The plans make patients and doctors aware of what to expect from each other so that there are no surprises at the last minute. Then the doctor-patient relationship breaks down. I am certainly in favor of birthing plans. But some patients have very high, and sometimes unrealistic, expectations. Birthing plans should be used more as a way for patients to communicate their preferences to their doctor than used as a contract that cannot be revised.
Patients do change their minds, and sometimes medical intervention is necessary.
Think of it as a team effort, and then everyone comes out a winner. Article by Dr. Stefano Stella, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., director of obstetrics and gynecology at St. Mary Hospital of Hoboken, NJ, and a partner in Amerimed.