OHbaby! Forums : Did you have a birth plan?

Did you have a birth plan? : My babies were bathed at about...

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 16:34:30 +0000

Author: TheKelly
Subject: 35129
Posted: 14�August�2010 at 4:34pm

My babies were bathed at about one or 2 days old .

But as for the vernix,im sorry , I know its better for them blah blah blah , but yuck , C had so much of it , I refused to hold her until she was wiped down . Yeah , even though I was covered in blood and gore myself , I didn't want to touch my white creamy baby .
With Ty he had hardly any, but I didn't care anyway .

Did you have a birth plan? : I don't think Nat even got...

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:48:49 +0000

Author: blondy
Subject: 35129
Posted: 13�August�2010 at 5:48pm

I don't think Nat even got wiped and although DH ran out of the room to tell everyone how ugly she was (oh yes, he will never ever live that one down!), she was just lovely and there's nothing like that immediate skin to skin. I imagine washing them immediately would cause havoc with their body temp too?

Fliss - Linda (back up MW) happened to be at the hospital at the same time as Heather (MW), so she went and made me bananas on toast Can't say I've eaten that since I was about 7, but was so lovely!

The only thing that went 'astray' from my birth 'plan' was that I wanted a natural third stage, but because I'd been pushing for over 2 hours and Nat's HR had been a bit all over the place, my MW decided it was better to have the ecbolic, and I was fine with trusting her. I also had wanted DH to cut the cord, but it was wrapped so tightly a couple of times around Nat's neck that it had to be cut and clamped at the neck before the rest of her body could be delivered... something I was more than happy to not argue about!

Did you have a birth plan? : Bella didnt have her first bath...

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:37:16 +0000

Author: Shezamumof3
Subject: 35129
Posted: 13�August�2010 at 5:37pm

Bella didnt have her first bath until she was about 3 or 4 days old. She got wiped down after she was born and she was so warm and clean

Did you have a birth plan? : Um, there's no reason for...

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:24:29 +0000

Author: fire_engine
Subject: 35129
Posted: 13�August�2010 at 5:24pm

Um, there's no reason for it. And the vermix (mess!) does have some protective factors for the baby -

It serves to conserve heat and protect the delicate newborn skin from environmental stress. Vernix is also thought to have an antibacterial effect; though there is little to support a chemical role of vernix in protecting the infant from infection, it may form a physical barrier to the passage of bacteria.

They're not that messy! Dan had a quick face wipe on his way up and was absolutely gorgeous

Did you have a birth plan? : can I ask why people choose not...

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:05:08 +0000

Author: amme_eilyk
Subject: 35129
Posted: 13�August�2010 at 5:05pm

can I ask why people choose not to have the baby bathed after birht?

Did you have a birth plan? : Flissty wrote:Just came across...

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:28:08 +0000

Author: WestiesGirl
Subject: 35129
Posted: 13�August�2010 at 4:28pm

Flissty wrote:

Just came across this about birth plans. Thought it had some nice points if you're writing a plan.

Mine is similar to that. If anyone wants it feel free to PM me your email addy.

Did you have a birth plan? : Didnt write up a birth plan when...

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:02:33 +0000

Author: jacobsmummy
Subject: 35129
Posted: 13�August�2010 at 4:02pm

Didnt write up a birth plan when i ws pregnant with jacob but thats cos at 30/31wks i got handed a new midwife and when i saw the new midwife she hadnt even read my notes so she didnt know i had gest diabetes (she did try to pass me onto OB trying to get him to deliver the baby but he said no thats ur job) anyways jacob arrived early at 35w 5d, by emerncy c-section cos scan read that he had stopped growing and he was compasting oxygyen (and they discovered placenta was a third dead when they did c-section) so they needed to get him out fast, they wouldnt induce me.

Anyways with Isabella, we started talking about a birth plan pretty early on cos i wanted to try for VBAC. So we disscued all the methods like how to induce naturally cos i get diabetes when preg so they didnt want me going past 38wks well they said they may let me go to 40wks depending on babys size and how placenta is looking etc (this was with isabella), we talked about pain relif etc
in the end i had another emerncy c-section at 31wks due to placenta apurbtion.

Edited by jacobsmummy

Did you have a birth plan? : Just came across this about birth...

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:20:34 +0000

Author: fire_engine
Subject: 35129
Posted: 13�August�2010 at 2:20pm

Just came across this about birth plans. Thought it had some nice points if you're writing a plan.

Did you have a birth plan? : Our birthplan was basically a...

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 20:44:25 +0000

Author: SquishysMum
Subject: 35129
Posted: 10�August�2010 at 8:44pm

Our birthplan was basically a tick the boxes thing with the MW - they had a way they liked to run things (let things take their course, intervention if necessary) which was basically what I wanted anyway! Turned out what I ticked wasn't followed anyway, and I was a bit disappointed (they were basics, like pethidine being given when I didn't want it, and cord traction during what was meant to be a physiological third stage).

Food - now THAT my MW did good with! She made birthcare hold me a lunch (DD was born at 2pm) and it was delivered as soon as I got to my room.

Did you have a birth plan? : I went 24hrs without eating much!...

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 09:59:53 +0000

Author: HoneybunsMa
Subject: 35129
Posted: 10�August�2010 at 9:59am

I went 24hrs without eating much! I had dinner at 7ish on the Tues night and then didn't eat the whole time the next day I was labouring and had DD at 4.30pm. I had a few snacks bars and then when at birthcare they asked me if I'd eaten I said no and was MEGA hungry, luckily it was chicken korma for dinner that night

Did you have a birth plan? : i had snacks with me and my mw...

