https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/ Copyright (c) 2006-2013 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 04:52:00 +0000 Tue, 18 Apr 2006 22:24:01 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.05 360 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=2148 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/ https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40293&title=birth-plans#40293 Author: caitlynsmygirl
Subject: 2148
Posted: 18 April 2006 at 10:24pm

whew! dont think u'll be in the same position as me then cos sounds like ur ORGANISED unlike ...myself

i asked my friend (well demanded) that i borrow her underwear and she was like "but but ull get blood on them" traitor.(hehe) ]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2006 22:24:01 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40293&title=birth-plans#40293 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40288&title=birth-plans#40288 Author: jax
Subject: 2148
Posted: 18 April 2006 at 9:10pm

I'm sorry Annie, can I blame the pain I've had for me being such a grumpy bitch?

And caitlynsmygirl, I've given Rols a copy of the list LOL So he has promised to double check for me ! ]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2006 21:10:02 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40288&title=birth-plans#40288 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40287&title=birth-plans#40287 Author: mum2paris
Subject: 2148
Posted: 18 April 2006 at 9:08pm

lol, mike was a bit unsure about it, not really wanting to do it, but he did. later on he was like "oooh THAT WAS SO GROSS, it was like cutting chicken skin and grissle! YUCK!" i was pretty sure that he would cut Ayja's but he did.. this time he even knew how to do it so he didn't have to hack at it"" (so he says) oh how wonderful. lol]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2006 21:08:19 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40287&title=birth-plans#40287 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40258&title=birth-plans#40258 Author: lizzle
Subject: 2148
Posted: 18 April 2006 at 5:49pm

Lewis was a bit iffy with Jake. I said gtohim, how about we wait and see. If you don't want to, my m/w can. However he did it and was so proud. He told everyone. When i made my birth plan with Taine, he said "ooooooh, i wanna cut the cord again!!!"]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2006 17:49:13 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40258&title=birth-plans#40258 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40247&title=birth-plans#40247 Author: caitlynsmygirl
Subject: 2148
Posted: 18 April 2006 at 5:33pm

i cut my friends babies cord and it was really ...chewy? dunno if thats how to describe it-tough, gristely (if thats even a word) ..ha and no-i cut it with scissors,not ma teeth!

Jax i just remembered something important for ur birth plan -double check ur labour bag before u go ...i didnt and i forgot UNDERWEAR!!!!yuck!!!!]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2006 17:33:10 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40247&title=birth-plans#40247 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40240&title=birth-plans#40240 Author: robyn
Subject: 2148
Posted: 18 April 2006 at 5:00pm

Darron didnt want to and I was cool with that, I knew I wouldnt want to cut it either cos to me its kind of gross but he didnt really get a choice and they just assumed he would and put the scissors in his hand and he didnt want to say no.]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2006 17:00:24 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40240&title=birth-plans#40240 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40234&title=birth-plans#40234 Author: 98765
Subject: 2148
Posted: 18 April 2006 at 4:42pm

Toni - Ben didn't want to either but i really wanted him to so me and midwife had a little plan to give him the scissors and then pretend to do something else so he had to do it and it worked haha]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2006 16:42:40 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40234&title=birth-plans#40234 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40233&title=birth-plans#40233 Author: 98765
Subject: 2148
Posted: 18 April 2006 at 4:41pm

hey Emma Jacks cord was too short as well and his head only just reached out of the water so ben had to cut it before i cud have a proper hold]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2006 16:41:00 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40233&title=birth-plans#40233 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40206&title=birth-plans#40206 Author: fattartsrock
Subject: 2148
Posted: 18 April 2006 at 3:07pm

Sorry Jax Like I said, just my *2 cents*..]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2006 15:07:57 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40206&title=birth-plans#40206 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40179&title=birth-plans#40179 Author: Two Blondinis
Subject: 2148
Posted: 18 April 2006 at 1:39pm

ohh quick question Emma... Did you get to cut Maya's cord?
Hubby has refused (long story) and my Mum is a bit uneasy - I think I'd like to do it if I can]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2006 13:39:32 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40179&title=birth-plans#40179 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40133&title=birth-plans#40133 Author: Maya
Subject: 2148
Posted: 18 April 2006 at 10:26am

LOL Trish you reminded me - I had to cut Maya's cord before I could hold her coz it was so short (must have been all up inside still)that when the midwife tried to pass her tome it didn't reach!]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2006 10:26:38 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40133&title=birth-plans#40133 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40115&title=birth-plans#40115 Author: AnnaD
Subject: 2148
Posted: 18 April 2006 at 9:03am

I had no birth plan. The only thing that I was adamant about was that I did not want an episiotomy. If it looked like I was going to tear, I wanted it left to tear.

