Boiling down the birth plan

[MyFullHouse]

Since I have this suspicion that I won't be deciding where this baby will be born until the very last minute , and I hear my regular hospital is "buckling down" on natural births, I've been contemplating the birth plan deal and reading through the examples here and around the web.

I don't want my "plan" to result in any additional animosity, so I'm contemplating the idea of foregoing the specific list and using more of a blanket statement along the lines of:

"I have no risk factors <knock on wood> to indicate any likely problems, and expect to have another natural child birth. We do not view the average labor and delivery as a medical event, and intend to decline any intervention unless it becomes medically necessary for the health and safety of baby or mother."

Followed by something about discussing the reasons and effects before giving consent. And then, of course, stuff about the care of Baby after the birth, which would specify each "procedure".

Now, I would be going into this with a midwife who has already supported each and every one of my wishes in the past, so it's really just about having the rest of the staff back off. Most of the staff is used to natural births, they just don't necessarily *like* them!

Thoughts?

[MegBoz]

I think that sounds like a good idea. Although I'd clarify natural, pain-med free, birth) since some people use "natural" to mean "vaginal." So I think it's worth clarifying that you've birthed without an epidural before. Especially should work well if you have a good, supportive DH (and perhaps doula) who have memorized all of your wishes & are prepared to help advocate for you.

Turquesa posted this recently on another thread that I thought was fantastic language:
http://www.nurturingheartsbirthservices.com/blog/?p=967

Most birth plans can be summarized thusly: “You will treat me with respect at all times and I will maintain the autonomy that I had before entering your hospital. Before you touch me or intervene in the normal course of my labor/delivery, you will discuss it with me and obtain informed consent.”

I also recall reading somewhere that HCPs have less of a 'problem' with birth plans that outline baby care stuff. Strange & I'm not sure how true it might be (can't recall where I read it.)

Originally Posted by MyFullHouse

Most of the staff is used to natural births, they just don't necessarily *like* them!

Ya know, I've heard this before that many HCPs don't like natural births. WTH? Why go into L&D then? That's just so warped. I can see how some may feel that way, but it's really twisted how common it seems to be.

[MyFullHouse]

Good point about specifying pain-med-free. I always forget that some people have different definitions.

I fully intend to put no stadol under ANY circumstances on there, somewhere. I'd rather they yank all of my toe nails out first!

[Vaquitita]

I'm having my first hospital birth, and have wondered this too. specific list vs. blanket statement. i may steal your wording.

[MyFullHouse]

Originally Posted by Vaquitita

I'm having my first hospital birth, and have wondered this too. specific list vs. blanket statement. i may steal your wording.

Today, I came up with the idea (since I'm completely obsessing and yet not getting any closer to a birth location decision ) of also bringing a copy of the Patient's Bill of Rights with my "favorite" parts highlighted, for dh to carry and whip out if needed.

[Adaline'sMama]

In regards to you not wanting to create any animosity, we had my MIL meet us at the hospital with a HUGE bag of chocolates that she gave to the nursing staff, with a copy of my birth plan that I had printed out on paper with footprints all around the edges.

My Bradely instructor told us about how a lot of times your birth plan is more accepted if it accompanies a gift. So, we did it as a measure of safety, and I think it worked. They contiunally referenced my plan and I could overhear them saying things like, "Well, her plan says no...." This was at a hospital that is not very friendly to natural births.

I've also heard of people taping their birth plan to the top of a pizza that a family member delivers before you arrive (you would have a copy on file there beforehand, so grease isnt too big of a worry)

We shouldnt have to do things like this to have a successful medication free childbirth. But it might help you get what you want, right?

[chellebee]

I love that you are approaching this from a 'friendly' standpoint. IMO, you can bring out the big guns if/when they are needed. I see so many birth plans that are confrontational or defensive and I really think this can put the staff on edge because it alienates them from the get-go.

One thing that I find helpful in wording to condense the birth plan and keep things lighter is to state at the very top that you appreciate information before all and any procedures so you can make informed decisions about your/baby's care. Yes, legally, they are supposed to exercise informed consent, but I find that this can nip some of the 'auto-pilot' things if they are aware they need to slow down and tell you what is going on (some people WANT the staff to manage everything.)