and forceps) excruciating painful.
I found vaccum (and forceps) excruciating painful.
I worked out my birth plan with my doctor, however I will comment and hopefully help you.
C-sec - What point does your doctor do this? The recovery is long, but personally I'd rather have a C-Section than Vaccum or Forceps delivery.
vaccum - Seen complications with the baby and the vaccum only prolonged the problem and therefor compounded it.
forceps - Read too many cases of lawsuits where the forceps were used and the baby ended up with brain damage from too much pressure used on the skull.
epidural - I'm afraid of things in my spine, but I've watched friends go through from 3cm to 10cm without feeling a single contraction and it went quickly for them.
laughing gas - Not used in the USA
Episiotomy - If the doctor is patient and you have done the keegal exercises this shouldn't be necessary. I only needed 1 stitch with #2 from "tearing" where as I had like 9 stitches with #1 from the Episiotomy. I don't want one with this baby either.
pitocin - used for inducting labor or progressing labor when it has stalled, from my understanding. After some minor research by the DH he and I agreed that Oxytocin seemed to be a better drug.
fetal monitoring - External is standard. Internal they attach things to the baby's scalp and it kinda creeps me out. I don't like the idea, but if that's what it takes to keep the baby safe then so be it.
membrane stripping - Never had it done, only my water broken.
breastfeeding - Enjoyed it, the bonding time is irreplaceable.
enema - didn't need one, didn't do it, and they don't make them routine here in the states.
shaving - they don't do this in the states as routine anymore either (unless you need a C-Section). I forgot to shave with the first 2, I'm trying to not forget to do it myself with this one (normal shaving, nothing extravagant, just legs and bikini)
IV's - At least have a "heplock" which is used as a port for if they need to administer medications or IV Fluids (Ice chips, no matter what is said, is NEVER Enough!)... who ever thought Ice Chips was the cure should've been hung by their toes.
Hope those help.
C-sec - What point does your doctor do this? The recovery is long, but personally I'd rather have a C-Section than Vaccum or Forceps delivery.
vaccum - Seen complications with the baby and the vaccum only prolonged the problem and therefor compounded it.
forceps - Read too many cases of lawsuits where the forceps were used and the baby ended up with brain damage from too much pressure used on the skull.
epidural - I'm afraid of things in my spine, but I've watched friends go through from 3cm to 10cm without feeling a single contraction and it went quickly for them.
laughing gas - Not used in the USA
Episiotomy - If the doctor is patient and you have done the keegal exercises this shouldn't be necessary. I only needed 1 stitch with #2 from "tearing" where as I had like 9 stitches with #1 from the Episiotomy. I don't want one with this baby either.
pitocin - used for inducting labor or progressing labor when it has stalled, from my understanding. After some minor research by the DH he and I agreed that Oxytocin seemed to be a better drug.
fetal monitoring - External is standard. Internal they attach things to the baby's scalp and it kinda creeps me out. I don't like the idea, but if that's what it takes to keep the baby safe then so be it.
membrane stripping - Never had it done, only my water broken.
breastfeeding - Enjoyed it, the bonding time is irreplaceable.
enema - didn't need one, didn't do it, and they don't make them routine here in the states.
shaving - they don't do this in the states as routine anymore either (unless you need a C-Section). I forgot to shave with the first 2, I'm trying to not forget to do it myself with this one (normal shaving, nothing extravagant, just legs and bikini)
IV's - At least have a "heplock" which is used as a port for if they need to administer medications or IV Fluids (Ice chips, no matter what is said, is NEVER Enough!)... who ever thought Ice Chips was the cure should've been hung by their toes.
Hope those help.
i'm trying to go with the idea that i want it as natural as possible... but i want to know the difference between what all these books i read and the REAL deal is... so i'm doing it this way. i already told him that i know that plans change... it's just a guide... as long as the baby and i are healthy and safe in the end... but i have no idea what alot of these are... and i just found out that some of these aren't even done anymore! lol
My birth plan for Joseph was several pages long. The nurses in L & D certainly took the time to be very familiar with it and everyone tried to respect it. It just became useless when the complications started.
I don't believe they use Nitrous at my hospital. I've never been offered it. Have had demoral, and an epidural. Ideally, I am hoping to have nothing this time, but will go with the flow.
I was really starting to get scared about L & D when they started reviewing what went wrong last time. I know I have a great team and a wonderful hospital...so I am just trusting my body and if I need extra help I will be in the right place.