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 09:42:27 +0000

Author: Emmi_
Subject: 35129
Posted: 10�August�2010 at 9:42am

i had snacks with me and my mw still wouldnt let me eat!!
is that cos of the c section thing? next time screw the mw, im eating!!

Did you have a birth plan? : Oh eating. I was STARVING my last...

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:49:27 +0000

Author: Whateversville
Subject: 35129
Posted: 10�August�2010 at 8:49am

Oh eating. I was STARVING my last meal was dinner on the 7th at like 5pm. Once I'd been in hosp labouring for 10hrs I started getting hungry and it was making me weak and angry but my MW wouldn't let me eat 'just incase' I needed a C-Section I didn't have baby til 330pm on the 8th and I ate at like 430. My friends brought me Sushi nom nom nom then I had a hosp dinner at 530 but it was gross so I scoffed the chocolate pudding with custard insted lol

If I'd taken snacks I could of eaten coz MW would of had no choice. So it's kinda my fault as I didn't take anything. I remember at breakfast AND lunch time the hosp offering me meals but MW got grumpy and said NO!

Did you have a birth plan? : C had the Vit K injection , Ty...

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 22:43:28 +0000

Author: TheKelly
Subject: 35129
Posted: 09�August�2010 at 10:43pm

C had the Vit K injection , Ty had the oral version

Did you have a birth plan? : Flissty wrote:LOL, and that...

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 22:42:46 +0000

Author: TheKelly
Subject: 35129
Posted: 09�August�2010 at 10:42pm

Flissty wrote:

LOL, and that you actually *want* to be offered a drink afterward! Last time, DH got tea and toast made for him - I had been NBM for 12 hours and got offered nothing till the next morning. So not impressed.

that sucks ! I had toast with peanut butter and a milo after having Ty and I swear to god ,it was the best frigging meal I had ever had !

Did you have a birth plan? : My birth plan was simple..Let...

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 21:53:50 +0000

Author: Whateversville
Subject: 35129
Posted: 09�August�2010 at 9:53pm

My birth plan was simple..Let what ever happens happen. Save me a spa bath (had to use birthing pool instead) and I only wanted my MW & my mum in with me.I got all that. My actual birth wasn't what I'd wanted in my head but I got my beautiful baby thats all that matters to me now.

And I got him the Vit K injection.

Did you have a birth plan? : Fliss me too! I hadn't eaten...

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 21:04:57 +0000

Author: High9
Subject: 35129
Posted: 09�August�2010 at 9:04pm

Fliss me too! I hadn't eaten since lunchtime on the 19th, my waters broke at 9pm before I had dinner and in the excitement of it all I skipped dinner to time contractions that weren't time able, I had a sandwich for lunch/brunch on the 20th at the hospital, didn't get proper lunch or afternoon tea, dp did though, and then was pushing at dinner time, mw and dp went and got dinner! I didn't know if I was allowed anything (lol how silly was I!) and after the birth I got 1 piece of toast and while I wasn't looking DP ate half of it! So nothing until breakfast! I was starving!

Did you have a birth plan? : Hippy mama dd was 1 week early...

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 21:02:04 +0000

Author: High9
Subject: 35129
Posted: 09�August�2010 at 9:02pm

Hippy mama dd was 1 week early and I planned to BF but didn't know how it would go seeing as my mother and grandma couldn't BF at all, luckily it's all gone good, Lily did get Jaundice but all in all nothing else.

Will definitely think about it more next time though!!

Fliss it's definitely interesting! Tbh I didn't like the internals as they are rather uncomfortable, it was nice to know 'where I was at' but next time I think I'll trust my body, like I told my mw I think it's time to push and she did a last check and sure enough it was (epi had worn off so could feel things).

I tried the gas before I had my epi, I kept biting down on the tubing though and forgetting to suck but once I remembered what to do it was often too late as contraction had finished. It also made me feel really spaced out like when you drink too much and pass out. But did take the edge off the contractions a bit.

I found the water great for contractions just splashing about and imagining I was else where, but it definitely slowed things down for me, I was 6cm upon arrival and it took 4 hours to get to 7 and was still 7 3 hours later and 2 hours after the epi I was fully dilated.

I tried just about everything which in my birth plan was my plan, to try different things to find what worked, pain relief if needed and to just go with the flow, I trusted my mw 100%.

I trusted my back up too as she was MIL midwife for her youngest boy.

Its a shame as next birth I am considering a home birth but don't think my mw does home births *cries*

Hippymama did you wait until the cord stopped pulsating? I remember the mw handing dp the scissors and him going "But it's still pulsating!" in an absolutely horrified voice lol!

Sorry for rambling!

Did you have a birth plan? : LOL, and that you actually want...

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 20:59:06 +0000

Author: fire_engine
Subject: 35129
Posted: 09�August�2010 at 8:59pm

LOL, and that you actually *want* to be offered a drink afterward! Last time, DH got tea and toast made for him - I had been NBM for 12 hours and got offered nothing till the next morning. So not impressed.

Did you have a birth plan? : im the kind you hate, besides...

