Water birth consent form

[MA mommy]

Well, this is new. There was no consent for when I had Megan. She wasn't a water birth, but I did labor in the tub.

The mother and partner have to sign a consent for labor and birth in water.

We understand the possible risks are but not limited to:

1. Maternal or newborn infection

2. Increased fetal heartrate due to water tempature being too hot

3. The slowing of contractions

4. Potential aspiration of fluid resulting in drowning, pnueumonia or death

Now do you think there is a consent form for pitocin telling you the the possible risk is your uterus could rupture, etc? Because I know I was never told of the risks when I was induced with Julia. And I definitely sign anything. This is the state of birth these days. Just giving birth is a liability.

[alegna]

sigh. So glad I birthed at home.

You're right- nothing like that is ever given for the "normal" stuff.

-Angela

[pamamidwife]

Wow, I'd really like to see citations for their risks. That would be a COMPLETE informed choice agreement, rather than a "let's see if we can cover our butt" type scare tactic.

[MamaTaraX]

Sounds about right. I work at a hospital and if you wnat to use the tub for labor or birth, you have to go and be told all the risks and regulations surrounding use of thetub. I don't think we have them sign a consent for use of the tub for birth, but I'mnot sure. I have seen moms sign consent for use of Pitocin, which I saw someone mention,though I've never read the thing myself (couldn't pay me to take Pitocin!) It sounds like they are covering their butts, which again, sounds about right. Have you ever read the regular consent for the hospital? I remember the one I signed when my1st was born (I love that they have you sign this b.s. when you're IN labor! Luckily I wasn'tvery activebut some women are!). Itbasically stated a lot of similar things, actually. I just nodded and blew them all off because I know they were covering their buttsand that was okaywith me because I don't believe in suing anyway.

Namaste,Tara
mama to Doodle (6), Butterfly (2), and Rythm (due at home 1/06)

[kofduke]

Well, when I had my epidural at the hospital, I did have to sign a separate consent for that (apart from the general consent signed at admission) that listed many of the same things.

[WinterBaby]

I think my sister crossed things off the general hospital consent form before she signed it, which I thought was funny. I'll remember to do the same

[MamaTaraX]

hehe I crossed things off. I'd forgotten about that til you mentioned it! I don't remeber exactly what, but I do remeber doing it and having a nice conversation with the triage nurses abouthow birth is normal. Boy where they surprised to here this silly young girl spout such things!

Namaste, Tara
mama to Doodle (7), Butterfly (2), and Rythm (due at home 1/06)