I also have a team of spiritual godmothers for this little one. They all have committed to lighting a candle and praying the entire time I am in labour. Some are family members, some are business acquaintances, some attend church with us, some are family friends. I feel like they are covering me with prayers and positive thoughts. I also think they will be wonderful role models for the baby as she grows. Asking them to do this has given me a sense of peace.
I don't believe they use Nitrous at my hospital. I've never been offered it. Have had demoral, and an epidural. Ideally, I am hoping to have nothing this time, but will go with the flow.
I was really starting to get scared about L & D when they started reviewing what went wrong last time. I know I have a great team and a wonderful hospital...so I am just trusting my body and if I need extra help I will be in the right place.
I also have a team of spiritual godmothers for this little one. They all have committed to lighting a candle and praying the entire time I am in labour. Some are family members, some are business acquaintances, some attend church with us, some are family friends. I feel like they are covering me with prayers and positive thoughts. I also think they will be wonderful role models for the baby as she grows. Asking them to do this has given me a sense of peace.
Labors are so unique and individual, that there is virtually no way to cover everything that could possibly happen. You have the exact right attitude. Keep it natural as you can, but roll with things as they happen. You cannot script labor. It is impossible.
I hope you can quickly post when you go into labor, before going to the hospital! We'll all send you our best thoughts and prayers.
I hope you can quickly post when you go into labor, before going to the hospital! We'll all send you our best thoughts and prayers.
wow thanks! i had no idea about the forceps!!!! wow that's scary. what about the vaccum makes it worse exactly?
i'm learning more and more with this post that i REALLY have NO idea what the hell i'm walking into when i go into labour!!! i'm so scared now.... anyone else got more stories or input on the options
PLS I NEED THEM!!!!
i'm learning more and more with this post that i REALLY have NO idea what the hell i'm walking into when i go into labour!!! i'm so scared now.... anyone else got more stories or input on the options
PLS I NEED THEM!!!!
With all due respect, I've seen many a vacuum and/or forcep delivery. They can be lifesavers if the baby is in severe distress and easily deliverable. It takes far more time to go back for a section in an emergency.
This is not to say they are harmless, but in the right hands and under the right circumstances, they can absolutely save a baby's life.
Forceps are really hardly ever used in the US anymore, though. Its a lost art. I have no idea about Canada.
Episiotomies are also not done much, unless the baby is in distress and has to be pushed out quickly.
If you have an epidural, you have to have a regular IV, not a heplock.
Lily, just know what you prefer, and go with the flow. You MUST trust at some point, rather than try to script every possible scenario.
This is not to say they are harmless, but in the right hands and under the right circumstances, they can absolutely save a baby's life.
Forceps are really hardly ever used in the US anymore, though. Its a lost art. I have no idea about Canada.
Episiotomies are also not done much, unless the baby is in distress and has to be pushed out quickly.
If you have an epidural, you have to have a regular IV, not a heplock.
Lily, just know what you prefer, and go with the flow. You MUST trust at some point, rather than try to script every possible scenario.
Lily these are just based on stories I've heard or read. But then again I am so neurotic I wouldn't let them do a pap smear till I was past 30 weeks because I had heard of the risks of m/c.
With both of my daughters my labor was really difficult because of back labor, with my 2nd one it was really bad and they asked me to sign emergency c-section papers... my husband and the time refused to let me do that... I'm glad in some ways, but know that in others it could've put the baby more at risk.
Also don't forget to cover the after the labor, do you want to hold the baby immediately? Does the dad want to cut the cord? At what point? Do you want them to be telling you and counting the time you are pushing or to listen to your own body? Do you want to be able to walk around throughout the labor and to change positions without having to worry about being bedbound by an epidural (some are "walking epidurals but I'm not familiar with those). Do you want to have the baby room with you? Do you want them to do all the necessary tests there with you in the room or does it matter if they take the baby elsewhere? The questions go on and on.
Here is a few examples of birth plans.
http://www.childbirth.org/articles/birthplans.html
http://www.pregnancy-info.net/writing_birthplan.html
http://www.babyworld.co.uk/information/birth/birth_plan/examples.asp
http://www.mjbovo.com/BirthPlan.htm
Like I said I am working with my doctor to create a mild plan outline. I didn't want to offend people or anything. One of the big things I am insisting on however is holding her immediately after, even before the placenta is delivered, and that all tests are done in our presence. More over another thing I found important was that my teenager was allowed in the room, and that I could choose how loud or quiet the room was and who was there with me. Lastly, I had to kick a nurse out of the room with #2... I couldn't stand her and she made the L&D miserable - I want the ability to decide if a staff member is only making it more difficult on me or not (not that I don't need encouragement but the nurse was just down right mean, especially when going through a back labor baby and not progressing past 9 1/2 cm!)
