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!

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

I have had several patients through the years REQUEST enemas.......go figure.

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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.

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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.

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Deb, that is just WIERD!!! EEEWWWW. We always laugh about it and would tease the newest nurse on the unit by saying "Well, the lady doesn't want an enema, so I guess you won't get to go to the drug store to buy an enema kit today, sorry";)

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Deb, that is just WIERD!!! EEEWWWW. We always laugh about it and would tease the newest nurse on the unit by saying "Well, the lady doesn't want an enema, so I guess you won't get to go to the drug store to buy an enema kit today, sorry";)

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

roflmao fergus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

roflmao fergus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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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:)

He is very archaic in many many ways. AND in fact, he retired TODAY. this was his last day. He wanted shave and preps with every labor patient. Always always always did an episiotomy. I was in a delivery once with a multip with him. He was out doing rounds at 4am because she wasn't close enough for him. All of the sudden baby was crowning. I run out and find him and we get back just in time. He didn't have time to get on both gloves--but he did manage an episiotomy--with baby's head half way out. I swear to God. In fact, I teach prenatal class and during the episiotomy talk--I tell them about current research and ACOG's guidelines against routine epis. He talked to my director and was all upset that I told this to the class. I printed off ACOGs guidelines and gave him a copy. Is it that hard to keep up on you own professional groups guidelines?? He is a big "cutter" too. We have a lot of "5 o'clock c/s". You know...yeah we will pit you all day with unfavorable cervix--if you haven't delivered by 5 than we wil section. Okay I must get off my soap box. I could go on and on......

He also allowed nothing by mouth until flatus and then clear liquids only until bm.

He drives me crazy!!! Thank God he is gone.

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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:)

He is very archaic in many many ways. AND in fact, he retired TODAY. this was his last day. He wanted shave and preps with every labor patient. Always always always did an episiotomy. I was in a delivery once with a multip with him. He was out doing rounds at 4am because she wasn't close enough for him. All of the sudden baby was crowning. I run out and find him and we get back just in time. He didn't have time to get on both gloves--but he did manage an episiotomy--with baby's head half way out. I swear to God. In fact, I teach prenatal class and during the episiotomy talk--I tell them about current research and ACOG's guidelines against routine epis. He talked to my director and was all upset that I told this to the class. I printed off ACOGs guidelines and gave him a copy. Is it that hard to keep up on you own professional groups guidelines?? He is a big "cutter" too. We have a lot of "5 o'clock c/s". You know...yeah we will pit you all day with unfavorable cervix--if you haven't delivered by 5 than we wil section. Okay I must get off my soap box. I could go on and on......

He also allowed nothing by mouth until flatus and then clear liquids only until bm.

He drives me crazy!!! Thank God he is gone.

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He also allowed nothing by mouth until flatus and then clear liquids only until bm.

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

He drives me crazy!!! Thank God he is gone

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

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He also allowed nothing by mouth until flatus and then clear liquids only until bm.

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

He drives me crazy!!! Thank God he is gone

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

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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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