An OB's Birth Plan

Now my second question is why was the paper handed to your husband and not you?

Because he's misogynist!!!!!

Sorry ....but I was a L&D nurse out of school for a bit in a hospital that did 300+ deliveries a month. HOWEVER, that being said........I can't say as I disagree with one single thing in this "plan". Yes it is blunt but it is to the point.

Epidural anesthesia is optional and available at all times. The most recent scientific data suggest that epidurals are safe and do not interfere with labor in anyway even if administered very early in labor.

I perform all vaginal deliveries on a standard labor and delivery bed. Your legs will be positioned in the standard delivery stirrups. This is the most comfortable position for you. It also provides maximum space in your pelvis, minimizing the risk of trauma to you and your baby during delivery.

I will clamp the umbilical cord shortly after I deliver your baby. Delaying this procedure is not beneficial and can potentially be harmful to your baby.

RESULTS: The late cord-clamped group showed consistently higher haemoglobin levels than the early cord-clamped group, both at the age of 1 hour (mean (SD) 13.4 (1.9) mmol/l vs 11.1 (1.7) mmol/l), and at 10 weeks (6.7 (0.75) mmol/l vs 6.0 (0.65) mmol/l). No relationship between delayed clamping of the umbilical cord and pathological jaundice or polycythaemia was found. CONCLUSION: Immediate clamping of the umbilical cord should be discouraged.

Based on a summation of all findings the author concludes and advocates that slightly delayed cord clamping between 30 seconds and five minutes after birth is superior to immediate cord clamping done at delivery.

The only unfortunate thing is that you found out your OB's beliefs this late in the game.
We could argue all day on the topic of home births vs. hospital, bradley vs. hospital philosophy, vaccinations vs no vaccine ect ect.... we, even as health care professionals, will never agree. I happen share the opinions of your doc from my personal experience as a NICU nurse(home births gone wrong resulting in trached/vent dependent baby, IVH in term infants who did not receive Vit K for example). And I totally understand that for every 1 horrible NICU admit there are 100s of healthy home births/ tubs births/ births unmonitored with no IV, ect, ect that others can attest to. I say to each his own.
It is unfortunate that you are finding this out at 26 weeks. I think that you should let your OB know that you do not share the same "birth plan" and you feel that you cannot continue to see him/her- that this is a deal breaker for you. Make sure you suggest that this letter be given to patients on their FIRST OB visit- after all, this would have saved you alot of trouble and stress!
You say you believe this is a good doc, I'm sure he/her could refer you to someone who shares your same ideas.
Congratulations on your pregnancy!! Please keep us posted!

i would think it is the almighty dollar....if he does it late enough, some persons will simlply cave, and stay with him, if he did it early on, they would more likely leave, arshole