What nurses need to know about birth plans

It all comes back to the patient
Even for nurses who have been on the other side of the birth plan, it’s easy to lose sight of the patient experience—especially on those crazy busy shifts when you barely have a moment to think. New nurses may be exposed to different opinions during clinicals from nurses on the floor.

Jeri Comstock, RN, who now works in LTC and rehab, recalls her own experiences during clinicals: “Some of the nurses liked the idea of the mother coming in prepared with the options she prefers in writing. Other nurses rolled their eyes when a birth plan was mentioned.”

Comstock, who is now the mother of five children, drew on her own experiences to form her philosophy of care in helping expectant mothers. “I discussed the validity of a birth plan with my ob-gyn. He was in support of the idea, as long as I was open to other possible outcomes. The consensus I encounter is that you can plan all you want, just don’t get your heart set on it being everything you expect. I have done it naturally, and I have done it not-so-naturally. Every experience is different; it’s empowering to know what options are open to you. It’s good to expect the unexpected.”

What’s your experience in helping patients with birth plans? Let us know in the comments section below.