Advice on Birth Plan

Eternal · Nov 1st, 2009, 17:00 PM

Just added this to someones thread about wanting sample birth plans, but wanted some advice is its ok or too long or whatever.

Also have no idea about interventions like forceps or that other thing (begining with V?) so any advice with advantages there would be appreciated.

Birth Plan for the Herschell family

Mother's first and last name: Jo-Anne Herschell (Known as Jo)
Father's first and last name: Kevin Herschell (Birth Companion)
Due Date: 8th December 2009
Desired Birth Location: Montrose Birthing Centre
If needed to be transferred to Hospital at any point: Aberdeen Maternity Hospital

Labour and Delivery

Environment
I would like Dim Lights
Quiet Music
Aromatherapy Oils
Wear my own clothes
OK to have training medical staff observe labour & birth

Mobility during Labour
I would like to keep active during labour if possible (walking, birth ball, etc.)

Relaxation and Comfort during Labour
Massage
Bath / Shower
Ball
Hot towels
Water birth

Facilities
I wish to use the Birthing pool for my Labour and Birth

Position(s) for Labour & Birth
I am open to any suggestions of position/s for Labour and Birth, however I wish to use the Birthing Pool to do the majority of my Labouring and for delivery.

Foetal Monitoring
I am happy to have Intermittent monitoring as deemed necessary by midwives/medical staff.

Vaginal / Cervix Examinations
I am happy for examinations as deemed necessary by medical staff

Pain Relief
Offer as soon as possible

Medical Pain Relief Options
Gas / Air – Preferred Option of Pain Relief
Pethidine – Would prefer to do without this as I reacted (vomiting) badly in the past to Morphine based drugs. However would consider as option if not coping with just gas and air but would request to be given anti-sickness drugs first.
Epidural - I understand I will not be able to receive this at Montrose, however if I am transferred to hospital I would like to be offered it at this point.

Birth pool
In intend to use the birth pool and hope that this will help me with mobility and pain relief during labour and delivery.
It is important that the pool temperature is comfortable for me so, I would like the water temperature monitored to ensure it is a reasonable temperature. I understand that I would probably want a cooler temperature during the first stage of labour, and warmer - nearer blood temperature - for the second stage.
I would like to have a water birth if possible and would appreciate your support in encouraging me to give birth underwater.

Rupturing of the amniotic sac
I am happy for the amniotic sac to be ruptured if necessary.

Episiotomy
I do not want an episiotomy unless there is an emergency situation
I would like an episiotomy to reduce the risk of tearing

Immediately following delivery
Midwife to announce the sex of the baby
I want baby placed on my chest immediately after birth
Please delay cord clamping and cutting until pulsating ceases
Kevin would like the option to cut the cord
I would like to hold the baby while the placenta is delivered
I do not want an injection to assist with placenta delivery unless I am having problems delivering the placenta or it taking more than 40 minutes
I would like the baby to be examined in my presence
If the baby cannot be examined in my presence, I would like Kevin to remain with the baby at all times

Transfer
If I am needed to be Transferred at any point I would want my Husband to come with me in the Ambulance.

Induction
I am Happy to be induced if needed
I am open to all methods of induction i.e. Cervical gel, Pitocin or rupturing the amniotic sac

Assisted Delivery
If additional medical assistance is required for the birth then I am happy for the Midwife or medical staff use whatever interventions they deem necessary at the time.

Caesarean
In the event that a caesarean section is deemed necessary, I would like the following:
Kevin would not come to theatre
After I have seen baby and baby cleaned to be taken to Kevin
Kevin to stay with baby

Baby Care

Feeding Baby
I wish to breastfeed, but formula supplementation is acceptable
If I feel unable to breastfeed then I wish to formula feed

Vitamin K
I would like my baby to have the single injection of Vitamin K

Length of stay in hospital
I would like to have as short a stay as possible in hospital

In the event that baby requires special care due to trauma or illness
I would like to breastfeed/pump breast milk
Birth-partner will accompany baby if transferred to another hospital
I would like to be transferred to baby's hospital

DizzyMoo · Nov 1st, 2009, 17:21 PM

Being perfectly honest hun , I'd say quite a bit of what you have wrote isn't really needed or it could be put under the same heading. I think it is to long but this is just my opinion, A birth plan is mainly a guide not a plan as such.

I just can't see a midwife sitting there reading all that, Tbh during labour if your able to communicate then you will be asked about xyz happening they wont refer to your birth plan. My birth plan is half the size with just 3 headings & bullet points underneath, There is no need to write certain things in imo.
This is just my opinion though hun xx

Eternal · Nov 1st, 2009, 17:34 PM

yeah i was thinking it was quite long! but seeing some that were like 4 pages thought i would maybe need it :S MW said that its good to put it down as i prob wont be all that with it in the mist of labour lol!

