Birth Plan???

Question

First time mama here. 
I’ve been playing with the ideas of what I want for my birth plan... watching videos about moms giving testimonies on the choices they made etc. 
I’m terrified lol. 
I never thought I would make it this far to begin with after struggling with infertility and loss (we just built our crib today, eesh!) So thinking more seriously into the birth plan is just psyching me out. 
I have epilepsy so I think the decision is going to be made for me by my physicians- a c-section. Which the paranoia in my mind thinks that’s the best idea. 
But for vaginal, I think I’m more scared of the epidural than the actual ripping and tearing and contracting 🤣
At least we have until July right...? 😬😬😬

Answer

Personally, I didn’t create a birth plan but I do know that helps a lot of people. Especially if you have a medical condition. When I had my daughter, there was more excitement in the day than anxiety. Anxiety was still there but everything being done was getting me closer and closer to meeting my baby. 
With my epidural, the worst part was when the dr was identifying the site. He firmly pressed his finger on my spine to mark where he would insert the epidural. It was just strange and uncomfortable. Once the spot was numbed, I didn’t feel anything. 
I had a small tear that I didn’t know occurred or was stitched up until the dr was finished and about to leave the room. At that point, I had my baby and didn’t care. 
All this to say I wish you a wonderful labor and delivery. Don’t be too hard on yourself. If someone wants to share their horrible experiences tell them you’d be happy to discuss that after your baby is born. Stay positive❤️

Answer

I was also more scared of the epidural. I highly suggest reading Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth.

Answer

With my first (5 years ago), I only had three requests: 1) don’t let visitors in during labor unless we said yes 2) delayed cord clamping and 3) holding off on bathing baby until he has nursed for the first time. 
I was terrified of the epidural, but after 9 hours of not progressing, my dr recommended one and I trusted her recommendation. Work with you doctor on what they recommend and have your ideals scenario in your head and advocate for yourself, but also be flexible to what they say because they are the medical professionals and are looking out for you and baby. My best friend was devastated when her birth plan didn’t happen exactly  as she wanted due to medical circumstances that were out of everyone’s control so I think that’s another reason to be flexible.

Answer

I purchased the Penny Simkin pregnancy book. She has tons of birth plan samples and a guide for writing your own. I also hired a doula with my first pregnancy who helped me figure out what I wanted my daughters birth to be like. A doula can also help be an advocate for you while in the hospital. 
I was planning to do all natural birth, but ended up having to get a epidural. I would not have been strong enough to go through that procedure without the support of my doula. My husband was there too, but he isn’t that kind of support person (I love him, but we both understand and knew he would not be able to provide what I would need during delivery).

Answer

So with my first I kinda created a birth plan. Then when I was at the hospital in labor I found out that all the things I wanted they did anyways. I feel like this one I’m going to just go with the flow, I know what to expect and what I want now and I feel more confident as a second time mom that I can advocate for myself if needed, but I’m not too worried about it. It’s good to do your research and learn, but try not to get to caught up in everything that you give yourself a lot of anxiety.

Answer

My birth plan was as simple as could be because I know that there’s a huge chance it won’t go how I wanted it to. My plan was basically no c-section unless absolutely necessary, try to go with out an epidural, and I wanted a delayed umbilical cord cut. The only thing that went how I wanted was no c-section lol. The epidural sounds a lot scary than it is. I didn’t even feel mine and I had no problems pushing or any side effects after. I’ll probably get it again. 
Also my husband’s cousin has epilepsy. She had a baby one month after I did and she didn’t have to have a c-section. I know that it’s different with every doctor and patient but I just wanted share in case that helps any. 😊

Answer

I was also more scared of the epidural! I wasn’t even having contractions when I got it but since I was already dilated to a 5 they said I could get it. 
I was crying waiting for it to happen bc I was so scared and honestly the IV in my hand hurt worse than the epidural. I didn’t even feel it. I am a huge baby when it comes to pain and I hate needles/getting my blood drawn and it was not bad at all.

Answer

I’m pregnant with my second and did go in just saying I want a vaginal delivery with my first. Other than that, I just wanted him out safe and I was open to pain medication. 
My advice is this. Try to go in open minded especially since you know you may require medical intervention. Additionally, when and if the anesthesiologist arrives my husband and nurse did a great job keeping me distracted. You will probably sit on the edge of the bed and the anesthesiologist will be behind you. Sit still, talk with your support and do not turn around. It only takes a few seconds and the pay off from hours of pain is worth it. Also statistically the complication rate is small. 
This go around I plan on getting an epidural again. The only hope is this time I don’t get induced (foley bulb) again so my tolerance is not diminished by the time I get to labor. I got one early and had to stay immobile in bed for a long time and I want to be able to move around longer.

Birth Plan???

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