Birth Plan: Are they useless?
I thought long and hard about my birth plan. I studied pain management, labor positions, etc. And in short, it was pointless to have a birth plan. Let’s dig in ⬇️
*I completely understand any part of your plan that is due to religious reasons and I think it’s important to discuss with OBGYN and nurse staff prior to birth. There are some aspects to this post that may be triggering.*
My plan (Some highlights):
•Unmedicated
•Using squat bar during delivery
•Moving around during labor
•Delayed cord clamping
Why everything I wanted went out the window and I honestly no longer cared:
•Baby’s heart-rate dropped in the 40’s immediately after breaking water. Almost had to have emergency c-section due to this.
•Baby’s heart-rate then dropped with every contraction so I made the decision to have epidural to hopefully help both of us relax. It ended up failing so I had baby unmedicated anyway.
•I was so exhausted (mainly due to my POTS) that there’s no way I could have delivered any other way, but my back.
•They were going to let me move around with wireless monitor after breaking water, but once that happened and chaos ensued I had to have internal monitor which meant I was not able to get out of bed. Honestly by that point I didn’t want to.
•I was so exhausted that I was about to pass out that I barely even registered my husband cutting the cord. Our hospital generally “waits for white” anyway and my husband said it was white when he cut it so that one kind of worked out.
There were other aspects of my birth plan, but these were the major ones that I can remember that didn’t work out. The amount of time from breaking my water to the birth of my son was two hours. Every birth is different, but because of the complications I had during labor I had to let go of my desired birth plan and do what was best for my baby at the time.
My biggest takeaway was not to plan each part of the birth, but to prepare for things you may not want and decide your “what ifs”. No birth is guaranteed to go the way it’s planned and if you are unprepared for what may happen then it’s way more stressful.
#birthplan #birthplans #laborprep #laboranddelivery #laborstory #prematurebaby #deliverystory #labortips #storytime #birthpreparation
When considering the role of a birth plan, many expectant parents believe they can control every detail of labor and delivery. However, my journey showed me that flexibility is crucial. After weeks of research on unmedicated births, I faced unexpected challenges when my baby's heart rate dropped, leading to a cascade of decisions that nullified my initial plan. It’s vital to understand that every birth is unique. Many parents create comprehensive birth plans only to find that the reality of childbirth often necessitates quick changes. Some key takeaways include discussing potential 'what ifs' with your healthcare provider and preparing mentally for a variety of scenarios. This preparation can reduce anxiety and promote a positive experience, regardless of the birth outcome. Incorporating practices such as prenatal classes or connecting with other parents can provide additional support and insight. Engaging in discussions about pain management techniques, hospital policies, and personal preferences can empower expecting parents and help them navigate the complexities of childbirth more effectively. Remember, adaptability is the cornerstone of a fulfilling childbirth experience.
yes, they are pretty much useless and most women won't use them. BUT it's good to write out a plan of what you would like to happen for your birth. have an idea of what you would like and then a plan b and a plan c. as anything can happen and you have no idea if your staff will be supportive or controlling.