Are birth plans a waste of time?

[*Efjay*]

In the labour room, there are two things a doula cannot do:

1. Cause conflict
2. Tell a midwife or doctor how to do their job (see point 1)

The majority of doulas manage to do this and have great outcomes. The drug free, vaginal births including breech, VBAC and twins, massively outnumber the c/s's, assisted and induced births.

But what I am trying to say is if its in the birth plan surly you CAN speak up for what the birthing mother wants? Even if it is by simply directing the mw/Ob back to the birth plan.

As I said it wasn't my intention to start a debate. I just disagree with the thing about not being able to speak up on behalf of the mother. If its not in the birth plan then fine but in this case is was. So why can't you stand up & say so?

FJ - you're shooting the 'messenger'. I don't know what answer it is you want and you seem unhappy with some of the choices presented here. I don't think it's fair to turn your energies against those who seek to empower birthing women, even if they don't have all the answers that make you happy.

I don't really get what your saying. But again, the messenger in my head is the Doula. So yes If I need to shoot her for not doing what I thought was her job then whats wrong? As I said I am disagreeing with the idea that a Doula can't voice whats in the birth plan.

I totally understand that the Doula can't just jump in & take over & say XYZ just because. But if XYZ is in the birth plan but no one is doing that then I thought the Doula can & should jump in & say XYZ if the couple are too overwhelmed to do it them selves.

eta - I realise that the not all births are going to go to plan & that the couple may need to step away from the birth plan & take whats going to be best to get a healthy bub & mum at the end & yes I can see a doula being a great support here.

All I am saying is when things are no track or something as little as not being told of details of progression which is stated inthe birth plan then this is where the Doula should step in.