Avoiding cervical checks in labor

[erigeron]

For some reason I really hate the idea of having to have a cervical check in triage. (I also hate the idea that I have to somehow justify not wanting some stranger's fingers up my cooter! Why isn't "I don't want one" considered sufficient reason to not do one?) My midwife warned me that's de rigeur at the hospital where I'm delivering, and when we took the hospital tour the other night, the nurse who led the tour said basically the same thing, and made it sound like one of the few things they do take a hard line on. So I'm in a bind. I don't want to throw a fit right off the bat if I can help it, because it really stresses me out to argue with medical providers under the best of circumstances, and I'm not sure how else to get out of it. Has anybody had any experience with this?

[philomom]

I just flat out told them when I got there that we would wait for my CNM... no big! Gave birth at the same hospital two years apart.

[by-the-lake]

Agree with Philomom

Do you have a doula? She will be able to help you hold your space until your midwife comes to see you.

[erigeron]

I like that, Philomom... I might have to use that. Feels less confrontational than a flat out No.

[Jaimee]

Can you arrive after you mw?  That way you could arrange to meet up with her before checking in.  I see this is your first birth so (while possible) it is unlikely you'll be rushing to the hospital.  More likely you'll have a conversation with your mw over the phone and she will be able to tell based on your voice and answers about where you are in labor.  Once she agrees it is time to come in your dh could ask what time she'll get there and you guys could set out accordingly to arrive a little after that time.  If you have a relationship with the mw that is delivering your baby (as opposed to whomever is on call that day) you could even work this out ahead of time so she understands your wishes.

[hennylou]

don't fret.  i had a lot of similar worries after being told i had to deliver in a large hospital where such things were standard.  fortunately i was surprised and had great nurses that respected my wishes, cooperated and communicated well with my doula, and, believe me, they have seen it all before, requests like this are not new to them, but still, make your preferences crystal clear.  they did check my cervix in triage, but by then (i was 10 days post date) i was so excited to be having a baby i didn't care!