I also said that I wanted to be drugged up to my eyeballs.   That didn't happen, turned out I did without pain relief, mainly 'cause I was in the birthing pool and wouldn't get out.

My birth was almost the exact opposite to what I was expecting. Looking back now I think it was because I had so little faith in my body, and everyone telling me that I am such a sook with pain which made me doubt my own ability to handle it. But then again, this time round I plan to 'wing it' again. I would like to do it without pain relief but do remember how much it hurt. I def want to go in the birthing pool again.

Also, re the monitoring thing... I think most of the time it is used because the midwife/dr needs to check on the baby. But I also know that some midwives operate like that. My mum is a 'trust instincts' kind of midwife, which has never failed her. But her partner is big on intervention, internal checks, constant monitoring with the foetal monitor etc. I think sometimes it depends on the style of your midwife.]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2006 09:03:44 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40115&title=birth-plans#40115 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40098&title=birth-plans#40098 Author: jax
Subject: 2148
Posted: 18 April 2006 at 6:47am

It's ok, don't apologise for saying what you think Liz, I'm more frustrated with how I expressed myself than anything. I like to plan, but I am not obsessed with planning, nor am I going to be heartbroken if my "birth plan" doesn't come to fruition. Had a discussion with my midwife about this exact thing in the very same context that you brought up actually, she said that the point is to have to right mind-set. Also, see my comment above about stark raving made lunatics ]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2006 06:47:59 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40098&title=birth-plans#40098 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40097&title=birth-plans#40097 Author: jax
Subject: 2148
Posted: 18 April 2006 at 6:45am

I think I have read a fair bit on the physical process of birth so far and which drugs are available during which stages, which is part of what influenced my decision to actually have the birth at Birthcare as well and not just transfer from hospital. I'm not worried about anyone judging me at all to be honest - like I said, the safety of the baby is paramount

I realise I may turn from a serenly calm, confident and self-assured creature into a stark raving mad hormonal lunatic once labour starts... OOPS, too late ! ]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2006 06:45:44 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40097&title=birth-plans#40097 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40096&title=birth-plans#40096 Author: lizzle
Subject: 2148
Posted: 18 April 2006 at 6:45am

Sorry JAx!! I just know my mate had this beautiful palnned birth plan which all went out the window when Bubs wasn't coming out. Even now, babe is older, she still feels like she "failed him" for not having her drug-free birth like she wanted.]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2006 06:45:03 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40096&title=birth-plans#40096 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40093&title=birth-plans#40093 Author: Tastic
Subject: 2148
Posted: 17 April 2006 at 11:17pm

my 2 cents.... On my Birth Plan I wanted a natural birth (no drugs or anything) I wanted Jamie(hubby) to cut the coord, only Jamie and the midwife to be in the room,injection to help plancta, bubs to get vit k shot. I was wanting to give breast feeding a go. (I let my midwife know that I really wanted a natural birth, but not to 'judge me' if I cave in and have pain relief!)

I ended up 2 hours after my first contraction, the show and waters break being at 9 cm, I was 'rushed' to the hospital where I quickly asked for the gas 1 1/2 hours later Bailey was here, as I was leaned onver the end of the bed with my upper half resting on a beanbag, Bailey was passed up to me straight away, we cuddled for about 5 mins, during that time I had the injection(you dont really feel it) I then climbed onto the bed, Bailey still attached (midwifes helped me get up) there Jamie cut Baileys cord and was given him to hold, I then delievered the placenta (10 mins after having Bailey) Bailey was given back to me and put straight to the breast where he 'fed' for 1 hour

My suggestion to you Jax is... get your info on the 'drugs' available to you while in labour. Even if you dont want to have any, you can change your mind at the very last second (I did!) anyway I got my info from my antennatel classes... it helped me alot!

Keep your chin up and just remember... No one will judge you if you change your birthplan last minute!

