What comments do you hear from OB's about birth plans?

Specialties Ob/Gyn

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I was just wondering... When I was in my L&D rotation in school the OB's I worked with would be very condescending with any woman who gave them a birth plan. Usually it was behind the mom's back. Why do OB's do this? I could understand it if mom was making outrageous demands. But I'm just talking about the mention of a birth plan and the OB rolling his eyes (before he has even looked at it) and saying something sarcastic to the nurses. After witnessing this several times I'm actually dreading giving my OB my birth plan at my next appt. :o Especially after being told, "just get the epidural.." after I mentioned 'Hypnobirthing'... Anyway... just wondering what L&D nurses have witnessed and think about it.

Thanks!

Wow, and that was for a vag delivery?? Goodness... something about not being able to teach an old dog new tricks.

I don't even know the guy and all I can say is AMEN!!

He is bad, but not that bad...no the NPO is for the post c/s patients.

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OK, I've been doing some reading on birth plans over the web (I don't have access to mine as the drive it's stored on isn't being cooperative), and there are some things that really don't need to be mentioned in a birth plan. If you want to keep the lights low, have someone with you (a doula, perhaps? ;)) who can express this to the staff when they come into the room. If you want to wear your own clothes (I really don't recommend this due to "birth glop" getting all over something you really like), this doesn't need to be mentioned in a birth plan. Just tell them you don't want to wear their Christian Dior hospital gowns! :)

Save the space for what you REALLY want to communicate to the staff, such as pain med choices, wishes regarding an IV (which you MUST talk to your PCP first!), wishes regarding the pushing stages, etc. If you are using natural childbirth methods, communicate that you will be using nonpharmacologic relief methods - massage, aromatherapy, accupressure, etc. If you want to use water for relief (either a tub or shower) keep in mind that if you want or need an IV, this MIGHT be a little problematic.

Just keep the L&D portion short and sweet. In my experience, this is greatly appreciated by the staff. Also, include a line stating that these are only preferences and that you are flexible in case something unplanned arises. It's give and take, and be prepared to compromise. I've seen this more often than not, the more complicated the birth plan, the greater the chance of a birth ending as a c/s.

Think through what you want, and condense. It's best to be informed of all your choices before you go in.

I wish every woman who comes in with a birth plan would read your advice first! I am so appreciative of birth plans when they are clear & concise, based on informed decisions, and "preferences" as opposed to "plans"- that flexibilty is key.

I have a hard time taking seriously the generic, point & click internet generated (parent's place/babycenter. com) three page monstrosities. And an even harder time when we get the rare patient who comes in with a list of unreasonable, unsafe demands.

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OK, I've been doing some reading on birth plans over the web (I don't have access to mine as the drive it's stored on isn't being cooperative), and there are some things that really don't need to be mentioned in a birth plan. If you want to keep the lights low, have someone with you (a doula, perhaps? ;)) who can express this to the staff when they come into the room. If you want to wear your own clothes (I really don't recommend this due to "birth glop" getting all over something you really like), this doesn't need to be mentioned in a birth plan. Just tell them you don't want to wear their Christian Dior hospital gowns! :)

Save the space for what you REALLY want to communicate to the staff, such as pain med choices, wishes regarding an IV (which you MUST talk to your PCP first!), wishes regarding the pushing stages, etc. If you are using natural childbirth methods, communicate that you will be using nonpharmacologic relief methods - massage, aromatherapy, accupressure, etc. If you want to use water for relief (either a tub or shower) keep in mind that if you want or need an IV, this MIGHT be a little problematic.

Just keep the L&D portion short and sweet. In my experience, this is greatly appreciated by the staff. Also, include a line stating that these are only preferences and that you are flexible in case something unplanned arises. It's give and take, and be prepared to compromise. I've seen this more often than not, the more complicated the birth plan, the greater the chance of a birth ending as a c/s.

Think through what you want, and condense. It's best to be informed of all your choices before you go in.

I wish every woman who comes in with a birth plan would read your advice first! I am so appreciative of birth plans when they are clear & concise, based on informed decisions, and "preferences" as opposed to "plans"- that flexibilty is key.

I have a hard time taking seriously the generic, point & click internet generated (parent's place/babycenter. com) three page monstrosities. And an even harder time when we get the rare patient who comes in with a list of unreasonable, unsafe demands.

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That's crazy! Where are you if you don't mind my asking? I have never seen or heard of a doc wanting shaves or enemas anywhere I have worked, even the dinosaurs. It is funny where I worked because we don't even have the necessary equipment in the place:)

They routinely give enemas in my L&D too; it is even on the standard order sheet, although not all docs will do it. BTW, we still use Demerol/Phenergan for most pain control with our sections, so that tells you something. :rolleyes:

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That's crazy! Where are you if you don't mind my asking? I have never seen or heard of a doc wanting shaves or enemas anywhere I have worked, even the dinosaurs. It is funny where I worked because we don't even have the necessary equipment in the place:)

They routinely give enemas in my L&D too; it is even on the standard order sheet, although not all docs will do it. BTW, we still use Demerol/Phenergan for most pain control with our sections, so that tells you something. :rolleyes:

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
They routinely give enemas in my L&D too; it is even on the standard order sheet, although not all docs will do it. BTW, we still use Demerol/Phenergan for most pain control with our sections, so that tells you something. :rolleyes:

OH ME OH MY----where, oh, where is this, pray tell???? lord! isn't this the same hospital where the babies stay in the nursery for hours after birth cause that is the routine? I seem to remember you posting something to this effect before----let me know if I am mistaken!

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
They routinely give enemas in my L&D too; it is even on the standard order sheet, although not all docs will do it. BTW, we still use Demerol/Phenergan for most pain control with our sections, so that tells you something. :rolleyes:

OH ME OH MY----where, oh, where is this, pray tell???? lord! isn't this the same hospital where the babies stay in the nursery for hours after birth cause that is the routine? I seem to remember you posting something to this effect before----let me know if I am mistaken!

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OH ME OH MY----where, oh, where is this, pray tell???? lord! isn't this the same hospital where the babies stay in the nursery for hours after birth cause that is the routine? I seem to remember you posting something to this effect before----let me know if I am mistaken!

Archaic practices abound! At an undisclosed location on the east coast, you too can experience all manner of outdated OB goodies. The weird thing is, no one else who works with me seems to think any of these things are strange or passe'. And I've only worked in OB for 5 years.

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OH ME OH MY----where, oh, where is this, pray tell???? lord! isn't this the same hospital where the babies stay in the nursery for hours after birth cause that is the routine? I seem to remember you posting something to this effect before----let me know if I am mistaken!

Archaic practices abound! At an undisclosed location on the east coast, you too can experience all manner of outdated OB goodies. The weird thing is, no one else who works with me seems to think any of these things are strange or passe'. And I've only worked in OB for 5 years.

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Bizarre! I sometimes think us west coasters are a bit fruity, but I prefer a nature freak over an outdated intervention freak anyday!

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Bizarre! I sometimes think us west coasters are a bit fruity, but I prefer a nature freak over an outdated intervention freak anyday!

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

i am very happy on the West Coast for this among many reasons.....and I am a Native Mid-westerner. But I like the low intervention route myself.....too bad things are still they way so many places. Come to Seattle, VWgirl...things are NOT perfect here, we still have lots of interventions in hospitals, but not those of the nature you are talking of.

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