UC in Alabama

[cdot]

Hello, I'm new to this forum, and I am planning my first UC in December. I have two other children who were born in the hospital. I just moved to this state and was wondering if there are any othe mothers on here who have UC'd here. I am seeing an OB right now, and I am not going to tell her about my plan. I am a little worried about getting in trouble, by the doctors, hospital, or having social services called on me. I know that UC is considered a legal option here, midwives are not. Advice please...

[Almi]

Hey cdot!

I'm also seeing an OB and not planning on him or anyone else at the hospital that I plan to birth at home (let alone unassisted!). I will probably take the babies to the hospital after they are born (and we have had sufficient time to bond) and claim that they "came too fast." Even though I doubt they will, lol.

There's not much they can do in that situation. They can't have you arrested or have your kids taken away, because they can't really prove anything. If you gave birth unassisted and didn't go to the hospital afterwards, they might have something to go off of then, but even in those cases, someone actually has to call CPS, and they usually investigate, find out that you were getting prenatal care and that your kids are healthy and happy, and nothing happens.

I think at the very least, I'd get the baby checked out by a pediatrician after it's born (whether it be hours or days), so that you can prove that your children are receiving care.

Oh, and they might freak out if you bring your baby to the hospital after it's born, so be prepared and know your rights.

[ameliasmommy07]

Hi! I also live in Alabama and I just had my first UC on 10/23/10! It was AMAZING! I had my first child in a hospital with all the interventions, epidural, pitocin, etc. I decided for my second child I wanted to do it differently. I looked into hiring a midwife but you know that is not legal here. Me and my husband decided on UC. It was the best decision I ever made. I did have a small tear and decided to go to the hospital after, I told them he came too fast. I am sure that they did not believe me but I did not care because I got to birth my way and that is all I wanted. I did stay in the hospital for 24 hours but my baby stayed with me the whole time and I just declined all the stuff they do for newborns. The pediatrician on call did check him out and he was perfectly healthy. You cant get in trouble for UC because it is not illegal to have your baby at home. I say go for it!!!! Good luck

I also wanted to add that I saw an OB the entire pregnancy and never told her of my plan.

[cdot]

Thank you so much for your replies, that sets my mind at ease. I am trying to avoid the hospital all together though. I really don't want to have to go stay there 24 hrs and all that. I am planning on finding a family doctor and using him/her to take the baby to a couple of days later. I figure a lot of women must UC in the state with the midwives being illegal.

[southernmommie]

I don't live in Alabama but I am doing what you are planning on doing. I will take the baby to his ped the 2 days after birth for the PKU screening. I know I don't have to do it, but I'd want to know if he had it and fix it quick. Just my personal choice. And to start his "care" in case anyone called on us after the fact too. I can say honestly that yes, he does have medical care, his peds name is... and the number there is.... and let that be that.