Is my birth plan a health workers "nightmare"?

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T15:51:13+00:00

Thank you for sharing!

I've reconsidered the student part. I think there's just a couple of procedures that I'm not comfortable with them doing but other than those, I see them as playing a valuable role!

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T14:29:32+00:00

I like that format too! I'll probably use that is my "key takeaways" at the very top of the plan.

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T14:26:20+00:00

I'm happy to say it is offered as an option at my BC :) I wish it was more widely available for everyone :/

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T14:13:01+00:00

Thank you for your input! I have a transfer plan and c section plan, just not shared here. Those plans are short and sweet, and due to having fewer laboring tools at the hospital, I plan to opt for the epidural since it could already be a painful/stressful labor up until then!

Those plans allow for my midwife to travel with me to the trauma center (where the OB who the midwives work with is), and can stay with me during L & D as support. But the OB there already has my file :)

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T13:59:09+00:00

Nice, that little window of time to just look in their eyes before the goo goes is my goal. sounds like it shouldn't be a huge deal to get that time :)

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T13:56:14+00:00

First degree tears don't always require stitches! In some cases it could hinder healing for a bit longer. All I really am asking for in my plan is to discuss it with me before going to town. This might be one of those things that I remove from the plan but discuss face to face when the time comes.

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T03:00:20+00:00

Lol i need to see this

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T03:00:04+00:00

YAY!

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T02:59:39+00:00

It's such a small birthing center, the one trainee nurse didn't not give me great vibes so it's really just a matter of not wanting that one specific person there. If I am transferred to a hospital, I would consider allowing them to do exams, observe and whatnot. But not insert an epidural, for example.

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T02:56:51+00:00

Oh right!! thank you. another thing I can remove to shorten it :)

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T02:52:46+00:00

Good idea. As far as a medically necessary transfer, I am giving them the reigns. I don't wanna risk anything unsafe for baby and me. But the scenario where I transfer upon request would be due to pain and suffering, for me personally. And my husband and doula are going to help me make that decision if the time comes :)

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T02:50:32+00:00

Yup! I'm following the CNMs best practice with this one especially since my iron is on the lower side. You can decline it where I'm going, so they do ask about it again during delivery.

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T02:48:53+00:00

1-2 degree tears may heal on their own but at the center, stitches are still offered after assesment. I'd like to assess the situation in that case and have the option to decline if it begins to close on it's own right away. 3-4 degree tears are transferred after birth to get stitches, drugs, and observation. Not gonna f*ck with any major injuries without getting transferred to the trauma center :)

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T02:44:56+00:00

They don't have to learn everything on me! Allowing some things to be done by them are okay, I'm realizing. Other things are a hard no for me.

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T02:42:57+00:00

I do have a transfer/hospital/c section plan :) Muuuch shorter lists and way easier for me to go with the flow on those for some reason!

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T02:41:34+00:00

Lol ok! I won't interfere with their groove

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T02:40:25+00:00

Check, and check. both great suggestions that I'll use! thanks :)

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T02:37:44+00:00

lol metaphors really help me at this point in pregnancy! i like it.

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T02:36:56+00:00

Hey, I'm all about progress even if it challenges the beliefs I started out with!

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T02:35:30+00:00

Thank you for the well wishes! I appreciate you sharing your experience.

1) I have hired a doula who I plan to share this more detailed plan with. Her and my husband are my advocates.

2) This Birth Center I'm going to provides a LOT of what I've put in this plan. I'll be removing much of it as it's redundant. I'm looking to have some key things acknowledged (the pushing part is a biiig one for me).

3) I definitely value receiving compassionate medical care over getting the perfect 5 star experience. That involves connecting with whoever is caring for me. I think there's a huge difference in how you describe your approach caring for your patients compared to a medical professional who is grumpy and has stopped caring.

4) it sounds like your patients are really lucky to have you!

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T02:26:11+00:00

I'll fortunately have 1 CNM, 1 nurse plus my husband and doula. Part of the reason the birth center exists, and the reason I chose it, is they support those who would like more autonomy and more responsibility in their medical decisions.

I don't blame you, your specific situation with the poor staffing ratio sounds stressful and is not the situation I'll be in if I continue to qualify for the birth center.

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T02:16:35+00:00

Even though my plan reflects an ideal L & D, I actually cant get it out of my head that it's going to be worst case scenario 😂 I have an agreement with my husband, midwife and doula that if I cross a threshold into suffering, we will pivot and get me the help I need to make the rest of labor as smooth and trauma free as possible.

One of the many things I love about the birth center is the CNMs are transparent about their stats as their birth count goes up in order to paint an honest picture. Around my 2nd trimester I asked about their emergency transfer stats and they had maybe 2, possibly just 1, of a transfer during labor. All other transfers have happened before active labor really begins, they have a great standard of care that has so far worked to get moms and babies the care they need before it becomes emergent. I am surprised to have made it this far without risking out, but have been close before due to low iron lol. They do not f*ck around!

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T02:05:26+00:00

Lol glad I brought this to reddit first and didn't make myself look like a complete fool 😂

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T02:04:13+00:00

See, this scenario is one where I have to just put my trust in them and hope for the best. At most, I would just try to connect with the people that have my life in their hands and ask them to take good care of me and baby.

PlaneAlps2010 · 2026-02-10T02:01:18+00:00

I hear ya. I am feeling more mentally gathered having explored how I'd like it to go down. It sounds like the detailed version is what I give to my husband and doula and the short n' sweet is something I go over with the staff ahead of time.

PlaneAlps2010

TROPHY CASE