Jen, Oh Jeeeen! I need your help!

[ShannonandDel]

My midwife asked me if I had a birth plan yet. I don't really know where to start. When I brought it up with my last Dr he just kind of smiled and shook his head a little
What do I need to include?

[skeettafic]

And I've just been wondering where you are, dear Jen!

[moogie]

i think birth plans are crucial but i also am probably a pain in the butt to any doctors.  I think a birth plan should do 2 things.  1.  It should be a guide to how to approach you as a labouring woman.  and 2. Your very specific wishes.

This is just my 2c but has been very successful for me.  First i had a paragraph to describe what kind of birth i wanted. ie. as natural as possible, free from limits, free to move as i wanted, water birth etc.  I then laid out mine through the stages.  What i'd like for:

the onset of labour - monitoring, drugs(if u want them or not)
1st stage - free from time limits, amount of examinations or none at all
2nd stage - coached pushing, or not, free of time limits? episiotomies?
3rd stage - yes oxytocin, no oxytocin, natural expulsion of placenta,

post birth wishes like rooming in, visitors, breastfeeding, vit K(yes, no), vax

then i had the extras like "if's"
if baby is in trouble
if i need a C section
if i need to be induced, what methods first

I know you're after Jens guidance but hope this helps.

[ShannonandDel]

Thanks so much Megs. I will definately get me started!