[MommytoTwo]

Who do you give it to, and when?

With DS I brought it to the hospital and gave it to the nurse. I dont think they ever looked at it.

This time my doula is going to help me and she wants me to bring it to my appointments. Then when I go into labor, do I just give it to my nurse? Do they put it in your chart? How do you know that all the pertinent people read it?

 

[onlyboys]

Just be careful that EVERYONE who could be caring for you gets a copy and okays it. A woman I was "doula-ing" for did not have one caregiver sign her birth plan, and this OB ended up delivering her. She had checked with everyone else, but this one wouldn't let her labor like she wanted. She came *this close* to a cesarian.

We gave her birth plan to everyone who walked in the door. And, we taped it on the door. The nurses laughed at us.

 

[applejuice]

Quote:

We gave her birth plan to everyone who walked in the door. And, we taped it on the door. The nurses laughed at us.

That is why I had my babies at home!!

I always loved the home court advantage.

 

[Tiskin]

yeah, you have to be carefull. With my first birth nobody payed attention or followed my wishes. (probably because they didn't take me seriously at 15. I was knowlegable, I just should have been more assertive.)
That's why I made sure I made a birth plan with my second.
I printed out several copies, gave one to each nurse, went over it several times with my doc (he kinda laughed at me because I made my plans when I was 5 months preg.), and I reminded the nurses a few times not to even offer me pain meds and not to give my son suplemental bottles or pasifires ect.
If you are going to have a hospital birth you have to be very loud about your prefrences.
oh, and I think onlyboys is right, taping one to the door is a great idea.

 

[CairaJade]

Quote:

Originally Posted by onlyboys We gave her birth plan to everyone who walked in the door. And, we taped it on the door. The nurses laughed at us.

How common is it have birth plans laughed at? I've heard this multiple times before. If the hospital staff is basically laughing at you and your preferences, how can they follow your wishes?

 

[onlyboys]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CairaJade How common is it have birth plans laughed at? I've heard this multiple times before. If the hospital staff is basically laughing at you and your preferences, how can they follow your wishes?

With two births, both with OBs, the birth plans initialled by the OBs were thrown out the window as soon as the mom got there.

With 3 births, with midwives, the birth plans were respected. But, both parties were totally in agreement in these cases--NO intervention.

The nurses were laughing because the OBs were so unlikely to enjoy this. If the mama I was referring to had REALLY battled, I suppose she could have fought them off. As it was, she was exhausted and wanted to labor in peace. Didn't work out that way.

They will follow your wishes, but it's a battle and not always one that mamas are willing to participate in.

 

[CJ 5]

My MW told me the best chance you have is to make it 1 PAGE and bulleted. get the most important stuff on there and remind your DR/ MW of the most important things when she calls in orders when you are in labor. If you get a bad nurse politely get rid of her and get another one. It is better to request a nurse that is pro natural.