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 20:39:29 +0000

Author: babylove
Subject: 35129
Posted: 09�August�2010 at 8:39pm

im the kind you hate, besides 3 out of 4 not being the water birth id hoped for and ds1's birth not being completely drug free (gas) they all went according to plan.

the birth plan shouldnt be a this is how i want my labour to go plan. it is an outline of what sort of things you do and dont want that you may not be able to voice during labour.
for me one thing i wish i had added to birth plan was that i would have prefered to be wearing a tshirt at all times(with ds2 i was only wearing a skin coloured bra). though for alot of you thats hardly something to be unhappy about.

my 1st birth plan was to be drug free, the rest however did include gas for transition. though i didnt actually ask for gas with ds1, mw insisted on using it to try hold off pushing til ds1 had turned.
of course i wished i had used it alot sooner.

things like who you want to cut the could, who you want in the delivery room, who you dont want in there, do you want an ecbolic(sp) for 3rd stage?
do you want to have cord cut straight away or left til it stops pulsing?
id even add what hot drink you would prefer after baby is born. also what pain meds you want after birth(pain doesnt stop once baby is out just the worst of it and that doesnt count breastfeeding)

this plan isnt just for your mw but also you mw's back up incase your mw cant be there. i wish i had added these things as my mw from my 1st 3boys new exactly what i needed once baby was born but my mw couldnt make it to my last babies birth and my mw's back up didnt know when i was asking for pain meds i meant it.

Did you have a birth plan? : caliandjack wrote:When did...

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:31:28 +0000

Author: HippyMama
Subject: 35129
Posted: 09�August�2010 at 5:31pm

caliandjack wrote:

When did you cut the cord? Or did you not do this.

No, we didn't - have sent you a PM to explain things in more detail though

Did you have a birth plan? : I chose to have the Vit K because...

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:45:31 +0000

Author: HoneybunsMa
Subject: 35129
Posted: 09�August�2010 at 2:45pm

I chose to have the Vit K because DD is mixed race. I personally felt it better for her. DP went with whatever I said. With DP being a pacific islander who wasn't born here at that I wasn't sure about his history before coming to NZ (well his history before we met really as his parents aren't very forthcoming with information) I didn't research too much but didn't want to risk anything with her.

The decision to birth placenta naturally or not was taken out of my hands but at that time I was exhausted and didn't care as I was too much in love with DD. I had been having contractions for 30+ hours and was emotionally drained due to other reasons

Did you have a birth plan? : melnel wrote:Kelly I know that...

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:45:28 +0000

Author: TheKelly
Subject: 35129
Posted: 09�August�2010 at 2:45pm

melnel wrote:

Kelly I know that hun... I wasnt saying people shouldnt take the drugs just that its good to actually know the pro's and con's of them before you do ....

Wading out now as I think people are misreading my intentions....

Oh and CJ just to reiterate, while I quoted you my post was in no way directed at you.... I was not implying you had no researched your options.

sorry hun , I didn't mean it to sound harsh or like I thought you didn't think I had thought it through , I was showing how much I want an epidural , I had this happen but I still want one , even tho I know the risks

And in my friend's case ,the worst thing is , she didn't even want it , the MW talked her into it because it would "be a while " she said later she only got it cos she thought she had no choice , poor love

Did you have a birth plan? : When did you cut the cord? Or...

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:41:01 +0000

Author: caliandjack
Subject: 35129
Posted: 09�August�2010 at 2:41pm

When did you cut the cord? Or did you not do this.

Did you have a birth plan? : Increased incidences of jaundice,...

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:05:26 +0000

Author: HippyMama
Subject: 35129
Posted: 09�August�2010 at 2:05pm

Increased incidences of jaundice, and other side effects such as haemolysis (or hemolysis - American spelling) (meaning breakdown of red blood cells), haemolytic anaemia (a disorder characterised by chronic premature destruction of red blood cells),and hyperbilirubinemia (too much bilirubin in blood).

Allergic reactions include face flushing, gastrointestinal upset, rash, redness, pain or swelling at injection site and itching skin. Hypoxia has also been published as having occurred in infants after Vitamin K administration.

I figured that if DD2 was healthy, and was breastfed in the immediate postpartum period (and beyond), then in conjunction with not cutting her cord she would have sufficient clotting factor in her blood from both the placenta and my milk.

Did you have a birth plan? : What side effects are there?

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:31:06 +0000

Author: caliandjack
Subject: 35129
Posted: 09�August�2010 at 1:31pm

What side effects are there?

Did you have a birth plan? : caliandjack wrote:Why have...

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:21:11 +0000

Author: HippyMama
Subject: 35129
Posted: 09�August�2010 at 1:21pm

caliandjack wrote:

Why have people decided not to have Vit K?

In a nutshell I decided not to have Vit K administered for DD2 as she wasn't premature, and her birth was not traumatic, so there was less chance of her needing it for excessive bleeding (or NHD) - it also meant we avoided some of the potential side effects.

Did you have a birth plan? : Lil_Nic9 wrote:IFor me I think...

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:18:38 +0000

Author: fire_engine
Subject: 35129
Posted: 09�August�2010 at 10:18am

Lil_Nic9 wrote:

IFor me I think most of it was 'in my head' I was doing really fine in labour but once it got to "You're 7cm dilated" then 3 hours later "You're still 7cm" I started to think negatively and that's when it hurt.

That's one reason I don't think I want to be told the result of VEs (I'm not 100% sure on that, I"m a bit of a control freak and like knowing what's happening) but there is a link between being told you're not progressing and likelihood of increased intervention,and there is some research (talked about on a MWs blog I saw recently) that talked about natural plateaus in labour. THat it's quite normal to have periods of not progressing and that this is happening for a reason (OBs and some MWs are more likely see this as a problem and intervene whereas it may not actually be needed). I haven't researched it much at this stage but know several people who have looked into this in more detail.

