Non-homebirth natural birthers out there? - Page 4 « Back to Group Discussions

[farmergirlj]

I am so glad for this thread.  I had a homebirth with our second and wanted to do a homebirth with our baby due in August (#4) but the only midwife in our area is a lay midwife and after interviewing her, we realized she is not a good fit for us (I always tear and she has no way to suture me, she doesn't carry any emergency supplies, etc.)  To make a long story short I feel forced to go back to the hospital.  To be quite honest I am terrified.  We did a hospital birth with a CNM with baby #3 and although I was reassured multiple times in my prenatal appointments that I wouldn't be forced to be hooked up to the EFM, IV, and allowed to labor and birth in whatever position I thought comfortable the story changed when I arrived at the hospital in labor.  I had two nurses storm out of the room and refuse to come back after lecturing me on not getting hooked up to the EFM or getting an IV.  Finally I got a nurse who was patient with me and just let me do what I wanted but by that time I was terrified!  If my husband wasn't such a hard nose and hadn't have taken over for me I would have just cried.  I know it slowed my labor because I was so upset by all the angry people around me.  One nurse even had the gall in her lecture to tell me that they were too busy that night and she didn't even know how to intermittently monitor me so it was either nothing or the EFM.  Then they tried to tell me that they couldn't tell how far apart my contractions were because they couldn't hook the EFM on me and they couldn't call the CNM until they could tell him how far apart my contractions were.  I was dialated to an 8 when I arrived - believe me anyone with ears in the maternity ward could tell how far apart my contractions were!  They even had my birth plan right on my records and didn't seem to care that they agreed to all my demands in the prenatal visits.  Even the CNM was quite hostile when he arrived (yes the male one was on call that night, boo) about the way I wanted to labor without the EFM even thought I have his handwriting on my records that reads "intermitent monitoring wanted during labor."  After that experience I vowed I would get into debt before going back to the hospital just for insurance sake.  Unfortunately we moved and there are no CNM's or CPM's only a lady in town who is willing to be there when you labor and catch the baby for you.  I am looking at a hospital birth and I am terrified of having a bad experience again.  How can I make sure the nursing staff that has no interaction with me during prenatal visits will be aware that I am looking to have a natural birth in the hosptial?  Even though I may have a clear vision with my doctor as to what I want done, the doctor on call may have different ideas that night.  I live in the midwest where they induce people like mad and the hospital (the only one in the area) has a 33% ceasarean rate.  I hate having to fight for my patient rights especially during labor! 

[Calladona]

The placenta question is a good one and something you should also ask your provider.  My feeling is that AT LEAST 30 minutes should be given, preferably more like an hour before intervention is suggested unless it's clear you're bleeding a lot (and not from tearing).  The placenta should NOT detach until after the cord has stopped pulsing - if it detaches first, you are risking a bleed there...

I had my first appointment with this new midwife group and didn't ask a lot of questions, but did talk briefly about expectant management of third stage and they really seemed to know what I was talking about.  I had a really positive feeling about the whole thing.  I look forward to my next appointment and asking more questions!

farmergirl, If it were me, in that case, I would stay at home as long as possible...  They can't do anything to you if you're not at the hospital. ;)  You did the right thing having your preferences spelled out and signed off on by the midwife - be sure to bring that next time.  Maybe get a doula too?  Good luck!!!

[georgiegirl1974]

I had a great all-natural hospital birth with DS. I took a hypnobabies self-study course, and early labor was very easy. I didn't go to the hospital until the contractions got uncomfortable, and I was already at an 8. They did hook me for fetal monitoring up for 20 minutes, and they wouldn't let me get in the tub since I was too close to delivery (since it was my second). DS was born an hour after we got to the hospital, and no one asked about meds and they didn't even have time to give me an IV (than goodness.). The best bet for an all-natural hospital birth is to stay home until the last possible second. With my first, I had various interventions (epidural and internal monitor), but at least I didn't have pit or a c-section. I was determined not to repeat that experience. This time, I plan to stay home as long as possible, but DH will probably push for going to the hospital earlier since he's worried about me delivering in the mini-van (since DS was so quick.)

ETA: delayed clamping was not an option for us because the cord was wrapped so tightly around DS's neck that it had to be cut before I could push his body out.

[krst234]

FarmergirlJ

Have you posted at all in the MN/WI tribal area. You might be able to get in touch with some doulas/midwives who can help you find a hospital and a natural birth friendly doctor.

I know there are areas of Minnesota that are still pretty backwards in regard to supporting natural birth and labor in the hospital - but there are options. I think the tribal area might be able to help you find a good provider.

Sorry about your previous hospital birth experience. It can be so hit or miss in L&D units. Women should be able to be supported in having a natural delivery in the hospital - it's insane that it's as hard as it is sometimes!