Health department *sigh*

[nummies]

So I called my local health department today about how to about getting birth certificates for the babies after they are born.

The woman gets on the phone and says "Well just be sure you know what you are doing. We had a mother last year who had a homebirth and her baby died. It was awful for us."

Awful for you?!

Geez. I am not looking forward to going there after the birth.

[MsBlack]

Right, bummer. What she doesn't realize is that stillbirth is not in her face when it occurs in the hospital--Health Dept doesn't handle hospital birth certificates. So it seemed dramatic to her--it seemed to be about homebirth, but it wasn't. Too bad she had to take it out on you.

And I always tell my clients about going to get Birth Cert or SSN stuff done: it's all about who is behind the desk the day you walk in. If someone gives you a hard time in any way, either ask politely if someone else might be available to help you "Gosh, I'm sorry this is difficult for you. Do you suppose that someone else here today might find it easier to help us with this?" (smiling sweetly). Or, just leave and come back another day, hopefully someone else will be on hand to help you!

[lynsage]

I would call back and get through to a supervisor and make a complaint. As a matter of fact I would write a formal letter of complaint to whatever office oversees the health department branches in your area. It is definitely not part of that person's job description to reveal other people's medical history or to make comments on your personal choices for your birth.

[emnic77]

Originally Posted by lynsage

I would call back and get through to a supervisor and make a complaint. As a matter of fact I would write a formal letter of complaint to whatever office oversees the health department branches in your area. It is definitely not part of that person's job description to reveal other people's medical history or to make comments on your personal choices for your birth.

This. There is not a big enough "I'm sorry, but who in the &%(#& do you think you are??" for that.

[nummies]

Originally Posted by MsBlack

Right, bummer. What she doesn't realize is that stillbirth is not in her face when it occurs in the hospital--Health Dept doesn't handle hospital birth certificates. So it seemed dramatic to her--it seemed to be about homebirth, but it wasn't. Too bad she had to take it out on you.

And I always tell my clients about going to get Birth Cert or SSN stuff done: it's all about who is behind the desk the day you walk in. If someone gives you a hard time in any way, either ask politely if someone else might be available to help you "Gosh, I'm sorry this is difficult for you. Do you suppose that someone else here today might find it easier to help us with this?" (smiling sweetly). Or, just leave and come back another day, hopefully someone else will be on hand to help you!

I know it. I wanted to say something about the fact that stillbirths occur in the hospital too. I was just so taken aback by what she said. Thanks for the recommendation about speaking to someone else. That is a good idea. I am hoping that once I show up with two healthy babies in arms, that she will have the sense to keep her mouth shut.

Originally Posted by lynsage

I would call back and get through to a supervisor and make a complaint. As a matter of fact I would write a formal letter of complaint to whatever office oversees the health department branches in your area. It is definitely not part of that person's job description to reveal other people's medical history or to make comments on your personal choices for your birth.

I wanted to do this but wasn't sure if I was over-reacting or not.

[S.Elise]

Originally Posted by nummies

Awful for you?!

Sorry, but this made me laugh out loud.

On a serious note, it just goes to show how people have this idea that HB mothers are doing something really, really selfish and imposing the consequences of their actions on society at large. Instead of making a very personal decision that effects them and their baby so intimately that anyone else's interest in the matter should pale in comparison. I mean, in addition to the total ignorance of how HB is just as safe.

[lynsage]

Originally Posted by nummies

I wanted to do this but wasn't sure if I was over-reacting or not.

Not only are you not overreacting, you are doing that department a favor by informing them that their employee is doing something unethical so they can put a stop to it.

[rachel65655]

Doesn't your midwife fill out the birth certificate information paperwork for you and you just mail it in? I just know that is how midwives do it around here.

[RedPony]

Originally Posted by rachel65655

Doesn't your midwife fill out the birth certificate information paperwork for you and you just mail it in? I just know that is how midwives do it around here.

We tried this with our first birth (in MI). We were called up and told we needed to show up at the court house WITH the baby and our driver's liscences, I think. So with our last birth, we had the midwife fill out the paperwork and drove it in ourselves with the baby.

[tallulahma]

Originally Posted by lynsage

I would call back and get through to a supervisor and make a complaint. As a matter of fact I would write a formal letter of complaint to whatever office oversees the health department branches in your area. It is definitely not part of that person's job description to reveal other people's medical history or to make comments on your personal choices for your birth.

this!

what that person said to you was unprofessional, completely inappropriate and I would also request a letter of apology from her....

I would also send in an info packet to the clinic about homebirth safety.

what a rude person.

[rachel65655]

Originally Posted by RedPony

We tried this with our first birth (in MI). We were called up and told we needed to show up at the court house WITH the baby and our driver's liscences, I think. So with our last birth, we had the midwife fill out the paperwork and drove it in ourselves with the baby.

I guess I should just feel lucky that all I have to do is mail it, if we even decide to do that. She just told us that if we decided to send them in, it is easier if we do it before they are 6 months old.

[nummies]

Originally Posted by rachel65655

Doesn't your midwife fill out the birth certificate information paperwork for you and you just mail it in? I just know that is how midwives do it around here.

My midwife will fill out the paperwork but we have to turn it in at the health department and bring the babies.

[SalmonBayDoula]

ouch! this sounds like the stuff i read on that website myobsaidwhat.com

insensitive and making it all about her...wow! you should send it in for posting on that site!

Happy birthing your boys at home!

Sharon

[mntnmom]

From her ignorant perspective, she was probably trying to be helpful. For some reason people seem to think we don't research and plan these kinds of decisions. Maybe because they don't "choose" to go to the hospital. She probably thought she was doing you a service by "warning" you. But yes, it was inappropriate, and her supervisor should be informed.