At my last appointment I brought in the following draft birth plan. That was when the doctor told me about the likely early induction (due to gestational diabetes) and of course now my birth plan will need to change. But I wanted to share my original thoughts.
What is a birth plan and why is it important?
A birth plan is a documented way to communicate how you wish your labor and delivery experience to go. You are letting the medical staff know if there are certain preferences you have, religious needs, and moral obligations. A birth plan also helps empower you to make decisions and be informed about your options during the birth of your child.
Remember that every birth is different, just as every baby is different. Life happens fast and sometimes things do not go per plan. But having these considerations discussed ahead of time helps you and your doctor be on the same page.
When to discuss birth plan with doctor?
It is best to discuss your birth plan with your doctor into your third trimester. You want to be close enough to the end so that any complications are already known (such as gestational diabetes and Strep B test) but with enough time to make changes during the discussion. A good sweet spot of time is 2 months or around 6-8 weeks before due date.
My Bullet Point Birth Plan Checklist
*If no medical complications arise, the following is my birth plan:
During labor
• Allow in delivery room: my spouse, doula, my mother
• Planned delivery: vaginal
• Stay hydrated with clear liquids and ice chips
• Eat and drink as approved by my doctor
• Intermittent fetal monitoring while I’m still mobile
• Heparin or saline lock rather than an IV
• Pain relief: Demerol at first and Epidural when requested and possible
• As few interruptions as possible
• As few vaginal exams as possible
• Hospital staff limited to my own doctor and nurses (no students/residents/interns)
• No labor augmentationDuring delivery
• Not be reclined
• Use foot pedals for support
• Continue Epidural
• Use a mirror to see baby crown
• No forceps usage or vacuum extraction
• No episiotomyImmediately After delivery
• Cut umbilical cord only after it stops pulsating (delayed clamping)
• I would like to see the placenta before it is discarded
• Hold baby and attempt to breastfeedBaby
• Keep baby in my room at all times
• Baby’s medical exam given in my presence and/or my spouse’s presence
• Please don’t give baby formula or a pacifier
• Breastfeed with the help of a lactation specialist
• Baby’s first bath given by myself or my spouse
• Circumcision performed by my doctorIf C-section is necessary
• Exhaust other options first
• My spouse to remain in the room the entire time
• Stay conscious, use epidural
• Explain the surgery as it happens
• Hands free so I can hold the baby immediately
• Breastfeed in the recovery room
Things to consider for your Birth Plan
I was expecting to go into labor naturally and labor at home for as long as I could stand the pain so I could eat and move around and be more comfortable. Being induced means I’ll be strapped to the bed the entire time with the IV full of medication and of course an epidural, cause there’s no way I’m doing pitocin contractions naturally. I was expecting to have the contractions start out bearable and gradually increase, and maybe have my own pain tolerance increase with them, but that won’t be the case with induction. Pitocin contractions come hard and fast, period.
The doctor said they don’t allow you to eat because your stomach needs to be empty should a C-section be necessary. I thought that was due to anesthesia but he said it was because there is a risk you might aspirate if you throw up. Ok, got it, no food. But he said I can have glucose and clear liquids, so Gatorade is going on the packing list.
On a lot of these medical intervention items – like forceps and episiotomy (where they cut you down there if you’re not stretching enough) he said that I gotta trust his judgement. I’d rather have a small tear than a large cut, but sure if that isn’t even possible then yes if necessary, cut. I guess I should add the word “routine” to some of these. Hopefully my doula will be able to help facilitate the conversation so that the doctors and nurses aren’t making decisions without my input.
I’m wanting most of the stuff done to the baby to be at least in my husband’s presence if I’m not able to participate. Hopefully the nurses will allow that. Doctor said I won’t want the baby in my room the entire time, but it is hard to feed on demand when the baby is kept away. I don’t want them to give him formula or a pacifier at least until breastfeeding is established. But I might change my mind as exhausted and out of it as I will be at that time.
I’m also told if I end up having a C-section, I might be in the hospital up to 5 days. That doesn’t sound fun, but again, I might feel differently. I need to check with my insurance and find out the coverage details in that situation.
What were your most important thoughts when writing a birth plan?
Deidre says
I love hearing people’s take on birth plans and having children. I always wonder what goes behind everyone’s decision. Hope you are feeling well and lots of love.