Trish]]> Mon, 17 Apr 2006 23:17:49 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40093&title=birth-plans#40093 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40084&title=birth-plans#40084 Author: james
Subject: 2148
Posted: 17 April 2006 at 10:07pm

thats ok jax tottaly understand ]]> Mon, 17 Apr 2006 22:07:53 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40084&title=birth-plans#40084 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40071&title=birth-plans#40071 Author: jax
Subject: 2148
Posted: 17 April 2006 at 9:33pm

Ok, I'm going to admit that I am starting to feel a bit frustrated with having started this thread.

But before I get too carried away, I will say that I really do appreciate everyone's input and opinions and it is good to hear different things from different people, and I am taking it all on board. This is the last time I'll mention it though, but I am fully prepared and willing to accept that things may not go to "plan", I am not at present and do not plan to be hung up (in future) on whatever vision I may have of how I want the birth to be, the most important thing is having a healthy baby no matter HOW it happens.

I do trust my midwife, if I didn't, I'd find another one. I also realise that in being a first time mum (to be) that I really do have no idea of how I will actually feel when labour starts, and might do a complete turn around. I just prefer to have a sense of direction, but am completely ready to throw that to the wind for the safety of this baby, which absolutely MUST come first. It's hard finding a balance between what I may or may not need, and what I may or may not want, but I feel that it doesn't hurt to have ideas.

Personally I feel that 'language' (semantics?) is part of the problem, the words 'birth plan' seem to have somewhat fixed connotations about them that don't always go down well, which isn't what I was aiming for.

Anyway, I hope what I have said doesn't seem to harsh, I often get frustrated with trying to express myself over things I feel are really imporant - especially in a social context. I'm not out to deliberately offend anyone, and am not judging anyone, just trying to cover all my bases.

Righto, rant over !

Edited by jax]]> Mon, 17 Apr 2006 21:33:24 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40071&title=birth-plans#40071 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40063&title=birth-plans#40063 Author: fattartsrock
Subject: 2148
Posted: 17 April 2006 at 9:01pm

Also, *adding my 2 cents* not to sound condesending here, but don't rule anything out, as it is very hard to realistically know what it is going to be like for the birth on your first time!
I didn't really have a plan, but I had an AWESOME midwife who knew all my fears etc. I had a very close friend have a stillborn bubba a few months before I had Jacob, so I wanted the monitering etc. I ended up having to have the *ouch* scalp clips as they couldn't get a heartbeat with the moniter (one terrifying moment, I tell you)and also an EPI as I had very high blood pressure, also, it really hurt, and at 7 cm's I had HAD ENOUGH!!! My "plan" was I'll see how I go in regards to pain relief, Rod to have first option on cord cut, if not, I wanted to do it, any intervention that is in best interests for me or baby, go right ahead straight away, also I didn't want to be in labour for more than a day. Mostly, I just wanted it to be over fast and have a live baby, I was so scared it would happen to me as well.
So, I ended up having a quick labour, 10 hours from the show, needed oxycintin at 7 cm (?) as bub coming but not dilating, had an epi at 7 cms as well, Rod cut cord, had injection to get placenta out, had about an hour or so chest to chest/ suckle on our own. It all went well. Like alot of the others have mentioned, it is easy to get caught up on the "plan" and feel terrible if it dosne't pan out that way.
oooh exciting!!]]> Mon, 17 Apr 2006 21:01:34 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40063&title=birth-plans#40063 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40059&title=birth-plans#40059 Author: james
Subject: 2148
Posted: 17 April 2006 at 8:46pm

its so good to have a giudie line for the brith of your baby not only so they (midwife) no what u and your hubby want for bubs brith but also if things go wrong or not the way you plan then your midwife can explain why it is,nt going to plan ]]> Mon, 17 Apr 2006 20:46:43 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=40059&title=birth-plans#40059 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39995&title=birth-plans#39995 Author: 98765
Subject: 2148
Posted: 17 April 2006 at 12:36pm

Jax do write a birth plan cos i was like u and didn't know if i shud or not and i did. My midwife ended up being off duty so i had to hav another one and she just followed my plan without me having to tell her what i wanted. ]]> Mon, 17 Apr 2006 12:36:49 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39995&title=birth-plans#39995 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39991&title=birth-plans#39991 Author: nikkitheknitter
Subject: 2148
Posted: 17 April 2006 at 11:53am

