Doctor "Doesn't Do Birth Plans"?!

Question

Hello ladies!
So I asked my doctor at my last visit about filling out a birth plan, and was surprised by her response. She said that they don't do birth plans, and that labor and delivery doesn't always go as the patient would like, and she doesn't want any unrealistic expectations. I was shocked and kind of just said "ok" and moved on. Well, now I'm wondering at what point and who do I tell my wishes? For example: delayed cord clamping, skin to skin, etc. 
I'm a FTM so I don't have any experience with this. Anyone have insight? 
Thank you!

Answer

I was told the same thing. She told me that she will take my wishes into account but had to many people get upset when they set a plan and it didn't go as expected. We talked about preferred birthing options and as long as there are no complications i get to have delayed cord clamping, skin to skin, and spouse will cut the cord.

Answer

My doctor asked about my birth plan and my wishes and told me he'd let me try anything I wished. He said that even if things go as planned, he wants to make the birth experience memorable for all his mommies so even if he can't keep all of it, he'll look into other parts. I'd interview a few other midwives & OBs. Saying "I don't want unrealistic expectations" is basically saying "I want free reign and control"

Answer

I switched doctors this time. With my first baby my dr. Didn't communicate with me at all. As soon as he walked through my delivery door he told the nurse to prep me for a c-section. Thank God I had the most wonderful nurse who truly cared and we talked about what I wanted which was a vaginal dilivery. So if it wasn't for her standing up to the dr. And letting him know I was more that capable to deliver my baby naturally the dr. Would have got his way which is more money in his pocket. My advice is have some kind of communication and understanding with your dr. Don't let them take advantage and ignore your thoughts and opinions. Good luck.

Answer

Exactly why I switched to a midwife. A Dr has no patience and over users inducing and csections today. No thank you! I have a midwife and a doula and will only be restoring to these measures in a true emergency

Answer

Write it down/ type it out and give it to your nurse when you check in to L&D. They are the ones who usually work with the birth plans anyway. 
Just be prepared for things to not go as planned and for it all to be tossed out the window. We used to joke that a typed up birth plan is the fastest way to get a c/s. That's not really true either though!! 
I hope you get what you want :)

Answer

Probably because some people go crazy. I would ask what standards they follow for cord clamping and skin to skin as doctors vary.

Answer

Earthmamababyangel.com has a sample birthing plan on their site. Fill it out and print it!! When you go in there for delivery keep it with you and let them know your plans. Odd that she said that though. Id be kind of upset same as you. Hope all ends well 😘

Answer

I would not stay with that Doctor . On the other hand you could wright down all of the things that you and your family feel are important during labor and delivery and tell the nurses what you want!! It is tur baby and your body ! Don't be pushed to do something that you don't want! You don't want to be stressed out anymore than you would ! My doctor went over my entire birth plan with me and then told me what to tell the nurses during and after labor!

Answer

You should discuss this with your husband and make a plan between the 2 of you. Most doctors don't even look at people's birth plans. They are professionally trained to do their job and most have many many years of experience doing so. If you wish to go the birth plan route you're better off finding a midwife, as they typically will be more likely to listen and actually review your birth plan.

Answer

Ask at your next appointment, that's not really a birth plan lol I asked about donating the cord for stem cell research, my OB said he was all for it but the hospital I was at doesn't do it.

Doctor "Doesn't Do Birth Plans"?!

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