Laboring with Telemetry?

[baybemama]

My doc told me that although the hospital will require continuous monitoring, I will be able to move around and use the shower/tub since they have telemetry.  How much freedom does this really allow?  I felt so tied down with my Pit IV before that I didn't even want to get up very often since it always required so much assitance.  I want to feel as free as possible!

[mamagranola28]

I have supported a doula client that used a telemetry unit.  I think the best thing to do is talk to the charge nurse and ask her about the details of the telemetry unit.  Most units you can walk a certain distance from your room (like 100 ft.).  I would ask how many units they have, are they all in good working condition, etc.  To be honest they aren't as awsome as they sound.  The one's I'm familiar are a 6x8 heavy metal box and that's kind of a pain to lug around.  You might think about arriving to the hospital LATE in labor so you can avoid this hassle.  Sometimes it does actually happen that you show up and push the baby out.  Maybe this will happen for you!  Good Luck!  

Remember to tap into your Mommy intuition and LISTEN to your baby.  YOU are the one who knows best what is going on with your little one NOT the fancy monitor.

Leah

[buckeyedoc]

I had a telemetry unit with baby #1 (VB) and was able to walk the halls of L&D with it. Unfortunately, when I had baby #3 (VBAC), the hospital didn't have telemetry units, so I had a 10-12 foot tether except when I took bathroom breaks.