I definitely think my birth plan helped me to ensure that I got the birth I wanted. Nearly everything went according to plan (within reason). I think things like how you want to deliver the placenta, if you want vit. k oral/injection etc are important to be put into a birth plan (if its important to you) as that sort of thing can often be forgotten in the rush and euphoria of what is happening!

I felt as though my birth plan allowed my ob and my birth support and the staff and my husband to know my intentions, as for me that was all my birth plan ever was... my intentions for birth providing all went well. And luckily for me it did. The midwives did read my birth plan and did follow it pretty spot on and because it had been openly discussed with my support/dh/ob everyone knew what I wanted. I truly believe my Ob stalled in getting to me as he knew ultimately I wanted a drug free birth. At the time I wanted to kill him, but now I am eternally greaful To him and to my wonderful birth support! I also think a birth plan allows women to become empowered, yes its just a piece of paper but I know alot of women who go to great lengths to arm themselves with education and choice when researching for their birth plan. So if anything even if it doesn't get followed to a tee I think it can be a great tool for the birthing woman and her support team.

*hugs*
Cailin