With both of my daughters my labor was really difficult because of back labor, with my 2nd one it was really bad and they asked me to sign emergency c-section papers... my husband and the time refused to let me do that... I'm glad in some ways, but know that in others it could've put the baby more at risk.
Also don't forget to cover the after the labor, do you want to hold the baby immediately? Does the dad want to cut the cord? At what point? Do you want them to be telling you and counting the time you are pushing or to listen to your own body? Do you want to be able to walk around throughout the labor and to change positions without having to worry about being bedbound by an epidural (some are "walking epidurals but I'm not familiar with those). Do you want to have the baby room with you? Do you want them to do all the necessary tests there with you in the room or does it matter if they take the baby elsewhere? The questions go on and on.
Here is a few examples of birth plans.
http://www.childbirth.org/articles/birthplans.html
http://www.pregnancy-info.net/writing_birthplan.html
http://www.babyworld.co.uk/information/birth/birth_plan/examples.asp
http://www.mjbovo.com/BirthPlan.htm
Like I said I am working with my doctor to create a mild plan outline. I didn't want to offend people or anything. One of the big things I am insisting on however is holding her immediately after, even before the placenta is delivered, and that all tests are done in our presence. More over another thing I found important was that my teenager was allowed in the room, and that I could choose how loud or quiet the room was and who was there with me. Lastly, I had to kick a nurse out of the room with #2... I couldn't stand her and she made the L&D miserable - I want the ability to decide if a staff member is only making it more difficult on me or not (not that I don't need encouragement but the nurse was just down right mean, especially when going through a back labor baby and not progressing past 9 1/2 cm!)
I never did a birth plan--I figured I would go with the flow--my hospital does not do epidurals-so no need for me to worry about that. I was induced with PIT both times--bearable used demoral for the pain when it got to a point of not tolerating it anymore--was able to sleep for about an 1 1/2 after that--woke up and was ready to start pushing--I did lay in a reclining chair on my side for a while insted of the bed...wonderful nurses in labor and delivery--don't worry about offending them they are used to seeing and hearing all sorts of things. I had the vaccuum used on both my sons for they both got stuck on my pubic bone--second son even needed forcep pull--he is just fine and it really did not hurt that bad considering you are already in the final moments of delivery the pain is great at that point anyway and you just want your baby out so anything they can do to get them out is the best thing.
peek
i dont know what i prefer cause this is my first and i dont know all the risks... or what is better for less risk on teh baby and what not.... that's why i wanted to get anything i can off here so i wont waste the doctors time explaining everything to me....
i dont know what i prefer cause this is my first and i dont know all the risks... or what is better for less risk on teh baby and what not.... that's why i wanted to get anything i can off here so i wont waste the doctors time explaining everything to me....
I totally understand and respect your education and experience. As I told Lily the forceps and vaccum is something that I'm totally paranoid about. I don't trust anyone to use their own strength on my baby's head, and that might sound strange. I'd rather they cut me open and take her out (just not to use the same scar that has been used twice now for the appendectomy and my ovary removal!)
i had a friend tell me she was on demoral and she was SO spaced out that she didn't even clue in that her baby was born!!! her DH had to tell her 5 times that they had a baby girl.... and i heard the spinal one can make you numb for days if they do it wrong....
i realize children dont come with a manual but i'm seriously confused on what the hell i'm suppose to be doing and deciding here... all i know is i'm against a C-sec unless a last resort and i want to hold the baby right away and it not leave me... that's all i have been able to figure out!!! 2 things out of like 50+ (or it seems that way)
i realize children dont come with a manual but i'm seriously confused on what the hell i'm suppose to be doing and deciding here... all i know is i'm against a C-sec unless a last resort and i want to hold the baby right away and it not leave me... that's all i have been able to figure out!!! 2 things out of like 50+ (or it seems that way)
The trouble is, under the best of circumstances, if there is severe distress and the baby is on the perineum, it takes about 10, sometimes 15 minutes to get you to the section room, anesthetized, and the baby out. All the while, the baby may not be getting enough oxygen.
A vacuum can be used and the baby out in less than a minute.