Arghhh the damn fetal monitor! Drove me nuts in labour as the last thing you want is a freaking elastic band around your belly. Also annoyed me because I couldn't move as much as I wanted. But anyway, it was necessary in the end as her heart rate started dropping (due to cord around neck) and it was the quickest way to find out and intervene. (Didn't need to in the end as I finally got my act together with the pushing)]]> Mon, 17 Apr 2006 11:53:14 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39991&title=birth-plans#39991 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39987&title=birth-plans#39987 Author: AlyAyde
Subject: 2148
Posted: 17 April 2006 at 11:24am

Robyn when i was in the bath, I had ice rubbed on the back of my neck and hair. Very refreshing.]]> Mon, 17 Apr 2006 11:24:36 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39987&title=birth-plans#39987 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39985&title=birth-plans#39985 Author: robyn
Subject: 2148
Posted: 17 April 2006 at 11:23am

Hey Jax I would do a birth plan, well at least discuss with your midwife the ideas you want to use such as water birth if poss etc because this will also give you a good idea of how to prepare and what to take. For example my friend laboured in the water but was to hot so had to get out and recommended I take a fan seeing as I want to labour in the water. I would never have thought of taking a fan and so Ive put it on my list to take. Your midwife will be able to tell you what you need depending on what you tell her, does that make sense? sometimes i ramble and forget to actually make my point hehehe]]> Mon, 17 Apr 2006 11:23:03 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39985&title=birth-plans#39985 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39982&title=birth-plans#39982 Author: mum2paris
Subject: 2148
Posted: 17 April 2006 at 10:51am

hi there - i may write probably everything that everyone else has said but i haven't read any replys cos my sisters comp that i'm on is so slow to load, and i don't trust it so will just reply.

I had a few things i wanted, i knew i wanted to get away with as little pain relief as poss cos i knew about how things can become complicated etc once you start accepting higher and higher levels of pain relief.
I knew i wanted to stay as mobile as possible to encourage gravity to work its magic. and well, that's about as much as i knew the first time.

Second time round i wanted skin to skin because i didn't get that with Paris because i started bleeding quite heavily.. so i guess that's an example of how things don't go to plan always. I got my skin to skin with Ayja, for an hour or so, but that left mike feeling a bit redundant.

with nappy changes and baths, for the most part sweety - there aint gonna be no nurses doing them for you... so there's no worries with that. They don't usually go straight and bath baby as well - it's good to just wipe of excess gunk and then leav it a couple of days - so baby learns to regulate temperature before you plunge it naked into water. vernix, as long as theres not too much (otherwise it can smell a bit funky) is good for bubs skin anyway.

Other than that, i went in each time with some ideas about how i wnated things to go - hopefully pain med freee, and active and natural. Some set ideas about what i DID NOT WANT UNLESS IT WAS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY (eg, epidural, etc) and that was about it - after that i kept and open mind.

sometimes i think there is a tendency to overplan things and feel like a failure or feel let down if things dont go to plan or if you can't get by without pain meds or if you have to be induced hooke dup to drips and not allowed in the water etc.

the best thing to remember is that, even if you don't have beautiful music playing, butterflies and candles, and a intervention medication free birth (lolol, what's that?) the birth of your baby will be beautiful.

if you keep an open mind then you won't be dissapointed, and that leaves plenty of room to be pleasantly surprised. ]]> Mon, 17 Apr 2006 10:51:51 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39982&title=birth-plans#39982 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39978&title=birth-plans#39978 Author: jax
Subject: 2148
Posted: 17 April 2006 at 9:19am

jax wrote: It's not that I don't trust her, in fact, I trust her completely. I also accept that things may not go to plan...

Sorry if I sound like a broken record

Edited by jax]]> Mon, 17 Apr 2006 09:19:29 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39978&title=birth-plans#39978 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39977&title=birth-plans#39977 Author: lizzle
Subject: 2148
Posted: 17 April 2006 at 9:08am

I think Maria has a good point, in that birth plans are all well and good, but you have to be prepared to change if and when necessary. ]]> Mon, 17 Apr 2006 09:08:28 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39977&title=birth-plans#39977 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39973&title=birth-plans#39973 Author: Maya
Subject: 2148
Posted: 17 April 2006 at 8:56am

