[starfish225]

I've been looking at websites to prepare for labor and a lot of them bring up the topic of birth plans.. I was wondering for those of you who have had kids before, did you make a birth plan? Did it work? i.e. Did your doctor and the hospital staff respect your wishes? Any input would be great. Thanks Ladies!!!!

[TG314]

I think birth plans are great -- just know that anything could happen and your birth plan could be out the window. But it is important to think about some of these things before you are in the situation where you have to make a split decision. Making a birth plan can allow you to do some research on things like epidurals, assorted other painkillers, etc.

I had a birth plan -- I wanted to go natural, but that got chucked out the window when I started to throw up with every contraction and after several hours was too exhausted to hardly push and ended up with an epidural -- something else I didn't want. I knew the risks though before I signed the paper because of my birth plan. It all ended well (dd was born shortly after the epidural, happy and healthy) and know I would get another epidural if necessary.

[.H.e.a.t.h.e.r.]

I dont need one because my doctor has asked me about my opinions on everything in the birth plan and written it on my file.

[Admin-Rachel]

I don't have one, but I'm planning on putting one together soon.

[coffeemom]

I made one up even though I'm having a section. Mine just included things like type of milk I want Ethan on, because of milk allergies that I went through with Christopher I want him put on Lactofree. I want to be the first to feed Ethan, not the nurses. And that I would like some type of pain meds given when he is circumcised.

[Mod-Karen]

My midwife is coming to my house at 37/38 weeks to help me with mine. I was talking about it with my SIL last week and she said they ask you what sort of music you want and what your going to wear as well as the usual stuff about pain relief and what you want to do afterwards, Im looking forward to doing mine.

[_Brandy_]

I think they work. You out things in there that basically say what you do and don't want that are 'normal' or 'routine' things that usually happen in hospital.

For example, a lot of places automatically give you an IV, they don't ask if you want one. A lot automatically draw blood from you. A lot routinely give the baby Vit K injections, antibiotics in the eyes, a shot of pitocin in moms' thigh. All these things don't have to happen, but generally do. You can delay these, you can opt out, but if it isn't written down, you may forget at that moment...

[MommaDucks]

wow, i havent even thought about a plan....