Did you have a birth plan? : Why have people decided not to...

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:58:24 +0000

Author: caliandjack
Subject: 35129
Posted: 09�August�2010 at 9:58am

Why have people decided not to have Vit K?

Did you have a birth plan? : I wanted an EPI right from the...

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:41:52 +0000

Author: High9
Subject: 35129
Posted: 09�August�2010 at 9:41am

I wanted an EPI right from the beginning! But my mum and gma never had one so were like "We did it without! So can you!" and it was kind of a scary thing to think about.

I have a very high pain threshold and could have gone the whole way, in a way I did, kinda... But I had been awake for about 2 days straight and was hungry and just wanted a rest so I got an epi, didn't top it up and it wore off for pushing and I decided not to top it up for pushing so felt everything and it honestly wasn't as bad as I thought!

I told me mw towards the end I wanted to go as long as possible drug free and she was happy with that decision. We discussed earlier in the day when I was in labour if I should get one or not but I wanted to hold off a bit longer.

For me I think most of it was 'in my head' I was doing really fine in labour but once it got to "You're 7cm dilated" then 3 hours later "You're still 7cm" I started to think negatively and that's when it hurt.

I also was told by random people/family that my baby would 'come out dopey' if I had any drugs.

Re the VIT K we opted for that after hearing about so many babies dying and didn't want to risk it. Either way there were risks with it but we believe we made the best decision.

I also had a jab to birth the placenta, I think that was because of how long I had been in labour and I really just wanted to eat and sleep after the birth!

Did you have a birth plan? : With all the helpful lovely OB...

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:28:11 +0000

Author: caliandjack
Subject: 35129
Posted: 09�August�2010 at 9:28am

With all the helpful lovely OB ladies, its impossible not to have some ideas about what I want in regards to the birth.

Did you have a birth plan? : Kelly I know that hun... I wasnt...

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 08:33:42 +0000

Author: mummyofprinces
Subject: 35129
Posted: 09�August�2010 at 8:33am

Kelly I know that hun... I wasnt saying people shouldnt take the drugs just that its good to actually know the pro's and con's of them before you do ....

Wading out now as I think people are misreading my intentions....

Oh and CJ just to reiterate, while I quoted you my post was in no way directed at you.... I was not implying you had no researched your options.

Edited by melnel

Did you have a birth plan? : having drugs or no drugs is such...

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 22:59:38 +0000

Author: Shezamumof3
Subject: 35129
Posted: 08�August�2010 at 10:59pm

having drugs or no drugs is such a personal thing, some people can get by with out them and some cant and sometimes you got no bloody choice in the matter if yours or your babys life are in jepordy!

For me, I got an epi when I was about 7cm dilated and I had been in labour a LONG time, about 40 hours(from when my waters broke and contractions started as soon as they broke), Id had gas before the epi in the ambulence on the way to the hospital(transfered from maternity hospital), I also got a shot of pethadine to make the ambulence ride more comfortable for me.

Caden got the vit K infection because of how the birth went.

My actual birth plan for him was - Water birth, no drug, no cuts! I got none of that lol, but still got my baby

Did you have a birth plan? : melnel wrote: caliandjack...

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 16:32:45 +0000

Author: TheKelly
Subject: 35129
Posted: 08�August�2010 at 4:32pm

melnel wrote:

caliandjack wrote:

Oh and Kelly I'm all for as many drugs as they're happy to give me, no point having access to fabulous medical care if I'm not going to use it.

I have a pretty high tolerance of pain, I'm no marta either.

Firslty this is not directed at CJ personally, more got me thinking...

I dont think it has anything to do with being a martyr as such, its about weighing up the risks and benefits and deciding what risks you are willing to take. I dont think I know anyone who has chosen a drug free route for them, but because they believed it is best for baby.

For me personally I have no problems taking drugs if I need them, but I am making an informed decision. How many first timers actually ask their LMC what risks are there to my baby when I have *insert intervention/drug* during their antenatal visits. The sad fact is that the options you are given during labour are not always with the best interests of you and your baby!

I know one of the worst risks first hand , my best friend died from a blood clot caused by her epidural .
But if they weren't available,if they said "you can't have drugs at all " I would not have gotten pregnant again .

Did you have a birth plan? : .Edited by maya22

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 13:28:41 +0000

Author: maya22
Subject: 35129
Posted: 08�August�2010 at 1:28pm

.

Edited by maya22

Did you have a birth plan? : I have been doing my research...

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 13:01:10 +0000

Author: caliandjack
Subject: 35129
Posted: 08�August�2010 at 1:01pm

I have been doing my research however during my pregnancy and while there is the course of action I would like to take, ie: no epi no cutting and of course preferably no c-section and as little intervention as possible as I do have faith that my body can do what needs to be done.

I am relying on my MW to make the best medical decisions for me as she's the expert I'm trusting with mine and my baby's health care.

Did you have a birth plan? : Thanks for sharing that HippyMama,...

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 12:51:08 +0000

Author: shadowfeet
Subject: 35129
Posted: 08�August�2010 at 12:51pm

Thanks for sharing that HippyMama, it looks like a great way to analyse decisions.