I had the internal monitor for bubs heart too, partly because I was so huge when she was born and partly because she was posterior and in the process of turning so she kept kicking the CTG belts out of position.]]> Mon, 17 Apr 2006 08:56:57 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39973&title=birth-plans#39973 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39964&title=birth-plans#39964 Author: AlyAyde
Subject: 2148
Posted: 17 April 2006 at 7:37am

I was just real cruizy with my birth plan. No drugs , no epi , Keep placenta, rob cut cord, injections if needed. And people was anyone was allowed in except my mum and inlaws. But gave the midwife to permission to change any of my instructions if she thought she needed too

And it was good that we stuck to it. But wouldnt have been a major for me if we had to change things. After all the midwives do what they feel is best for you and the baby at the time. Whats the point of sticking to a birth plan if it puts you both at risk.]]> Mon, 17 Apr 2006 07:37:44 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39964&title=birth-plans#39964 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39962&title=birth-plans#39962 Author: fairsk8
Subject: 2148
Posted: 17 April 2006 at 7:32am

I can't really remember much of my birth plan as my midwife was very airy fairy about it and didn't really plan it out with me, and as Xanda is my first I had no idea what a birth plan really was or what was suppose to be in it. I ended up having an epidural, a sytocin IV, catheter and foetal monitors went on as soon as I got to hospital. They had to put it on Xandas head as well because he was distressed and they were not getting a very good reading from it being on my stomach.
I know I told my midwife that baby was to have vitamin K only if needed. I got to hold Xanda within 45min of having him so once I was stitched up and in recovery they undressed him and put him on breast but no-one really showed me how to do this and I was still drowsy so just kind of put him there and no idea whether he was latched on correctly or not, so make sure you ask the nurse if you have any worries. My partner was with Xanda from the time he was born until they put him on my breast. While doctors were stitching me up my partner sat next to me with Xanda.


Pixeldust I know what you mean about having a epi and then watching the monitor, I was just laying there watching it and I was like oh i having a contraction, and then I just went to sleep because I couldn't even feel them.]]> Mon, 17 Apr 2006 07:32:29 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39962&title=birth-plans#39962 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39960&title=birth-plans#39960 Author: toniellis
Subject: 2148
Posted: 17 April 2006 at 12:46am

Hi Jax!
I think you will find with Jill, it will be really easy to do your birth plan. AND I know from experience that she will stick to it as best as she can.
My birth plan was pretty simple, it was just gas, no pethidine & no epidural, possible labour in water. I wanted to kind of help pull Alex out and pull him onto my tummy. Spencer was to cut the cord & get first proper hold. No vitamin K unless there were complications and placenta was to be delivered naturally.
I was to do first nappy change & first bath.

As it turned out I ended up with a c-section so the only things on my birth plan that went right was no pethidine & Spencer got the first proper hold!
I had epidural, no water for labouring, surgeon cut the cord, Alex got the vitamin K and I think they just took the placenta out after they took Alex out.
I didn't get to have Alex on my tummy, I didn't get the first nappy change because I was too spaced out on morphine (don't really mind though) and I didn't get to do the first bath because my wound hurt when I held Alex, so the nurse held him & I washed.

I still feel REALLY bad that I couldn't do it as I had planned even though everyone especially Jill said I did as well as I could have in the circumstances but still....Really hoping I manage it all this time but I'm not so hung up on it.]]> Mon, 17 Apr 2006 00:46:52 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39960&title=birth-plans#39960 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39959&title=birth-plans#39959 Author: jax
Subject: 2148
Posted: 16 April 2006 at 10:02pm

It's not that I don't trust her, in fact, I trust her completely. I also accept that things may not go to plan but, I get really torn sometimes between whether or not I should bother to have a birth plan of any kind at all.]]> Sun, 16 Apr 2006 22:02:17 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39959&title=birth-plans#39959 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39956&title=birth-plans#39956 Author: james
Subject: 2148
Posted: 16 April 2006 at 9:40pm

thats what i did aswell lenabenz i put it in my midwifes hands and only talk to her about my brith plan 2 weeks before i had him ]]> Sun, 16 Apr 2006 21:40:31 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39956&title=birth-plans#39956 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39955&title=birth-plans#39955 Author: lizzle
Subject: 2148
Posted: 16 April 2006 at 9:25pm

I agree. You really need to trust that your midwife will do the best for you and your baby. ]]> Sun, 16 Apr 2006 21:25:29 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39955&title=birth-plans#39955 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39953&title=birth-plans#39953 Author: lenabeanz
Subject: 2148
Posted: 16 April 2006 at 9:02pm

OK my birth plan and the actual birth were TOTALLY different,

Had the "natural" side of things (gas if I HAD to, nothing else), aromatherepy, music, water birth etc etc

I said to my midwife (as I had toxemia) that it was up to her to make the decisions and everything was out of my hands...

