Birth Plans
From: CNMPAT@aol.com
Mon Jun 30 17:25:32 1997
Very astute observation. In our practice we have a check list "birth
preferences' which covers everything possible someone might want/not want. I
find most folks agree that if something serious is happening, they will
adjust/adapt. I've been thrown by some folks who have quite detailed birth
plans who end up doing a 180 degree turn and wanting the opposite of what
they thought they wanted. I've learned to discuss key points with them, and
even in labor, suggest something to the affect that I was trying to respect
their birth plan. I do agree, its an issue of control, as many folks do feel
out of control of the birth experience. We don't necessarily initial or sign
something, just make sure its in the record at the hospital.
><<>>I still won't sign a statement giving away my right to make appropriate
medical decisions, but I will listen more carefully to the birth plan
ideas of my patients, since I'm discovering that while some are pretty
"wacky", most are simply an attempt to gain control of an intimidating
situation.>><<
Pat Sonnenstuhl, CNM,ARNP,RH/CH
Midwifery Correspondant OBGYN.NET
Olympia, WA
cnmpat@aol.com
http://www.obgyn.net/webs/ or home.aol.com/CNMPAT/index.html
June 30, 1997
3:06 pm
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