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Another OB practice bans doulas

post #1 of 34
6/24/10 at 3:17pm
Thread Starter 
According to reports, Kingsdale Gynecologic Associates in Central Ohio recently sent out a letter to patients saying doulas would no longer be welcome for the following reason: "It has been our experience that they may serve to create a state of confusion and tension in the delivery room, which may compromise our ability to provide the safest delivery situation possible for you and your baby."

I'm of two minds about this. On one hand, I'm furious that so many doctors casually trample on the rights of birthing women and steer them into a heavy-intervention birth. On the other hand, at least they're not promising one thing and delivering another.

http://birthingbeautifulideas.com/?p=1922
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post #2 of 34
6/24/10 at 3:35pm
What a biased and highly opinionated statement to base a policy on!
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post #3 of 34
6/24/10 at 3:58pm
"Again, with safety in mind, we have created a Kingsdale Birth Plan (which can be viewed in the obstetric packet provided at your initial visit), outlining the philosophy of our doctors with regard to labor and delivery. It is our opinion that other birth plans are unnecessary. We feel that our many years of obstetric experience in a setting of modern day challenges (larger babies, more difficult deliveries) enable us to provide sound judgment with regard to each woman’s particular needs during her course of labor."

This part weirds me out.
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post #4 of 34
6/24/10 at 4:15pm
This creeps me out and pisses me off. I birthed with them and a doula. Were I to get pregnant again, I was was 50-50 about using their services. Now I am really unsure.

My doula provided counter-pressure (with mine and OB's permission) because it was clear the OB wasn't going to do it. I tore a lot, anyway, but I think it could have been much worse w/o the doula.

On the phone RIGHT NOW getting an appointment with an alternate provider. Dropping Kingsdale like a hot potato.
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post #5 of 34
6/24/10 at 5:27pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ASusan View Post
This creeps me out and pisses me off. I birthed with them and a doula. Were I to get pregnant again, I was was 50-50 about using their services. Now I am really unsure.

My doula provided counter-pressure (with mine and OB's permission) because it was clear the OB wasn't going to do it. I tore a lot, anyway, but I think it could have been much worse w/o the doula.

On the phone RIGHT NOW getting an appointment with an alternate provider. Dropping Kingsdale like a hot potato.
Let Kingsdale know that, and let them know why. It'll make a lot more impact losing actual past clients then just receiving letters from angry birth activists in another state.
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post #6 of 34
6/24/10 at 5:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by *MamaJen* View Post
Let Kingsdale know that, and let them know why. It'll make a lot more impact losing actual past clients then just receiving letters from angry birth activists in another state.
Should I write a letter? Call them up?

Include it on the fax cover sheet to the "authorization for release of protected health information" I am sending them so they will send my records to my new providers' office?
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post #7 of 34
6/24/10 at 5:54pm
Sounds like a horrible place to birth in! My OB and all the L&D nurses were great about my doula AND my birth plan!
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post #8 of 34
6/24/10 at 6:16pm
***
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post #9 of 34
6/24/10 at 7:05pm
Run away!!!
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post #10 of 34
6/24/10 at 8:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ASusan View Post
Should I write a letter? Call them up?

Include it on the fax cover sheet to the "authorization for release of protected health information" I am sending them so they will send my records to my new providers' office?
I would write a letter and send it to both the senior clinician and the practice manager. I would probably mention in the letter that I had requested my notes be sent to my new HCP.

Has anyone seen a copy of their "birth plan"? I'm dying to see it.
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post #11 of 34
6/24/10 at 8:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by katelove View Post
I would write a letter and send it to both the senior clinician and the practice manager. I would probably mention in the letter that I had requested my notes be sent to my new HCP.

Has anyone seen a copy of their "birth plan"? I'm dying to see it.
They have a website, but there's no birth plan on it yet. however there is a "contact us" button that one could use to ask for a copy of it . . .

Just saying . . . .
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post #12 of 34
6/24/10 at 11:26pm
So they can ban a doula but what about a sister or distant cousin? What if your doula is one of those and your SO can't attend? Sounds creepy to me.
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post #13 of 34
6/24/10 at 11:44pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ASusan View Post
Should I write a letter? Call them up?

Include it on the fax cover sheet to the "authorization for release of protected health information" I am sending them so they will send my records to my new providers' office?
I think a strongly worded letter would be the way to go. But maybe before you do that you could request a copy of that birth plan they're referencing....
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post #14 of 34
6/24/10 at 11:59pm
I agree w/ PP...at least gyou know what gyou're getting w/ this practice.

I do have to say, however, that it drives me crazy to see the comment that they have decided to not "allow" doulas. They could have stated that they have chosen not to work w/ doulas and that would be very different. However, the fact that some doctors create a dictatorial boss/subordinate relationship (or, at least attempt to) drives me insane.
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post #15 of 34
6/25/10 at 11:14am
That is just maddening. I hope they get lots of nasty letters and patients start jumping ship left and right.
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post #16 of 34
6/25/10 at 11:33am
I love the edited version of the letter. Perfect!

I hope they lose a lot of patient$.
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post #17 of 34
6/25/10 at 11:45am
I wonder what the backstory of this is, such as perhaps a doula went beyond the scope of her charge (to provide support to the laboring woman). I have heard stories of that occuring and it turns many MDs off and gives the doula world a black eye.

Unfortunately when that happens everyone gets punished and pregnant/laboring women lose out an important and I think it should be mandatory access of support.
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post #18 of 34
6/25/10 at 12:26pm
I went and checked out their site. What a winner! Not. cervical checks starting at 34(??) weeks among other red flags.
and the language of the site. you WILL have this, you WILL do that.
I can only imagine that the 'birth plan' they will hand out will be downright archaic.
you will labor in bed, you will be on monitors continuously, you will push on your back in leg rests for the convenience of the doctor, you will have an episiotomy, your baby will go immediately to the warmer and then after a brief look we will take him to the nursery....
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post #19 of 34
6/25/10 at 12:32pm
http://birthingbeautifulideas.com/?p=1932

Here is the birth agen--err, "plan".
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post #20 of 34
6/25/10 at 12:46pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JessicaRenee View Post
http://birthingbeautifulideas.com/?p=1932

Here is the birth agen--err, "plan".
Jesus, I think I just threw up. This practice is everything that is wrong with birth in America today.
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