Do I need to get my birth plan notarized?

Question

I’m not an insanely picky person, but there are definitely a few things that we won’t budge on during labor. My last labor turned into a C section that was medically necessary but I want to avoid a repeat c section at all costs, and want this labor to be as minimally invasive as possible. 
I’ve seen a few ladies say they had their birth plan notarized...what would be the benefits of this? 
Thank you!

Answer

I’m an L&D nurse. Definitely bring your birth preferences! Ask the dr to read through at a prenatal appt. and ask your nurse when you get there. Then have her hang it up somewhere. No reason to get it notorized. That wouldn’t do anything. It’s your body. You can decline anything and ask lots of questions. It’s not a legal document that anyone is bound to follow as far as advising you or going off hospital protocol. You’ll have to remember what’s on it and advocate for yourself. Are you able to get a doula?

Answer

I have never heard of that. My biggest advice though is to know that you can decide wayyyy more than what they let you think you can. Keep 2-3 copies at the hospital for the different staff. Have them look at it and let you know from the start of anything looks concerning. I can’t imagine what the benefit would be of a notarized copy.
Also don’t listen to the people who say not to have a birth plan. 🙄🙄🙄. All of my nurses asked for it and they studied it and made notes and briefed all the staff and asked me for clarification on a few things well before the birth. It was my saving grace. I had a stupid long, excruciatingly miserable labor and I was so happy I didn’t have to advocate for myself in the middle of it because it was all on paper.

Do I need to get my birth plan notarized?

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