It was the early decisions that were made that annoy me, that may have lead to the complications for DD. One being the decision to break my waters ASAP, start syntocin ASAP, and an immediate epidural. I didn't want any of those straight away but let them happen anyway. My MW hadn't had any discussions with me about any of those, no birth plan discussions at ALL. I think she was in a rush to start her weekend off, not that she'd told me she was off that weekend.

The studies I've read recently have suggested that epidurals can lead to maternal fever. I had a c-section because of the fever, and the fever led to DD having sepsis.

Did you have a birth plan? : caliandjack wrote: Oh and...

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 10:50:46 +0000

Author: mummyofprinces
Subject: 35129
Posted: 08�August�2010 at 10:50am

Did you have a birth plan? : I had a chat about the options...

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 09:36:16 +0000

Author: T_Rex
Subject: 35129
Posted: 08�August�2010 at 9:36am

I had a chat about the options with my MW beforehand. Unfortunately it was one of the only appointments DH missed so he didn't get to be part of it. Next time I'll make sure he is more informed not just of what I want, but that he has to advocate loudly for me because I can't do it for myself (when usually no-one can push me around ever!). I also found it good to have chatted about the options before I was in labour, because as my MW said, when they explain risks and benefits to you during labour you probably aren't really going to listen, so it's better to at least have some prior knowledge. DD had her own birthplan - very different to mine - and so the MW adapted things accordingly, and ultimately we got a healthy baby and a healthy me. And because I had the chance to try it my way, for the most part, I'm ok with the fact that it turned out very different.

ETA: Shadowfeet, I recall your birth involved a bit of life-or-death stuff for both you and Libby. Mine involved some life-or-death stuff for DD too, and once it reached that point, we weren't consulted at all. They did keep us informed of what they were doing, but it was all done very quickly and there was no stopping to discuss it. Thats why it was good that the MW had an idea of what we wanted and she partly used that to guide the OB's decisions, but there was plenty of stuff we didn't want that had to happen too.

Edited by T_Rex

Did you have a birth plan? : TheKelly wrote:ha ,I wonder...

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 09:24:54 +0000

Author: freckle
Subject: 35129
Posted: 08�August�2010 at 9:24am

TheKelly wrote:

ha ,I wonder if im the only one on this forum that has "give me as many drugs as possible " in her birthplan

Nope this time I'm happy to have an epi as soon as possible! although I don't want pethidine again, it made me feel so out of it and when mum came in I kept thinking -don't let her see your eyes she'll know your out of it ... like I was doing something naughty

melnel wrote:

DH said its more watching me in so much pain that he couldnt handle.. and not knowing what he should do... he was fine with the grosser stuff. He was very relieved when I had an epi and the pain stopped but is on board with the no drugs this time if it will prevent another c-section because that was even scarier...

Same here Mel - he couldn't handle the pain side of it - he is very happy I want an epi!

Did you have a birth plan? : I guess its easier to know what...

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 09:01:41 +0000

Author: caliandjack
Subject: 35129
Posted: 08�August�2010 at 9:01am

I guess its easier to know what you want 2nd time round, this is my first and I've no idea how its going to go, and while I can decide all manner of things I'd like to have in the end as long as the baby delivered safely and my health is looked after I don't really care how the birth goes.

Oh and Kelly I'm all for as many drugs as they're happy to give me, no point having access to fabulous medical care if I'm not going to use it.

I have a pretty high tolerance of pain, I'm no marta either.

Did you have a birth plan? : I don't know if I could call...

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 08:32:50 +0000

Author: HippyMama
Subject: 35129
Posted: 08�August�2010 at 8:32am

I don't know if I could call what I had a 'plan', since my baby definitely didn't read it, but there were a lot of things surrounding the birth that my midwife and I discussed in depth and were really important.

Things like no induction, no VEs, no drugs (was a homebirth anyway), limited use of the doppler, no jab for the placenta and NO cord traction, no cord clamping, no Vit K, what we would do if baby was breech (stay home!), etc.

Actually, most of that was sweet as (although she was head down, breech was just in case), the main part baby didn't want to pay attention to was being born in the water LOL She was in too much of a hurry!

The way we looked at most standard 'procedures' (even though for a hb its a bit different) was with the BRAIN acronym - Benefit, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, Nothing.... a very useful tool. There is a good explanation of each step here:

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150195741035118

Did you have a birth plan? : I want to like your post shadowfeet......

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 07:29:11 +0000

Author: mummyofprinces
Subject: 35129
Posted: 08�August�2010 at 7:29am

I want to like your post shadowfeet... I have exactly the same thing!

This time I am armed with far more knowledge about things AND I have an awesome team behind me.. support people who can be your advocate if you cant yourself help too!

I think the key is to know what you want/dont want, make sure birth partner knows (so writing it down for them to keep in the wallet/purse is a good idea) and be flexible.

If you go demanding that you will have no drugs, water birth, physilogical third stage blah blah blah and in the end you fail to progress, are giving synto, cant handle the extreme pain and have an epi, cant be in the water, have the jab (cant remember the name) to quickening third stage then you are setting yourself up for some post birth trauma.

And remember, your mw may not be with you on the day and your birthing partner may loose their voice if things start going haywire, so writing it down can be useful for those around you.

Did you have a birth plan? : I know babies don't read...

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 00:00:38 +0000

Author: shadowfeet
Subject: 35129
Posted: 08�August�2010 at 12:00am

I know babies don't read the birth plan, but there are so many choices that my MW made for me with no consultation (from me or DH) at all that may have changed the circumstances of the birth and the following weeks a lot. It pays not to be a doormat but when you're in hospital its hard to stick up for yourself.

