Need help with 'overdue' pressure

[EmmetnLindley]

I had posted about my last midwife appointment (Thursday) and my plan was to move today's appointment to later on this week to avoid another stretch/sweep since my due date is this Wednesday. Well, I left a message on Friday morning, the receptionist returned my call today and told me that there don't have any other appointments this week. So I asked for the following Monday which she gave me.

I was on the phone with my dad who asked me why I don't just schedule a c-section! (and I freaked a little because he doesn't seem to get my preferences!) Then when I got off, my midwife had left me a message about my cancellation, scheduling the testing... I will lose the home birth if it doesn't come by 41 weeks. Then she said something about if I don't go along with their plan/timing that they won't be able to help me. It was about if there is no appointment space at the hospital for the testing and the induction... then I could go any place but they wouldn't have privileges. She sounded really pushy.

So my new plan is to leave a message tonight or tomorrow morning about just setting up the testing appointment for me and explaining that the receptionist had indicated that there wasn't anything available at the clinic this week.

I just don't get it! I am not even at my due date yet! I want this baby to come too and I was hoping that it would come all on its own before next Monday (the new appointment date). I would really like my home birth!

[Lila]

That's really unfair to put pressure on you before your baby is even due! I would be really miffed, too! Not all babies come before their due dates, and many come well after. I don't have any advice for you, but I hope everything comes out okay (no pun intended).
If you plan on having more children, I would not use the same midwife in future if I were you. She sounds like bad news.

[gen_here]

I'm thankful that my doctor is very laid-back (she's NOT new by any stretch of the imagination!).

However, that being said, if she pulled this crap, this is what I would do:
Stop returning her calls.
Call her if I go into labor before 41 weeks.
If not, labor at home as long as possible and then show up in the ER of whatever hospital I'm most comfortable in as far along as I could! They can't turn you away at that point, and if you're ready to have the baby any minute, they won't push you for a section.

Or you could stay home for a u/c if you're comfy with that (many are... personally, I'm not for myself).

[KIMBER1983]

Awww that sucks that you are dealing with such pressure.
I hear ya...my family practically calls every hr. asking me if i feel any different or if I have had contractions.
i am getting a bit annoyed..grrr.heh.
Like i feel guilty that the baby isn't coming yet.
I know he or she will come out when their ready...
I feel really hormonal lately----almost moved to tears reallly easily. feeling tired./worn out.

[babymakesthree]

I am so sorry that you are having pressure to "get your baby out" before you are even due. Sending you peace and strength to do what is best for you and your little one.

[EmmetnLindley]

Well, well! I received a call from the receptionist just now and something opened up on Thursday morning so I am taking that. I need to plan out how I am going to explain my views to them! I will be one day 'overdue' at that point.

[midwestmeg]

Good luck!! I sure hope everything goes okay. No fair having all this pressure put on you.... keep us posted.

I think you're doing a good job- hang in there!

[Lila]

That just makes me steam, calling you "overdue" one day after your EDD. That's an estimation! That's ridiculous! I wish you the best. STAND YOUR GROUND!

[sweetsadie77]

Sorry you are having such a hard time!
There is no reason you should lose your homebirth at 41 weeks. Midwives in
Ontario are required by their college (body that regulates midwifery) to offer midwifery care until 43 weeks at home if that is what the client chooses.
Here's a link to the document that lays this out
http://www.cmo.on.ca/docs/Planned%20...of%20Birth.pdf
Also check out the indications for mandatory consult and transfer of care document on the website.
Contact the college if you aren't getting the care you deserve, it's their job.
Best of luck.
Also as a client of an Ontario midwife your midwives should have all this information available to you at their clinic.

[AllisonR]

EmmetnLindley, you don't have a midwife, you have a medwife. I would NOT allow another sweep of membranes. If she is so insistant on you birthing so quickly after your EDD, then she might just "accidentally" break your waters while she is sweeping. That will achieve HER goal, which is to put you on a 24 hour schedule, where you MUST perform and deliver!

Gen_here had some good, practical suggestions. Does she practice with other midwives/medwives? Can you ask the receptionist to ask if there is another more birth-friendly woman who can take over your care? Just out of curiosity, these medwives are not in an independent clinic, are they? Bet they are directly connected with the hospital.