I was on the foetal monitor and the one attached to bub's head, IV (and 4 litres of fluid that went nowhere!) went in the bath for 5 mins and got out again, couldn't walk, was on gas constantly for about 6 hours, pethadine (threw up) and epidural (got the epidural headache). But the upside is I only pushed ofr 16 mins and she was out... She wasn't breathing though and had to be resussed then David got to hold her first (I wanted skin to skin) - didnt get to see her for 30 mins. Oh and did the placenta thing naturally

So my advice - go in with your birth plan but with an open mind that things may go wrong. ]]> Sun, 16 Apr 2006 21:02:07 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39953&title=birth-plans#39953 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39949&title=birth-plans#39949 Author: robyn
Subject: 2148
Posted: 16 April 2006 at 7:44pm

Yeah I had the both too and hated the clip the most. I thought I would hate the catheter and didnt want it but then completely forgot about it. We didnt get a choice about the vitamin K injection because he was prem but did choose to have the placenta induced as I wanted it over and done with. I also made sure hubby stayed with Kobe when he went to nicu, was funny cos he was trying to give me a kiss and cuddle but i just keep panicking and telling him he couldnt let Kobe out of his sight so we didnt really get any quiet family bonding straight away which I am hoping for this time.]]> Sun, 16 Apr 2006 19:44:51 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39949&title=birth-plans#39949 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39947&title=birth-plans#39947 Author: james
Subject: 2148
Posted: 16 April 2006 at 5:41pm

i had both kinds of monitoring the blets and the clips on james head not the most comfortable but its what they gotta do ]]> Sun, 16 Apr 2006 17:41:36 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39947&title=birth-plans#39947 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39941&title=birth-plans#39941 Author: aimeejoy
Subject: 2148
Posted: 16 April 2006 at 1:59pm

OK that does sound eww Deb! ]]> Sun, 16 Apr 2006 13:59:14 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39941&title=birth-plans#39941 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39935&title=birth-plans#39935 Author: Bizzy
Subject: 2148
Posted: 16 April 2006 at 12:34pm

i had to have monitoring too but because i was a big lady the monitor kept moving so they had to monitor by attaching clips to the babys head, now thats eeewwww.]]> Sun, 16 Apr 2006 12:34:09 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39935&title=birth-plans#39935 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39925&title=birth-plans#39925 Author: caitlynsmygirl
Subject: 2148
Posted: 16 April 2006 at 11:33am

my plan was to have my mum and oldest friend and another close friend there-which they were

and to have all the pain relief i wanted...gas, pethidine,tens,epidural, gunshot to the head.....in the end i had absolutely nothing ...but it was ok, she was healthy and happy

Next time (whenever that will be)
I want a home birth (obviously if the baby agrees to it)
with my husband and mum and best friend in the room
I want the baby passed to me straight away
I also want the room to be dimly lit and quiet for a little while after its born
and i dont want it weighed straight away -the weight wont change much between straight after birth till an hour

But as i have not even a man let alone a baby coming, i'll probably forget my plan lol

Hey, exciting for u tho jax-doing a birth plan is a sure sign that the end (and just the beginning) is getting near
]]> Sun, 16 Apr 2006 11:33:41 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39925&title=birth-plans#39925 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39903&title=birth-plans#39903 Author: jax
Subject: 2148
Posted: 15 April 2006 at 10:48pm

Sorry pixeldust, but bugger that ! ]]> Sat, 15 Apr 2006 22:48:23 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39903&title=birth-plans#39903 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39902&title=birth-plans#39902 Author: pixeldust
Subject: 2148
Posted: 15 April 2006 at 10:41pm

Oh, I found a pic of me with the fetal monitor on. How charming do I look, mid labour?