Ah, the things to change 2nd time around.

Did you have a birth plan? : SER wrote: caliandjack wrote:I...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 23:16:10 +0000

Author: WestiesGirl
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 11:16pm

SER wrote:

caliandjack wrote:

I keep getting told birth plans are a waste of time, as the MW will do what's necessary anyways.

Even if you do write one your LMC will intervene when necessary. Also from what I've seen and been told sticking to a rigidly to a birth plan causes more hassles.

Yeah but she can't do anything you don't want done though, so if you have a list of things you do/don't want written down to make things easier.

Yep this is exactly why I had my birth plan in writing. Your not always thinking straight when in labour so I personally felt it was important to have one. My LMC was my GP and he doesnt attend the birth so I needed the MW's to know what we wanted.
Another reason I did it was cos if I was not able to make decisions or choices myself, for what ever reason, I wanted them to know exactly what I was happy and not happy with. Obviously, ultimately we wanted to deliver baby as safe as possible for the both of us.

Did you have a birth plan? : I had it a 4cm and that is the...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 22:25:24 +0000

Author: mummyofprinces
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 10:25pm

I had it a 4cm and that is the absolute earliest they recommend... dont forget that was an induction so I was in hospital from the start...

Most women dont get to hospital before 5cm really, often 6-7cm so thats fine

Everyone who is part of Birth Team Nel knows that even if I ask for it, I am not to be given an epi before 7cm (unless its for medical purposes ie my BP is through the roof and they want to bring it down).

Not everyone who has an epi will have the issues I did and it was accompanied with bad decisions re other intervention.

Plus we will never know if it would have happened anyway (though all evidence suggests it wouldnt have).

Oh and I forgot there is also a staff member at NSH who is a not point allowed in anywhere near me if she is on duty... my mw thinks this is highly amusing and has no problems telling her where to go LOL I forgot that part of my "birth plan".

Did you have a birth plan? : haha , thought you'd like...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 21:45:21 +0000

Author: TheKelly
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 9:45pm

haha , thought you'd like my plan Shez

That scared me Mel , how early is too early to get an epi ?
I don't have anything against people that don't want drugs, I just meant that I must be one of the only ones that wants drugs, most people do prefer to try without .

Did you have a birth plan? : TheKelly wrote:Ha, DH's...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 21:20:36 +0000

Author: Shezamumof3
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 9:20pm

TheKelly wrote:

Ha, DH's birth plan would be for him to be outside playing on the laptop until the baby is cleaned and dressed ....

I had a birth plan with C which was pain relief is ok if I need it (didn't end up using it )
With Ty it was no pain relief , and with this one its , give me a damn epidural the minute I walk through the hospital doors, greet me with the needle even , and then I shall sit and watch Friends on DH's laptop . I really like the part where I watch Friends

Thats sounds like a damn good plan Kelly!

I had a birth "guideline" I dont believe in birth plans NYMORE, as they can all go down the gurgler at the last minute!(mine did!)

Did you have a birth plan? : I just went over with te mw what...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 21:12:20 +0000

Author: myfullhouse
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 9:12pm

I just went over with te mw what my preferences were like water birth (missed out on that ), DH to cut cord, my Mum in with us as well. My mw said I had to ask for drugs, she wouldn't offer, which was fine by me. And then things like Vit K to be given and try and birth placenta naturally.
So much can happen and change I think it is best to have a list of do's and don'ts rather than a plan as such

Did you have a birth plan? : I had Birth Preferances... Just...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 20:47:26 +0000

Author: Emmi_
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 8:47pm

I had Birth Preferances... Just so my MW knew what I did and didnt want and what I would have if I needed it. Glad we did, even though my birth didnt go as preferred
I think its good to talk to your MW about what you want and dont want, and what your willing to compromise on so then your both on the same page.
We all know babies dont read our birth plans

Did you have a birth plan? : I had Vanessa Bowden. I birthed...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 20:09:20 +0000

Author: HoneybunsMa
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 8:09pm

I had Vanessa Bowden. I birthed at Auckland because at the time I was living in Meadowbank. Don't know what I will do if I can't have her again with the next one. She's already told me that she won't do this area as she had one mum in Bucklands Beach and hated it! Too much driving too far away etc. I think she has a girl in her collective that works out here. Although I would prefer her.

Did you have a birth plan? : Kelly I am only avoiding drugs...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 20:08:26 +0000

Author: mummyofprinces
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 8:08pm

Kelly I am only avoiding drugs because they are the very likely cause of my section... and I would rather not go through another one if I can help it...

I had my epi too early in the induction process which can cause baby to move position which he did (head turned lateral/transverse) and then was given synto that wasnt needed which coupled with my already very good contractions and the funny head position put him into distress...

I am not saying no to drugs, just that I dont want them offered. If I cant take it then I will ask for them iygwim.

Did you have a birth plan? : freckle wrote:LOL CJ - think...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 20:05:59 +0000

Author: mummyofprinces
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 8:05pm

freckle wrote:

LOL CJ - think my DF feels a bit the same this time... he is just as freaked out about labour as I am this time after the last time... in fact that is what put him off us having more kids! I think it's a bit funny cos surely my part is a bit harder

DH said its more watching me in so much pain that he couldnt handle.. and not knowing what he should do... he was fine with the grosser stuff. He was very relieved when I had an epi and the pain stopped but is on board with the no drugs this time if it will prevent another c-section because that was even scarier...

