Birth plans: to write or not to write... That is the question.

**MRR1006** · 17-06-2012 23:13

Ok so the title pretty much sums up my question.

Everywhere I read people are going on about writing a 'birth plan'. My midwife even asked me at my last appointment.
A couple of people I have talked to have said they wrote one but it never got used and others said they never bothered because quite frankly when you're in the middle of labour you're not gunna be thinking about that piece of paper in your bag that has everything specifically organized.

So just wanted some opinions on if my fellow BHers have written and used their birth plan and of so what you included in it.

Side note. I'm due in 3 days haha

**Piffle** · 17-06-2012 23:23

I like birth plans except when they are crazy specific and rigid. Mine was more vague birth guidelines in case I suddenly forgot everything upon going into labour. It was only a few lines long like:

- try to labour at home as long as possible before going in.
- try tens machine, water injections, massage etc in labour initially for pain relief as hoping to avoid more full on interventions.
- hopefully try for active vaginal labour.
- hubby to cut cord.

Literally that was about as detailed as it was. Although quite vague I still think its helpful, someone else's may have included "epidural as soon as possible, no men in birthing room" etc or similar.

**headoverfeet** · 17-06-2012 23:38

I prefer the term preferences

I didn't write one the first time (big mistake) didn't need to the 2&3rd time as I had a homebirth and I knew my midwife knew my choices the 3rd time it was an unassisted birth so yeah not needed!

**Minchi** · 17-06-2012 23:40

I didn't have one either, I just went with the flow and told them what i did and didn't want.. and they went with that.

**northern** · 17-06-2012 23:48

I had one, just a template I downloaded with boxes to tick, no great detail.

I think the value of a birth plan is it encourages you to investigate and research the options and possibilities. Maybe it should be re-named.

one box said do i want morphine? So i looked up morphine and learned about it. So when it was offered I knew exactly what was being offered.

My birth plan was not looked at once by the delivering midwives, i don't even know where it was in the labour suite. My birth did not go to 'plan' and I had a C section. I'm fine with that.

But I'm glad I wrote a birth plan.

**drewid** · 18-06-2012 06:59

Mine was just, labour at home as long as possible, no drugs, have a baby.

I'm a go with the flow person, and had talked with DH about it all, so felt assured to make decisions on the fly if anything was to go awry.

**RubySunrise** · 18-06-2012 07:43

I wrote a pretty intense on for dd, cause I did a hypnobirthing course and that's the way I wanted to birth.

Then dd was late and I got induced (4 attempts) and the birth plan went out the window.

This time, I haven't decided. I have def decided I'm not going to be induced unless medically necessary and want a water birth. So thinking of just saying these things instead...?

IMO if your normally a planner, writing a birth plan is what you'd do.
If your a person who normally goes with the flow, then you might not consider it.
But I think for your first, it's good to have the basics down.

**Hollywood** · 18-06-2012 07:49

I had a basic one with DD and they did refer to it. It was more about preferences but allowed for flexibility.

**Bubs'n'Roses** · 18-06-2012 07:57

I wrote mine with "this is a plan, I am aware of changes and interventions that may be absolutely neccessary and will discuss other options upon the situation arises, however this is my plan should everything be normal."

I then indicted NO EPIDURAL, NO PETHIDINE, GAS ONLY and wrote down the name of a doctor that I absolutely refuse to have anything to do with due to him being totally unprofessional at my last birth. I also wrote that should I be unable to communicate for whatever reason that my husband was allowed to voice my choices on my behalf.

**Jenga** · 18-06-2012 08:34

I like what the pp mentioned about it making you look into things and think about what you would like. I'm due in 4 weeks and I don't have a written plan but my ob knows what I would like & my DH knows what I do and don't want so I don't think a written plan is necessary for me. In saying that I am happy to go with the flow & if my ob (who i trust) feels an induction or c-sec is necessary i will take his advice. I was induced last birth without any further intervention. Good luck for your birth.