Think i will try to cut it down, think i am supposed to meet with the birth centre to discuss and will take along with me and get some advice. Thanks so much x

redpoppy · Nov 2nd, 2009, 04:53 AM

I think it depends on you and what it's for and who's reading it.

I think at a birth centre they tend to be a bit more careful about the birth plan but again, sometimes they can ignore longer ones.

If its a guide for your birth partner then you need to have everything written down so they know what your wishes are.

And it can also be for yourself.

However, most guides tell you to keep birth plans for medical staff down to the bare bones as many aren't going to bother reading through pages of things.

That's where your birthing partner comes in handy! To Enforce all the other things.

staycutee · Nov 2nd, 2009, 05:11 AM

like the other ladies have said i would try and keep it as short and to the point as possible, so the main "points" are really clear. otherwise they will have to read it all everytime they wanna find a certain little bit. saying that i now think mine it too long as well!xx

third time · Nov 2nd, 2009, 05:13 AM

I think it's probably too long and somethings you'll be able to tell them anyway. Here is mine

Birth Plan: Amy Kate Davies
Birthing Partner: Glyn Davies (Husband)
Due Date: 8th November 2009
Stepping Hill Hospital
27/10/2009
Labour
I would like to be free to walk, change positions and use the bathroom as needed.
I would rather have an episiotomy than risk a tear.
I do not mind observation by students, interns or staff.
Pain Relief
I would like to try and give birth using only gas and air, and the birthing pool. However, if I feel this isn't enough I would like Remifentanil. I would like to avoid an epidural and do not want Pethidine at all.
Caesarean Section Delivery
I feel very strongly that I would like to avoid a Caesarean delivery unless absolutely necessary.
Immediately after the birth
Glyn would like the option to cut the cord.
I would like to have the injection to aid the delivery of the placenta.
I am happy for my Baby to have Vitamin K administered by injection.
Breastfeeding
I plan to breastfeed rather than use formula.

Hope that is some help

suzib76 · Nov 2nd, 2009, 05:19 AM

i am just putting on mine that i want to be able to make decisions as i go along, depending on how i feel -
when i had jack the anethestist couldnt get the epidural in and i was refused pethadine as it said on my birth plan i didnt want it (plan written on assumption of getting epidural if needed)
in the end i had nothing as the evil witch midwife took my boody gas and air away, but i it has taught me a lot about how i want this labour to go lol

Nov 1st, 2009, 17:00 PM	#1
Eternal Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Swansea, Wales Posts: 6,624	Advice on Birth Plan Just added this to someones thread about wanting sample birth plans, but wanted some advice is its ok or too long or whatever. Also have no idea about interventions like forceps or that other thing (begining with V?) so any advice with advantages there would be appreciated. Birth Plan for the Herschell family Mother's first and last name: Jo-Anne Herschell (Known as Jo) Father's first and last name: Kevin Herschell (Birth Companion) Due Date: 8th December 2009 Desired Birth Location: Montrose Birthing Centre If needed to be transferred to Hospital at any point: Aberdeen Maternity Hospital Labour and Delivery Environment I would like Dim Lights Quiet Music Aromatherapy Oils Wear my own clothes OK to have training medical staff observe labour & birth Mobility during Labour I would like to keep active during labour if possible (walking, birth ball, etc.) Relaxation and Comfort during Labour Massage Bath / Shower Ball Hot towels Water birth Facilities I wish to use the Birthing pool for my Labour and Birth Position(s) for Labour & Birth I am open to any suggestions of position/s for Labour and Birth, however I wish to use the Birthing Pool to do the majority of my Labouring and for delivery. Foetal Monitoring I am happy to have Intermittent monitoring as deemed necessary by midwives/medical staff. Vaginal / Cervix Examinations I am happy for examinations as deemed necessary by medical staff Pain Relief Offer as soon as possible Medical Pain Relief Options Gas / Air – Preferred Option of Pain Relief Pethidine – Would prefer to do without this as I reacted (vomiting) badly in the past to Morphine based drugs. However would consider as option if not coping with just gas and air but would request to be given anti-sickness drugs first. Epidural - I understand I will not be able to receive this at Montrose, however if I am transferred to hospital I would like to be offered it at this point. Birth pool In intend to use the birth pool and hope that this will help me with mobility and pain relief during labour and delivery. It is important that the pool temperature is comfortable for me so, I would like the water temperature monitored to ensure it is a reasonable temperature. I understand that I would probably want a cooler temperature during the first stage of labour, and warmer - nearer blood temperature - for the second stage. I would like to have a water birth if possible and would appreciate your support in encouraging me to give birth underwater. Rupturing of the amniotic sac I am happy for the amniotic sac to be ruptured if necessary. Episiotomy I do not want an episiotomy unless there is an emergency situation I would like an episiotomy to reduce the risk of tearing Immediately following delivery Midwife to announce the sex of the baby I want baby placed on my chest immediately after birth Please delay cord clamping and cutting until pulsating ceases Kevin would like the option to cut the cord I would like to hold the baby while the placenta is delivered I do not want an injection to assist with placenta delivery unless I am having problems delivering the placenta or it taking more than 40 minutes I would like the baby to be examined in my presence If the baby cannot be examined in my presence, I would like Kevin to remain with the baby at all times Transfer If I am needed to be Transferred at any point I would want my Husband to come with me in the Ambulance. Induction I am Happy to be induced if needed I am open to all methods of induction i.e. Cervical gel, Pitocin or rupturing the amniotic sac Assisted Delivery If additional medical assistance is required for the birth then I am happy for the Midwife or medical staff use whatever interventions they deem necessary at the time. Caesarean In the event that a caesarean section is deemed necessary, I would like the following: Kevin would not come to theatre After I have seen baby and baby cleaned to be taken to Kevin Kevin to stay with baby Baby Care Feeding Baby I wish to breastfeed, but formula supplementation is acceptable If I feel unable to breastfeed then I wish to formula feed Vitamin K I would like my baby to have the single injection of Vitamin K Length of stay in hospital I would like to have as short a stay as possible in hospital In the event that baby requires special care due to trauma or illness I would like to breastfeed/pump breast milk Birth-partner will accompany baby if transferred to another hospital I would like to be transferred to baby's hospital