Bless them!

His job this time is to be fetcher and carrier as I have a great support person to help me so he can focus on other things

Did you have a birth plan? : ha ,I wonder if im the only one...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 20:04:58 +0000

Author: TheKelly
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 8:04pm

ha ,I wonder if im the only one on this forum that has "give me as many drugs as possible " in her birthplan

Did you have a birth plan? : Who was your MW HBM? I probably...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 20:03:14 +0000

Author: TheKelly
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 8:03pm

Who was your MW HBM? I probably would know them since we are from the same area

Did you have a birth plan? : I had no birthplan mentioned it...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 19:49:22 +0000

Author: HoneybunsMa
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 7:49pm

I had no birthplan mentioned it to my MW and she just said she didn't do them which was fine by me. I was open to everything although my MW is pro natural birth and little intervention I completely believe she would intervene if the need be but she is more likely to coach you through it then offer pain relief.

As it turns out she decided on the pethadine shot and that I would get the jab to expel the placenta both of which I'm fine with. She told DP he was cutting the cord lol until then he didn't want to.

Did you have a birth plan? : caliandjack wrote:I keep getting...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 19:22:22 +0000

Author: J&Ls mum
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 7:22pm

Yeah but she can't do anything you don't want done though, so if you have a list of things you do/don't want written down to make things easier.

DH has a copy in his wallet of things we do and don't want, last time bubs was rushed off to the NICU and they bombarded him with questions and he just said yes to them all cause i wasn't there to ask, this time he will be able to pull out his list and make more informed decisions.

Did you have a birth plan? : I didn't really have a plan...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 18:38:23 +0000

Author: happymumma
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 6:38pm

I didn't really have a plan - but I knew that I wanted to go with no pain relief if possible, that I didn't want pethadine and that the baby was to have Vit K. All those things I mentioned to my MW first time round and that was really the extent of our discussions around the actual birth (DS turned up the week before I think we were to have that discussion in more detail). I had also read a bit about natural pain relief options like accupressure points and used those with his birth. DD was in a hurry so popped out just as I was thinking that I would need to ask for pain relief! No plan except to get to the hospital in time needed for her!

I just trusted the MWs to make good decisions and for ex DH to advocate for me. If I were to have the opportunity again I would go with the MW I trust to make great decisions and have someone there who I could be sure would support me in the way I needed. If I had particularly strong feelings about anything I would just ensure that the MW and support crew knew about it in the event that that information was needed.

Did you have a birth plan? : LOL CJ - think my DF feels a bit...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 18:25:43 +0000

Author: freckle
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 6:25pm

LOL CJ - think my DF feels a bit the same this time... he is just as freaked out about labour as I am this time after the last time... in fact that is what put him off us having more kids! I think it's a bit funny cos surely my part is a bit harder

Did you have a birth plan? : Ha, DH's birth plan would...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 18:24:20 +0000

Author: TheKelly
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 6:24pm

Ha, DH's birth plan would be for him to be outside playing on the laptop until the baby is cleaned and dressed ....

I had a birth plan with C which was pain relief is ok if I need it (didn't end up using it )
With Ty it was no pain relief , and with this one its , give me a damn epidural the minute I walk through the hospital doors, greet me with the needle even , and then I shall sit and watch Friends on DH's laptop . I really like the part where I watch Friends

Did you have a birth plan? : If DH had his way, his part would...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 18:05:05 +0000

Author: caliandjack
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 6:05pm

If DH had his way, his part would involve me ringing him to be picked up when its all done. He wishes.

Did you have a birth plan? : Didn't have one with Dan...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 17:28:20 +0000

Author: fire_engine
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 5:28pm

Didn't have one with Dan thankfully, as his birth was nothing like what I had thought might happen. My issue with birth plans is that the baby hasn't read it and they have quite a big role in the birthing process!

However, because Dan's birth is associated with a lot of traumatic memories and a lack of control and overmedicalisation of the birth (which I played my part in and was happy with until recently), I have some things I would like to try to do differently. Emphasis on the try part, b/c at the end of the day, the main thing is healthy baby and healthy mum.

melnel wrote:

The "plan" as DH puts it is to have a healthy baby and mum in the safest way possible.. I have extended it a little bit to add that I do not want to be offered any drugs and any intervention suggested is because it is deemed necessary not because it "might" help...

I am doing the same. I fully trust my MW and if she feels something is indicated, then I will trust that recommendation (she's a westie, fairly low intervention and very experienced so I feel safe in her recommendations) b/c I do believe she is the expert - that's why I'm under a MW afterall. But, I would like to give my body the best chance to do it itself and that's what the "birth plan" (which is not really the right term) being about - this involves the default being natural pain relief/management strategies, pain relief/intervention not being suggested or offered unless the MW believes it is necessary, things I would like my birth support people to do to help keep me focused .....

Did you have a birth plan? : We had a written birthplan that...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 17:15:58 +0000

Author: freckle
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 5:15pm

We had a written birthplan that we worked out with the MW - it was the only MW appointment DF attended cos she felt it was important for him to be there. It was of course open for change should circumstances require, but just gave a basic idea of what we ideally wanted, where, pain relief etc...

Did you have a birth plan? : Never had the discussion... we...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 17:01:10 +0000

Author: mummyofprinces
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 5:01pm

Never had the discussion... we were supposed to discuss it at 36 weeks but she wanted to wait until I had seen the OB the next week (I was on OB one week and mw the following) and he was born before my next appt with her...

