Anyone Decline GBS test? - Page 2

[Maggi315]

Angela,
While I agree in theory, I have also seen newborns taken into state "custody" in order for force an issue, it can become a power struggle between parents and hospital or doctors. I witnessed doctors overstating symptoms so parents felt compelled to agree, and doctors refuse to release baby to parents from the NICU where baby was under "observation" for suspicion. Parents aren't going to be able to just walk in there and take the baby. You will have security come. And having just given birth and wanting to take your newborn home with you in a few hours or a day, having the stress of all the pressure, arguing, threats, etc. can be very difficult. And if they take "custody" you've now got the state involved.

again, seems like a very simple, inexpensive test to avoid all that. If you are transported from a homebirth, you need to have protected yourself and your baby in any way possible. Most hospitals already have that 'attitude" when you come in.

[megviolet]

Wondering about this myself, and i found this article:

http://groupbstrep-ivil.tripod.com/id20.html

I was tested for it at 28 weeks and was negative... but now i'm told that i still need to get the test at 36 weeks.... i think i will take it.... but i intend to do all i can to make sure i pass! Honestly, im not sure if i will take the test or not. I'm considering refusing internals from now on... so *sigh* i guess it all depends on how my next doc appointment goes.

[jmom713]

I did not test with my last child (#4 - homebirth). I just acted as if I was positive and did the regimen of Grapefruit Seed Extract and Vitamin C that my midwife recommended. I started taking these things at around 35 weeks.

Jen

[Lady Lilya]

Originally Posted by jecaly

hm, that's true in theory, but i've heard lots of stories to the contrary, too, and my impression is that the ante is much higher in a medical setting when one is arguing on behalf of a newborn rather than (or in addition to) just their own body. i mean, i'm hoping not to set foot in the hospital at all, but if i do, i'd like to at least be armed with a negative gbs test (simple enough to accomplish, with probiotics).

My HB MW advised me that in the event of a transfer, if I don't have ALL the test results on file, they will prevent me from breast feeding the baby until they have tested me for everything, and they will also subject the baby to many tests.

She said that as long as the baby is inside me, I have final say about what happens, but once the baby is out, I don't have a choice about what is best for the baby.

[pixiewytch]

This is very true. When I had my c/s they immediately transferred the baby to NICU with no definite answer on when she would return. I fell asleep in the recovery room from exhaustion and woke up several hours later panicked because they still had not brought her back to me, not even to breastfeed! I had only a glimpse of her when they did the c/s before they whisked her away. It literally took my doula to talk to the hospital manager (apparently she has a good rapport with her) for them to finally bring her to me after about four hours...not cool at all.

Anyway, I wish my mw had given me the very same advice. I'm not saying what anyone should choose to do but I think everyone should be informed of what may happen with mom and baby regarding treatment in case of transfer.

[alegna]

Originally Posted by Lady Lilya

My HB MW advised me that in the event of a transfer, if I don't have ALL the test results on file, they will prevent me from breast feeding the baby until they have tested me for everything, and they will also subject the baby to many tests.

She said that as long as the baby is inside me, I have final say about what happens, but once the baby is out, I don't have a choice about what is best for the baby.

Legally she is incorrect.

As for the environment at individual hospitals- that may be- but someone should fight them on it, because LEGALLY they can not do what you say without a court order.

-Angela