Status: Offline

Nov 1st, 2009, 17:21 PM	#2
DizzyMoo Mum (Mom) Inactive Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 5,902	Being perfectly honest hun , I'd say quite a bit of what you have wrote isn't really needed or it could be put under the same heading. I think it is to long but this is just my opinion, A birth plan is mainly a guide not a plan as such. I just can't see a midwife sitting there reading all that, Tbh during labour if your able to communicate then you will be asked about xyz happening they wont refer to your birth plan. My birth plan is half the size with just 3 headings & bullet points underneath, There is no need to write certain things in imo. This is just my opinion though hun xx

Status: Offline

Nov 1st, 2009, 17:34 PM	#3
Eternal Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Swansea, Wales Posts: 6,624	yeah i was thinking it was quite long! but seeing some that were like 4 pages thought i would maybe need it :S MW said that its good to put it down as i prob wont be all that with it in the mist of labour lol! Think i will try to cut it down, think i am supposed to meet with the birth centre to discuss and will take along with me and get some advice. Thanks so much x

Status: Offline

Nov 2nd, 2009, 04:53 AM	#4
redpoppy Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 3,575	I think it depends on you and what it's for and who's reading it. I think at a birth centre they tend to be a bit more careful about the birth plan but again, sometimes they can ignore longer ones. If its a guide for your birth partner then you need to have everything written down so they know what your wishes are. And it can also be for yourself. However, most guides tell you to keep birth plans for medical staff down to the bare bones as many aren't going to bother reading through pages of things. That's where your birthing partner comes in handy! To Enforce all the other things.

Status: Offline

Nov 2nd, 2009, 05:11 AM	#5
staycutee Mum (Mom) Chat Happy BnB Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: London Posts: 2,166	like the other ladies have said i would try and keep it as short and to the point as possible, so the main "points" are really clear. otherwise they will have to read it all everytime they wanna find a certain little bit. saying that i now think mine it too long as well!xx

Status: Offline

Nov 2nd, 2009, 05:13 AM	#6
third time Mum (Mom) Chat Happy BnB Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Stockport, UK Posts: 1,420	I think it's probably too long and somethings you'll be able to tell them anyway. Here is mine Birth Plan: Amy Kate Davies Birthing Partner: Glyn Davies (Husband) Due Date: 8th November 2009 Stepping Hill Hospital 27/10/2009 Labour I would like to be free to walk, change positions and use the bathroom as needed. I would rather have an episiotomy than risk a tear. I do not mind observation by students, interns or staff. Pain Relief I would like to try and give birth using only gas and air, and the birthing pool. However, if I feel this isn't enough I would like Remifentanil. I would like to avoid an epidural and do not want Pethidine at all. Caesarean Section Delivery I feel very strongly that I would like to avoid a Caesarean delivery unless absolutely necessary. Immediately after the birth Glyn would like the option to cut the cord. I would like to have the injection to aid the delivery of the placenta. I am happy for my Baby to have Vitamin K administered by injection. Breastfeeding I plan to breastfeed rather than use formula. Hope that is some help

Status: Offline

Nov 2nd, 2009, 05:19 AM	#7
suzib76 Pregnant (Expecting) BnB Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 4,693	i am just putting on mine that i want to be able to make decisions as i go along, depending on how i feel - when i had jack the anethestist couldnt get the epidural in and i was refused pethadine as it said on my birth plan i didnt want it (plan written on assumption of getting epidural if needed) in the end i had nothing as the evil witch midwife took my boody gas and air away, but i it has taught me a lot about how i want this labour to go lol

Status: Offline

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