]]> Sat, 15 Apr 2006 22:41:05 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39902&title=birth-plans#39902 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39901&title=birth-plans#39901 Author: pixeldust
Subject: 2148
Posted: 15 April 2006 at 10:37pm

jax wrote: pixeldust - I *love* your plan, or at least the clarity with which it's set out, do you mind if I borrow some of the aspects of it? I'll check out birthplan.com as well though. Just curious as well, when you put down that you did not wish to have continuous foetal monitoring unless required by bubs condition, did you mean electronically? Bit of a dumb question but can't hurt to check

Go for it! I've used it, so if anyone else wants it they're more than welcome :)

With the fetal monitoring, because my waters broke and there were signs of meconium, they put the monitors on my stomach which kept me stuck to the bed. The monitors look like this. One monitors the baby heartrate in case of distress and the other monitors the contractions. Funny actually, because after I had the epidural, I kept watching the monitor because it was the only way to know when I had a contraction!

If you have them, you can't really move around, you need to be on your back in one position. The most I could do was shift from one side to another. And then I got the IV and epidural, which meant that even if I wanted to get up I couldn't. I had to go to the bathroom, and my legs gave out from under me. Thankfully my midwife caught me just as I was about to knock myself out on the sink. Then they put in a catheter. Ew.]]> Sat, 15 Apr 2006 22:37:14 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39901&title=birth-plans#39901 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39898&title=birth-plans#39898 Author: Maya
Subject: 2148
Posted: 15 April 2006 at 9:47pm

Oh yeah, that. I did the injectable Vit K and had the injection for the placenta too.]]> Sat, 15 Apr 2006 21:47:35 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39898&title=birth-plans#39898 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39891&title=birth-plans#39891 Author: lizzle
Subject: 2148
Posted: 15 April 2006 at 9:31pm

something I remember from my birth plan qwas whether we wanted the kids given vitamen K injection ( i said ok) and if I wanted to spontaniously deliver the placenta, or to have it "induced", (I chose to "wait and see")]]> Sat, 15 Apr 2006 21:31:02 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39891&title=birth-plans#39891 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39863&title=birth-plans#39863 Author: Maya
Subject: 2148
Posted: 15 April 2006 at 6:17pm

I didn't really have a birth plan as such, other than that I didn't want gas (we tried it at antenatal class and it made me vomit) or pethidene (I'm allergic) so if pain killers were needed it would have to be an epi. And that I wanted to cut the cord myself (Willie wasn't there)

My midwife also told me that she wouldn't let labour progress past 12 hours if nothing was happening. What bollocks that was - I laboured at home for more than 30 hours before going to the hospital!

Anwyays, I had the epidural after 36 hours of labour, and I got to cut the cord, and overall even tho my labour was very long I am totally happy with the actual birth part - no stitches or anything nasty like that. My midwife dressed Maya but I was totally easy with that

Next time round I will pay more attention to skin-to-skin contact as that was something I never paid much attention too and can't remember if we had it or not.]]> Sat, 15 Apr 2006 18:17:02 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39863&title=birth-plans#39863 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39858&title=birth-plans#39858 Author: robyn
Subject: 2148
Posted: 15 April 2006 at 5:13pm

I didnt get a chance to do one with Kobe and everything I actually said I wanted to happen didnt or wasnt possible, such as didnt want epidural, needle in hand (not sure what its called) sturrups, catheter, wanted skin to skin etc so this time round I think Im just going to go with the flow. I will be ordering my epi the minute I go into hospital hehehe and will try to labour in the water and hopefully have some music playing if I remember but apart from that just whatever happens happens basically]]> Sat, 15 Apr 2006 17:13:55 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39858&title=birth-plans#39858 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39853&title=birth-plans#39853 Author: jax
Subject: 2148
Posted: 15 April 2006 at 4:17pm

Yup going to antenatal "education" as you know Lu, and of course am prepared that this baby will come when and how it wants too LOL So happy with whatever midwife decides is best really - the closer that is to what I want, the better though

pixeldust - I *love* your plan, or at least the clarity with which it's set out, do you mind if I borrow some of the aspects of it? I'll check out birthplan.com as well though.

