birth plan // geboorte plan

I agree with Mrstl...

It all depends on your hospital... pro-natural hospital dont mind them... i know that Femina Hospital in PTA encourages the use of them...

With my first born i had a completely natural birth with no drugs - this was on my birthplan. When i was about 6cm dilated the pain was unbearable because they broke my waters (read up on that) and i asked for an epidural... they helped me through it all and reminded me that i didnt actually want an epidural... and encouraged me to carry on - saying i was more than half way and over the worst etc! I am so relieved that they were aware of my original paln and did not let me give in to the pain.

I too used the birth plan from Baby Centre... and adapted it to suit my own needs.

Where are you giving birth? What type of birth are you having? All this will influence whether or not you have a birth plan...

Hi srgreyling,

You will need to discuss it with them, I know some hospitals are very open to this and others don't even want to discuss it. You can also ask them what their "non-negotiables" are. Some hospitals don't allow for immediate kangaroo care in theatre after a c-section for example. It would help you to choose your plan and to plan realistically if you also knew that (and possibly move to another hospital or plan if it is totally out of your plan).

I hope everything goes according to plan for you!

Hi there!!!

I am nearing 26 weeks and have been reading on babycentre it is time to think of a birthing plan. But I am not sure if such a thing is frowned upon or welcomed in South Africa.

My hospital is Life in Queenstown. I haven't been able to visit them yet as they are 200km from me and will only go on my next appointment which is on the 14th.

I am worried that if I discuss it with them they would view me as pushy or demanding.

Any opinions will be welcomed.