In hindsight we should have had that conversation!

This time around from my first appt my new mw knows what I want and what I dont (as I wanted that upfront from the get go) so we dont really need to have the discussion...

The "plan" as DH puts it is to have a healthy baby and mum in the safest way possible.. I have extended it a little bit to add that I do not want to be offered any drugs and any intervention suggested is because it is deemed necessary not because it "might" help...

Did you have a birth plan? : We did one with our midwife, kinda...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 16:43:34 +0000

Author: Bubie
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 4:43pm

We did one with our midwife, kinda wanted abit of a baseline to follow Even though my birth didnt go exactly to plan, the midwife knew what i wanted

Did you have a birth plan? : Thanks for the feedback. It seems...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 13:28:48 +0000

Author: shadowfeet
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 1:28pm

Thanks for the feedback. It seems that most midwives at least ask what your preference is.

Did you have a birth plan? : We just sat down with the MW and...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 13:19:54 +0000

Author: Guests
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 1:19pm

We just sat down with the MW and went through what I'd prefer and said like the others we'd just go with the flow.

Did you have a birth plan? : I didn't do a birthplan,...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 13:12:12 +0000

Author: MamaT
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 1:12pm

I didn't do a birthplan, but one of the MW's at my MW's practice gave me a piece of paper with some questions, which made me look into each aspect so I had an idea in my head of things I was for or against, but at the birth it all just happened which I was happy enough with, my MW discussed each aspect with me at the time. eg. cutting the cord, Vit K, keeping placenta, drugs etc etc.

Was good to have an idea and form an opinion on each aspect as a lot of the time we didn't get a chance to really discuss pro's and con's etc.

Did you have a birth plan? : I keep getting told birth plans...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 12:18:56 +0000

Author: caliandjack
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 12:18pm

I keep getting told birth plans are a waste of time, as the MW will do what's necessary anyways.

Even if you do write one your LMC will intervene when necessary. Also from what I've seen and been told sticking to a rigidly to a birth plan causes more hassles.

Did you have a birth plan? : Not so much a Birth Plan as such...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 12:12:07 +0000

Author: Kalimirella
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 12:12pm

Not so much a Birth Plan as such (and not written down) I just discussed what I would like all things going well and what would happen in a downward spiral all things not going well.

All things did go well so I got what I wanted but I was mentally prepared for things to be different as well. The go with the flow is a good idea but having an idea of what you would like and telling your midwife BUT don't expect things to go exactly as you wish is I think the way to go.

Did you have a birth plan? : Nah no birth plan here I just...

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 00:29:59 +0000

Author: Lexidore
Subject: 35129
Posted: 07�August�2010 at 12:29am

Nah no birth plan here I just wanted to go with the flow with everything to do with birth!

Did you have a birth plan? : I prepared a Birth Plan, but it...

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 22:55:29 +0000

Author: WestiesGirl
Subject: 35129
Posted: 06�August�2010 at 10:55pm

I prepared a Birth Plan, but it was kinda like what kebakat said, more a guideline of what we wanted and didnt want (which I guess is the point of having one).

I pretty much got the labour and birth that I wanted as per my plan, except it all happened so quickly that my birth plan wasnt pulled out until 20 minutes before Jackson was born. Had my labour not been so fast it would have been brought out earlier

Did you have a birth plan? : We never had one written down,...

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 22:42:00 +0000

Author: kiwisj
Subject: 35129
Posted: 06�August�2010 at 10:42pm

We never had one written down, I went into labour too early I borrowed a friend's one to see what she'd written and basically it was along the line of what Stacey and Nicole have said - this is OK, this is OK, prefer not to do this unless medically necessary etc etc.

If I had been pregnant longer I would have talked about a birth plan with my doula and then with my obstetrician. We also had a Hypnobirthing class that was sposed to talk about birth plans but that was the week after DS was born.

This time I will probably write down a few things but my plan is essentially no plan. As long as I get a healthy bub I am happy and I had a great birth last time despite no plan and a prem baby So I guess the point of my long ramble is that the best plan is to be open minded and don't worry about it too much!

Did you have a birth plan? : Nope we never wrote one down,...

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 22:02:22 +0000

Author: High9
Subject: 35129
Posted: 06�August�2010 at 10:02pm

Nope we never wrote one down, my plan was to just go with whatever happened, if I could do it without pain relief I would but if I couldn't then no big deal, would prefer vagina birth but if need a C-sect that's fine...

I think it is good to have an open mind and to just sorta go with it and do what feels right at the time, my midwife was the same and happy with my plan.

Hope that makes sense, I think it's better to keep an open mind so that if things don't go to plan you don't get to down. Just my opinion.

Like kebakat said, we also did the gas ok, epi if necessary, vit k was ok, dp to cut cord, dp in room only along with mw...

Did you have a birth plan? : We didn't really have a plan...

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 21:50:13 +0000

Author: kebakat
Subject: 35129
Posted: 06�August�2010 at 9:50pm

We didn't really have a plan as such, more just a list of things that were ok and not ok, so vit k was ok, gas was ok etc

Did you have a birth plan? : I've done reading on birth/...

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 21:45:32 +0000

Author: shadowfeet
Subject: 35129
Posted: 06�August�2010 at 9:45pm

I've done reading on birth/ care plans, and all the websites seem to say that everyone writes one in conjunction with their midwife.

Does that actually happen in practice?

I'm just trying to make sense of the thoughts in my head here regarding my pregnancy.