Just curious as well, when you put down that you did not wish to have continuous foetal monitoring unless required by bubs condition, did you mean electronically? Bit of a dumb question but can't hurt to check

And you're right, the ultimate goal is to deliver a healthy baby, and that is *really* all that I want... it's just that at the same time (and besides getting bored a lot these days), I feel the need to at least be able to try and give things a sense of direction. ]]> Sat, 15 Apr 2006 16:17:19 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39853&title=birth-plans#39853 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39850&title=birth-plans#39850 Author: pixeldust
Subject: 2148
Posted: 15 April 2006 at 3:27pm

Mine (generated from birthplan.com):

Labour
- I wish to be able to move around and change position at will throughout labour.
- I would like to be able to have fluids by mouth throughout the first stage of labour.

Monitoring
- I do not wish to have continuous foetal monitoring unless it is required by the condition of my son.

Labour Augmentation/Induction
- If labour is not progressing, I would like to have the amniotic membrane ruptured before other methods are used to augment labour.

Anaesthesia/Pain Medication
- I would like to have a standard epidural if I feel it necessary

Caesarean
- If a Caesarean delivery is indicated, I would like to be fully informed and to participate in the decision-making process.
- I would like my partner present at all times if my son requires a Caesarean delivery.
- If my son is not in distress, my son should be given to my partner immediately after birth.

Episiotomy
- I would prefer not to have an episiotomy unless absolutely required for the baby's safety.
- I would like a local anaesthetic to repair a tear or an episiotomy.

Delivery
- I would like to be allowed to choose the position in which I give birth, including squatting.
- I would like the chance to touch my son's head when it crowns.
- I would like to have my son placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.

Immediately After Delivery
- I would like to have my partner cut the cord.
- I would prefer that the umbilical cord stop pulsating before it is cut.
- I would like to hold my son for at least fifteen minutes before he is examined, etc.
- If my son must be taken from me to receive medical treatment, my partner or some other person I designate will accompany my son at all times.
- I would like to donate the umbilical cord blood if possible.

Postpartum
- Unless required for health reasons, I do not wish to be separated from my son.
- I would like to have my son 'room in' and be with me at all times.

Breastfeeding
- I plan to breastfeed my son and would like to begin nursing very shortly after birth.
- Unless medically necessary, I do not wish to have any bottles given to my son (including glucose water or plain water).
- I do not want my son to be given a pacifier.

Circumcision
- I do not want my son circumcised.

It was nice in theory.. I ended up having continuous fetal monitoring (so couldn't walk around during labour), a syntocin IV, epidural, emergency c-s after 20 hours of labour, bottle fed supplementary formula from day 2 and gave him a pacifier. So much for plans!

Its good to have a general idea of what you want, but I wouldn't get too hung up on it. I don't regret any of the decisions made during my labour - my ultimate goal was to deliver a healthy baby, and that's what I got!]]> Sat, 15 Apr 2006 15:27:27 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39850&title=birth-plans#39850 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39849&title=birth-plans#39849 Author: james
Subject: 2148
Posted: 15 April 2006 at 3:27pm

wow that a good brith plan mine was

no durg exected gas
mum,becs,neats to be there laubour and brith
mum to cut the cord
none of this happen exect the second one as i had a eme -c-section so keep your mind open and get well edeucaed on laubour so u r not surprised if things dont go your way ]]> Sat, 15 Apr 2006 15:27:07 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39849&title=birth-plans#39849 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39848&title=birth-plans#39848 Author: jax
Subject: 2148
Posted: 15 April 2006 at 3:16pm

How many of you ladies had one? If you did, how specific or how vague was it? How closely (or not!) did it turn out to how you wanted? I've been thinking about mine, and have made some notes, this is what I've got so far:


Notes for birth plan (& labour)

If possible:

* Water birth !!
* Possible use of aromatherapy
* Roland to cut cord if he wants to?
* Roland or Jax to do first nappy and first bath, even if c-section required
* Baby to be given straight to Jax for skin to skin contact with mum
* People to be present at labour and / or birth:

Jax (duh !), Roland, Jill (midwife), assistant 2 Jill (maybe), other support person for Jax (undecided).

* Location: Birthcare, Parnell
* Would prefer natural / spontaneous start to labour, but induction is OK if necessary
* Avoid episiotomy if possible, but also OK if necessary
* Possible burial of placenta (under tree to be planted @ home ?)

***************************

So far, that's all I've got... am not rushed to finish it, and won't be doing one with my midwife until my next visit or the one after that I think.]]> Sat, 15 Apr 2006 15:16:14 +0000 https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2148&PID=39848&title=birth-plans#39848