The saddest one was when a nurse said in a degrading voice, ‘This is what you get for having a 2 page birth plan” after the mom had numerous interventions she had hoped to avoid.

Some just seem to ignore them.

Some are great!

Sheridan

My experience with “birth plans”:
1. I submitted a birth plan to my CNM which was respectfully received but ignored at the hospital. She recommended breaking my waters, and the rest is history.
2. In my new hometown I tried to establish with an OB/CNM group that seemed supportive of VBAC. The OB hired a new partner, and the need arose to see the new guy. Not only did he try and talk me out of VBAC, but he also offered to tie my tubes during surgery and made fun of women with birth plans.
So, no . . . I’m not sure that most ACOG doctors are terribly concerned about women’s rights in labor and “delivery” much less some slip of paper that clearly communicates a woman’s wishes.

Regardless, I now encourage people to read the 10 steps to mother-friendly care – http://www.motherfriendly.org/MFCI/steps.html. Wherever one chooses to birth, the care providers should make these steps a priority.

Ok, stepping away from the soapbox . . .
~ Kimberly