Julie says
Thanks 🙂 There really are a lot of decisions to make and so many details to consider. You’re right that it is interesting to hear other people’s take on the situation.
Jill @ Do Try This at Home says
Oh boy, I do NOT miss those days!!!!! Good luck being able to complete as much of your birth plan as possible. I was able to have my last baby (and I do mean LAST!) without medication, but I ended up with the pitocin too.
Julie says
Ooh you did Pitocin without any meds! I am impressed.
Jill @ Do Try This at Home says
Twice! I did pitocin and no pain killers for my first and third babies. For my son I had an epidural, but I hated it so much that I’d do the pitocin with no pain killers over again twice over an epidural! And I always say I’d do L&D over again twice before I’d do pregnancy again so…I don’t know. If I were better at multiplication I’d…still say NEVER again! 🙂 🙂 🙂 It’s true about it being worth it in the end though. 🙂
Neely (@Neelykins) says
I am always interested with birth plans. I dont have a child yet but I like to know my options
Julie says
It is amazing how many resources you can find online these days. I found a 6 page sample plan on The Bump and added a lot of those ideas to my plan.
Janet says
Oooh the birth plan! Mine was very similar. I had hired a doula and discussed with my doc at every appointment how important it was to try to have natural and preferably unmedicated birth for me. It does feel like with many doctors you are fighting an uphill battle there, since so many births end up in c-sections these days, or with a lot of medical intervention. For one reason or another (seems like it’s always SOMETHING), I too ended up needing pitocin, which led to the epidural, but at the end of the day my birthing experience was just fine and I have a now 13 month old beautiful healthy baby girl. I hope your delivery is smooth and event-free, mama!
Julie says
You’re right that it is always something, you never really can predict how it will go. The important part is you have a healthy baby. Thanks 🙂
Kristin @ MOMentous Moms says
I had a VERY similar birth plan with my daughter and most of it went to plan. I ended up needing Pitocin because my contractions would not even out, they were super irregular but I would definitely in labor. You do need to trust your doctor they know what to do, that’s why you chose them. Good luck with everything. It is going to be amazing no matter how it turns out! (BTW found your post on That’s Fresh Friday!)
Julie says
Was having Pitocin as scary as it sounds? Thanks 🙂 You’re right that it will be an amazing experience no matter what.
Kristin @ MOMentous Moms says
Pitocin was not that bad. I was terrified to start it because I heard the pain would be such much more intense and everything you read. Without getting too graph I made it to 8cm with no epidural on Pitocin. I would have not gotten one at all but I did not know how fast I had progressed and made the mistake of not having them check before giving it to me. You can do it I promise. You get much stronger than you could ever imagine in labor.
Julie says
I sure hope so, because I’m such a wimp right now 🙂
ashley says
Thanks for sharing! We don’t have kids yet, but I’ve always been nervous that my birth plan would have to change at the last minute!
Julie says
From what I’m hearing it sounds like last minute changes are pretty common and normal. So if you like to be in control like I do you’ll also need to learn to “let it go” heh. I’m still working on that.
Jena says
Congrats! I ended up having an emergency c section and all my plans went out the door. The most important thing us you are healthy!
Julie says
Thanks 🙂 you’re right that the most important part is that we’re healthy.
Aisha @ Made With Zeal says
I am sure you will have a beautiful pregnancy! Everyone who i know who has had kids always say they don’t really remember it because once the baby comes its soo good they forget everything else. Congrats on the baby! 🙂
Julie says
Thanks 🙂 You’re right that I probably won’t remember all the details once it is all said and done.
mandy @ a sorta fairytale says
Having given birth twice to two beautiful babies, something I’ve learned is that labor is completely unpredictable!! But regardless of how baby gets here, as long as everyone is safe and healthy, that’s all that matters! Best of luck to you! 🙂
Julie says
You’re right, this is definitely an experience that is unpredictable and things can change super quickly. Thanks 🙂
Gina Lind says
Wishing for you to have a great birth experience but remember that the very most important thing is that baby and mama be healthy. If things do not go as planned, know everything will be done in the best interest of both of you. Also as a mom of six, I recommend letting the nurses have baby at night and bring baby to you to feed. It’s easier to get some sleep if you know baby is being cared for and will be brought to you at feeding time. Blessings to you!
Julie says
Thank you 🙂 Yes, you’re right that the most important thing is that we are both healthy. Gotta learn to go with the flow since things can’t always be predicted or controlled.