I am not saying they are appropriate in every circumstance, nor do I want to scare Lilly! But there is a very useful place for them, in the right hands and circumstance.
A vacuum can be used and the baby out in less than a minute.
I am not saying they are appropriate in every circumstance, nor do I want to scare Lilly! But there is a very useful place for them, in the right hands and circumstance.
The current trend here in Canada is as natural as possible. If you tell your doc that and have a good birth coach to help you when decisions need to be made you will be fine.
Labour is hard and sometimes scary, however, some women breeze through it. My sister in law had very little pain. I have a friend who just had her first. She was in labour for 1.5 hours. She only had to push three times and had two stitches. You could very well have a lovely delivery.
Peek, I agree with you about vaccuum, without it son would not be here. In fact, I am not sure I would have made it either. Forceps are not routinely used here anymore. They were when I had my dd 16 years ago. Of the two, I think vacuum does the least damage to the mother.
By the way, I recently read in a lamaze book that the pain of birth was imagined.....I threw the book across the room and had a big belly laugh.
Labour is hard and sometimes scary, however, some women breeze through it. My sister in law had very little pain. I have a friend who just had her first. She was in labour for 1.5 hours. She only had to push three times and had two stitches. You could very well have a lovely delivery.
Peek, I agree with you about vaccuum, without it son would not be here. In fact, I am not sure I would have made it either. Forceps are not routinely used here anymore. They were when I had my dd 16 years ago. Of the two, I think vacuum does the least damage to the mother.
By the way, I recently read in a lamaze book that the pain of birth was imagined.....I threw the book across the room and had a big belly laugh.
I had demoral with both my daughters. With #1 the doctor gave me a final dose too close to delivery and I couldn't hold her at all, almost dropped her and thankfully mom was there to take her. I was completely aware of what was going on, and sleeping in between contractions with it.
With #2 I again had demoral and I fully remember that birth, the pain, the excitement, and every step of what was going on when I wasn't sleeping. It's a good drug, it takes the edge off a difficult labor and helps to relax without having something stuck in your back (I have had too many spinal taps which is why I don't want an epidural, my back is not cooperative with needles).
And again just look over the samples, see what you like and what you don't, make a note of it and talk to your doctor about it. Remember that the important thing is to be flexible about things.
With #2 I again had demoral and I fully remember that birth, the pain, the excitement, and every step of what was going on when I wasn't sleeping. It's a good drug, it takes the edge off a difficult labor and helps to relax without having something stuck in your back (I have had too many spinal taps which is why I don't want an epidural, my back is not cooperative with needles).
And again just look over the samples, see what you like and what you don't, make a note of it and talk to your doctor about it. Remember that the important thing is to be flexible about things.
We don't use Demerol anymore, either. Nubain or Stadol, mostly. Less risk of respiratory depression in the newborn.
Really? When did that change Peek? LOL see Lily! It's been 15 and 10 years for me and still they change the rules! :oP
You rock Peek, what are the effects of Nubain or Stadol and what are the differences in those and Demoral?
You rock Peek, what are the effects of Nubain or Stadol and what are the differences in those and Demoral?
Demerol is very long acting, and if given too close to delivery time can completely depress the baby's respirations. Not always, but more often than not. Perhaps there are still some places using it, but not in the last 5 places I've worked at across the U.S. Maybe in Canada its still used.
Nubain and Stadol are shorter acting, and that's the advantage. But, with the shorter action, it also wears off faster, and subsequent doses may not work quite as well. I don't see much advantage of either on over the other. They seem about the same.
Demerol was great, and I was sorry to see it go, actually. Used properly and not too late in labor, it was a great medication.
Nubain and Stadol are shorter acting, and that's the advantage. But, with the shorter action, it also wears off faster, and subsequent doses may not work quite as well. I don't see much advantage of either on over the other. They seem about the same.
Demerol was great, and I was sorry to see it go, actually. Used properly and not too late in labor, it was a great medication.
Hmmm Well that throws my plan out the window... I should probably call my Doc and ask if they stopped using it too.
You are reading content posted in the Pregnancy: Birth Plan Community
Get information and tips on how to help you choose the right place to deliver your baby.
Get the facts on how twins and multiples are formed and your chance of carrying more than one baby at a time.
Learn about the risks and benefits of circumcision.
What to expect during the first hours after delivery.
Learn about early screening and test options for your pregnancy.
Learn about testing and treatment for GBS bacterium.
